In the 1970s, there was talk of the so-called Blue Zones – areas where people have amazingly low rates of cardiovascular disease, cancer, diabetes – as the most common causes of death.
The author of the study, Dan Buettner, together with National Geographic, studied such territories and marked them on the map with blue circles – hence the name. So why are there so many centenarians? It is believed that the reason is nutrition.
In the 1970s, there was talk of the so-called Blue Zones – areas where people have amazingly low rates of cardiovascular disease, cancer, diabetes – as the most common causes of death.
The author of the study, Dan Buettner, together with National Geographic, studied such territories and marked them on the map with blue circles – hence the name. So why are there so many centenarians? It is believed that the reason is nutrition.
Blue zones
Dan Buettner identified 5 Blue Zones, but there are actually many more. For example, in Ecuador, people live to be 120 years old and it is believed that the main source of longevity is mineral water. There are also a large number of centenarians in the Republic of Abkhazia, where people easily live up to 90 years and they are spared chronic diseases.
Other blue zones include:
- Ikaria in Greece
This is an island where people follow the principles of the Mediterranean diet, rich in fresh vegetables, vegetable oils and red wine with its flavonoids.
- Sardinia in Italy
This is the home of the oldest men in the world. They live in mountainous areas until their very old age and work a lot on farms. And in the evening, enjoying the beauty of nature, they drink a glass of red wine.
- Nicoya in Costa Rica
This is a peninsula where people living are active until old age. The diet is dominated by legumes and cornmeal tortillas.
- Okinawa in Japan
The oldest women in the world live there, their diet consists of soy products, and they also constantly practice meditation.
- California, USA
Religious communities live in this territory, subject to strict rules, and one of them is vegetarianism.
7 main rules for longevity
Many scientists have carefully studied the food culture and lifestyle of people living in the blue zones. And the main goal of the study is to find the elixir of life and, by the way, they found it. It’s all about food traditions, dietary restrictions. And they are available to everyone, do not require major lifestyle changes. By the way, people who move from the blue zones, change their eating habits in favor of Western ones, immediately lose all the health benefits.
The analysis of the obtained data made it possible to identify the fundamental rules that everyone can use:
- Overeating is unacceptable, Okinawans adhere to the rule – to satisfy hunger only by 80%. And in this case, the recommendation – to leave the table with a slight feeling of hunger works.
- The predominance of plant products on the table. Most of the diet is vegetables, fruits, berries, cereals and legumes. And a small percentage is given to products of animal origin.
- Healthy fats and omega fatty acids. Their sources can be: vegetable oils, fatty fish and seafood.
- Sports and physical activity. All centenarians do not just live out their lives, but remain physically and socially active, and this is their peculiarity. People don’t go to the gyms, but they stay active by doing business, gardening, and farming.
- Complete sleep. Recent studies have proven that the afternoon siesta – afternoon rest and sleep is useful not only for children, but also for adults.
- Grandchildren are the flowers of life. The study shows that communication with young people and grandchildren is a factor that reduces the risk of premature death in older people.
- Positivity will save the world. People who perceive old age as an important stage in life, an opportunity for something new, live longer, are more active and get sick less often.
If you stick to these rules, you will increase your chances of living a long and happy life. Remember that for longevity it is important to have a healthy psyche – so it is important to relax. If you want to get a charge of positive emotions – try online casino. Here you can not only relax, but also earn money.