Blue Zones are very unusual regions where locals are 10 times more likely to live to 100 years old . These regions include , Sardinia, Italy; the islands of Okinawa, Japan, Nicoya Peninsula in Costa Rica, Ikaria, Greece, and Loma Linda, California. They don't appear to have too much in common at first glance. They are all relatively warm year-round, fairly small, remote and close to the ocean. The common denominator seems to be a plant based diet which includes a combination of whole grains, greens, tuberous (sweet potatoes or potatoes), nuts and beans with the most important one being beans. It's reported that a cup of beans a day can add two to three years to your life!
Other aspects of this longevity include small portion sizes, quality time with family and moderate wine drinking. According to Blue Zones explorer Dan Buettner "People in all Blue Zones (except Adventists) drink alcohol moderately and regularly". Adding that "moderate drinkers outlive non drinkers. The trick is to have 1-2 glasses per day with friends, and/or with food". Emphasising that" No, you can't save up all week and have 14 drinks on a Saturday".
The wine choices depend, but Dan recommends a garnet red variety called Cannonau. “It’s filled with artery scrubbing antioxidants.”. Blue Zones are heavy on water and tea. “They’re drinking herbal tea all day long,” says Dan. “In Okinawa it’s often green tea, while in Ikaria it’s usually a tea made with oregano, rosemary or mint".
Loneliness can shave eight years off your life. Community and purpose are paramount which is evident in Blue Zone areas. Three of the five Blue Zones (Okinawa, Ikaria and Sardinia) are located in very narrow, steep regions that didn’t always have access to industrial roads, a scenario which forced people to form tight social connections with one another.
