Blue Zones Diet: Secrets of The Longest Living People In The World

Everyone wants to live a long and healthy life but oftentimes that seems like an unattainable goal. Yet there are people out there who are living till over a hundred years old in areas that fall under "Blue Zones."

So how do they do it? What is the secret behind their long life and good health? Many attribute it to their diet and the “Blue Zones Diet” has become a trend.

What are The Blue Zones?

In 2004, longevity expert and National Geographic Fellow, Dan Buettner conducted a study exploring the healthiest places in the world. Using his findings, he formulated the concept of Blue Zones.

Blue Zones are areas across the globe where people tend to live the longest. In these areas, people have much healthier lives with very low percentages of heart disease, cancer, diabetes, and obesity.

Aside from the great health of the individuals living in blue zones, these areas also have another shocking fact in common. They all have extremely high concentrations of individuals who live to be over 100-years-old.

Blue Zone areas include Ikaria, Greece; Okinawa, Japan; the province of Ogliastra in Sardinia, Italy; the community of Seventh-day Adventists in Loma Linda, California; and Costa Rica’s the Nicoya Peninsula. Further research into the areas revealed that the secret to the health in the area included factors like physical items, architecture, and terrain.

Another key element to their health is their unique yet similar diets, especially when compared to the diets of the rest of the world. Their diet has been dubbed the “Blue Zone Diets”

The Blue Zones Diet

Based on his research, Buettner suggests that if the average American ate a similar diet as those in the blue zones they could live an extra 12 years. This led to more than 150 dietary studies being done in Blue Zones to develop the Blue Zones Diet. Here is a look at some of the food eaten in different Blue Zones regions:

Nicoya, Costa Rica, has the lowest rate of middle-age mortality in the world. According to research, 70% of the people in Nicoya eat a diet of mainly beans, squash and corn tortillas. These foods are protein-rich and contain all nine essential amino acids.

Okinawa, Japan is home to the longest living women on earth. The women are an average of 90 years old and they eat a diet that is 60% sweet potato. Sweet potato is known for its high “beta carotene” (Vitamin A) content. Vitamin is a powerful antioxidant.

On the other hand, Sardinia, Italy, is home to the longest living men on earth. According to research, this could be because the men drink up to 1-2 glasses of Cannonau Wine every day. The wine is filled with antioxidants and flavonoids that may be boosting their heart health.

The next place with an impressively healthy population is the home of the Seventh Day Adventists, Loma Linda, California. They eat a “biblical diet.”

This special diet includes a lot of slow-cooked oatmeal, beans, and nuts. All of which are high in omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants that have been linked to reducing risk factors for heart disease.

Basic Guidelines

Dan Buettner compiled his research in the book, “The Blue Zones Solution.” In the text, Dan created some basic guidelines to follow if you plan to switch to the Blue Zones diet.

His guidelines recommend opting for 95% plant-based food and avoiding overeating. Instead, he advises that you should stop eating when you are 80% full. Another tip to keep in mind is to eat your largest meal in the morning and the smallest meal at night.

With regards to the actual food, Buettner says you should be eating half a cup of beans and a handful of nuts every day. Most importantly, you should try to cook most of your meals at home.

Foods to Eat

Food To Avoid

• Sugar-Sweetened Beverages
• Salty Snacks
• Processed Meats
• Packaged Sweets

The Blue Zones Diet Lifestyle

Dan Buettner revealed that he found all the 100 plus-year-old people he interviewed did not follow specific diets or exercise routines. Instead, he believes that their environment promoted a healthier approaches to life.

As a result, The Blue Zones Diet is designed to be a lifestyle change, not a diet. It encourages making healthy, sustainable decisions about food instead of cutting out food groups, etc.