Chronic diseases are becoming more and more common in old age. This means that people are getting sick more often and for longer periods of time. While genetics play a role in how long you live and how vulnerable you are to disease…
Your lifestyle choices probably have a greater impact.
There are a few places in the world where people live longer and suffer from less chronic disease than anywhere else. These places are called "Blue Zones". “Blue Zones refer to geographic areas where people have low rates of chronic disease and live longer than anywhere else.
Scientists believe that the reason people in Blue Zones live longer is because of their lifestyle choices. They often don’t have heart disease, cancer, diabetes, and are rarely obese. These places also have a lot of people who live to be over 100 years old. Blue Zone locations include: Greece, Okinawa, Italy, California, and Costa Rica.
Their Diet is Mostly Plant-Based
The daily food intake of people living in these Blue Zones is about 95% vegetables, fruits, grains, and legumes. They also don’t eat much meat, dairy, sugary foods or drinks, and processed food.
Legumes are a key part of Blue Zone diets. Examples of legumes they eat include beans, peas, and lentils. This is because they are nutritious and good for your heart. They are also a great source of protein, complex carbohydrates, and contain many vitamins and minerals.
People in Blue Zones typically eat little meat and mostly stick to white meat or fish when they do. Studies show that white meat and fish are healthier than red meat. They also eat lots of healthy fats from sources like olives, olive oil, nuts, seeds, and avocados. The western diet often contains too many unhealthy fats from fast food, fried food, and other processed foods.
Another Key Difference is that People in Blue Zones Eat Few Fast Digesting Carbs
This means they eat less bread, pasta, potatoes, and other starchy foods. Instead, they focus on eating lots of spices like turmeric, oregano, parsley, and thyme. Spices are known to reduce inflammation, strengthen your immunity, and help with weight loss.
In some Blue Zones, like in Japan, people follow the “80% rule” which means they stop eating when they are 80% full instead of waiting until they are completely stuffed. This helps prevent overeating.
People in Blue Zones Also Take Time to Rest
They may take an afternoon siesta or meditate and practice tai chi or qigong. Socializing is important in these communities and having friends and family looking after each other is shown to help boost your mood.
Finally, Blue Zone residents stay away from unhealthy habits like smoking and excessive drinking. Instead they stay active with natural exercises like walking, gardening, or other activities that keep them moving.
What’s more amazing is…
These People Often Have a Positive Attitude Towards Aging and Life in General.
Many Blue Zone residents don’t retire but keep working until a very old age as it helps them stay sharp and feel useful.
The lifestyle choices of people living in these Blue Zones have a greater impact on their health and longevity than anything else. Their diets are mostly plant-based. They eat very few simple sugars, and take time to rest during the day. They also engage in healthy habits like walking and avoid unhealthy habits like smoking and excessive drinking. These lifestyle choices allow them to live longer, healthier lives.
Let me know in the comments below if you’re already practicing any of these “Blue Zone secrets.