The secret of longevity stirred the minds of researchers at all times: don Juan Ponce de Leon was looking for a magical source of youth, the alchemists tried to create a longevity potion. The idea of prolonging life has not lost its relevance in our days. For the past few years, demographers, doctors and scientists have been studying the so-called "blue zones" - areas where people live longer than other places on the planet.
A total of 5 "blue zones" are singled out. Analyzing the features of life in these places, the researchers came to the conclusion that among other criteria of longevity an important place is occupied by food. In combination with other factors, a special menu allows you to live to a record age, while maintaining efficiency and clarity of mind. We decided to find out what the inhabitants of the 5 "blue zones" eat like that, which adds a few years of their life to them.
- Okinawa, Japan -
In this "blue zone" the highest coefficient of centenarians in the world: about 6.5 per 10 000 people. In food, the Okinawans adhere to the old Confucian saying hara hati boo, reminding that it is not necessary to eat up to the dump. Eating should be completed at the moment when the stomach is full by 80%. In their menu, you can often find seaweed, seafood, tofu, sweet potatoes, rice, milk, meat and green tea.
- Sardinia, Italy -
To live to 100, the inhabitants of Sardinia are engaged in cattle breeding, spend a lot of time in the fresh air and observe a diet in Sardinian. It includes goat's milk, sheep cheese, tomatoes, beans and 1-2 glasses a day of local red wine.
- Ikaria, Greece -
The Mediterranean diet has long been viewed as a panacea for many diseases. To what extent this statement is true, experts say, but the inhabitants of the Greek island, who have been following this kind of diet for many years, it helps prolong life. The most popular products of the islanders are potatoes, goat milk, honey, fish in small quantities, fruits and greens. In particular, beans - chickpeas, lentils and cow peas.
- Loma Linda, USA -
The secret of the longevity of the "blue zone" in Southern California lies in maintaining the desired body mass index. Local people try to lead an active life and at least five times a week eat nuts, eat enough fruits, vegetables and raw grains, and only small portions of meat. In addition, their menu contains avocado, soy milk, beans and salmon.
- Nicoya, Costa Rica -
The basis of the diet of the inhabitants of the peninsula of Nikoya is made up of squash, beans, rice and pumpkin. Their food is rich in fruits and vegetables, such as peppers, cabbage, sweet potatoes, garlic and ginger. In limited quantities, they eat animal protein and dairy products. For example, they use pork and beef no more than twice a week.
