Certain regions of the planet inspire those who dream of longevity. The so-called “blue zones” are five places with the highest concentration of centenarians whose expertise can be relied upon to develop healthy guidelines. In this regard, it is worth paying attention to the lifestyle and menu of the inhabitants of the mentioned regions.
Blue areas include Sardinia in Italy, Okinawa in Japan, Ikaria in Greece, Nicoya in Costa Rica, and Loma Linda in California. Although these regions have many differences and people do not eat the same way, it is worth learning more about the preferred products.
Let’s see which products the centenarians in the “blue zones” are betting on:
Beans and other pulses
Legumes are a staple food in most blue zones. They contain high amounts of antioxidants, fiber and other nutrients that help maintain a healthy weight and fight disease. For example, black-eyed peas are a staple of the daily menu on the island of Ikaria in Greece, and these beans have been found to be good for the heart as well as having anti-cancer and anti-diabetic properties. People in Nicoya, Costa Rica eat black beans every day, often with rice and corn tortillas (not a bad idea for dinner, right?).
Potatoes
Potatoes are considered a staple food for those living on the island of Ikaria in Greece, while purple sweet potatoes are regularly eaten in the Okinawa area. They contain phytochemicals called anthocyanins, which are known to help prevent disease. Sweet potatoes are also rich in vitamins A, B6, C and potassium. They also have a lot of fiber. Although many believe that ordinary potatoes are unhealthy due to their high carbohydrate content, experience shows that this is not the case – they help Ikarians to prevent diabetes and also keep blood pressure low.
Garlic
Okinawans in Japan regularly eat garlic. A National Geographic article claims that this product is considered one of the most powerful natural remedies. It is associated with a reduced risk of developing certain diseases that usually occur with age. Specifically, garlic contains antioxidants and has anti-inflammatory properties that help prevent the development of certain types of cancer, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease.
#tested #foods #century
