Hair dye & chemical straighteners may increase risk of breast cancer

Hair products are part of a billion dollar beauty industry and new information reveals that using hair dye and chemical hair straighteners may increase the risk of developing breast cancer.

Some women are opting for nonpermanent hair color and relaxers amid news of a study that found women who use permanent hair dye and chemical straighteners may be at an increased risk of developing breast cancer, but doctors say you might have better success preventing breast cancer through diet and exercise changes.

According to the studyat the National Institutes of Health, higher breast cancer risk was associated with hair dye use, and the effects appeared to be stronger in African American womenparticularly those who are frequent users of the dyes and chemical straighteners.

At Renees Touch salon, Renee Montgomery has been using the CHI hair dye brandwhich does not include harsh chemicals like ammonia--but says she was still concerned when she heard about the new study.

"So many of my clients actually have color and have straighteners or relaxers in their hair, so I was very concerned," said Montgomery.

The study used data from 46,709 women and found that women who regularly used hair dye were 9 percentmore likely to develop breast cancer, but among women who used permanent hair dye every five to eight weeks, that risk increased to 60 percent for black womencompared to eight percent for white women.

"If you look at the number of African Americans in the study, it's very small compared to the number of Caucasians, so I don't know how accurate that would be if you applied it to a bigger population, said Julie R. Nangia, MD, from Baylor College of Medicines cancer center.

Nangia said more studies need to be done before shell recommend drastic haircare changes.

"I don't think I would recommend to my patients for them to stop using hair dye because of this study," said Nangia.

Montgomery said she personally avoids chemical straighteners and opts for a flat iron.

Nangia said if you want to avoid breast cancer, there are other factors to look at. Studies show alcohol use and not exercising have a much higher association with increased breast cancer risk.

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Doctor says diet, exercise are more important than hair dye when it comes to breast cancer - FOX 5 DC

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Keto diets work. That is, if you follow the rules even loosely, you will lose weight. Whether a diet focused heavily on fats and proteins and lacking in carbs is good for you long-term or not, however, is a subject of much debate.

The arguments for keto have another boost, though, in research from Yale University that appears to indicate ahigh-fat, low-carb diet has the potential to help you fight the flu.

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Let's be clear: It's not smart to mess with influenza. People should just get the vaccine. But every year plenty of people wait a little too long to get it, or they catch a flu bug not covered by the shot. In their study published in Science Immunology, Yale researchers revealed that through research with flu-infected mice they put on a keto diet they discovered that the keto mice simply had a better survival rate than the mice on a regular diet.

A Yale blog post published after the study was released in mid-November elaborated:

The ketogenic diet which for people includes meat, fish, poultry, and non-starchy vegetables activates a subset of T cells in the lungs not previously associated with the immune systems response to influenza, enhancing mucus production from airway cells that can effectively trap the virus, the researchers report.

"This was a totally unexpected finding, said co-senior author Akiko Iwasaki, the Waldemar Von Zedtwitz Professor of Immunobiology and Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology, and an investigator of the Howard Hughes Medical Institute.

A byproduct of keto's effect on the body appears to trigger an extra immune-boosting response, then, kind of an extra boost to the systems that fall in place when the body's normal defenses come into play.

The research project that discovered the keto effect on flu sufferers came about after a pair of trainee scientists noted that the immune system could produce damaging "inflammasomes," which are harmful because they can cause the body's bug-fighting defenses to kick into overdrive, overwhelming the organs and possibly killing the patient.

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Someone noticed that diets consisting ofmeat, fish, poultry, and non-starchy vegetables tended to block inflammasomes. So they went to work on their unfortunate miceand discovered the happy carb-consuming rodents were less likely to develop the mucous that can coat the lungs and isolate the body from influenza's onslaught.

Co-senior study author Vishwa Deep Dixit concluded, "This study shows that the way the body burns fat to produce ketone bodies from the food we eat can fuel the immune system to fight flu infection."

Chalk one up for keto this time, then. But seriously, don't rely on diet. Get the shot, no matter what.

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Research Reveals Keto Diet Could Help Fight the Flu - Maxim

While cardiovascular disease may be the leading cause of death in both the U.S. and the world, there are actionable steps you can take to reduce your risk. One powerful and modifiable risk factor is what you choose to eat regularly.

I like to focus on what we eat most of the time. Including more plant-based options for both meals and snacks can positively impact your weight, blood pressure, blood cholesterol and overall health.

Plants provide beneficial amounts of fiber, vitamins, minerals and antioxidants while decreasing our intake of saturated fats, cholesterol and unhealthful trans-fats. In addition, eating more fiber helps you feel fuller longer which can help with both cravings and added calories.

Entering the produce aisle at your market can be overwhelming. Here are some easy tips to mix things up:

Leafy Greens

Kale is not only trendy but a super food. Raw, cooked or baked into chips you can include this power veggie in meals and snacks.

Most leafy greens are great sources of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. Spinach, kale, collard greens, lettuce and other green leafy vegetables are easily added to omelets, enchiladas, pasta dishes, soups, smoothies and sandwiches.

Increasing variety often leads to more success when making dietary changes so dont limit yourself to salads. Every day is a new day to try new foods and keep your taste buds happy.

Fruits

Fruit is natures fast food and is easily added throughout the day. As with most vegetables, fruits add fiber, vitamins and minerals in every serving.

I find that having healthful fruit options with me at all times makes it easier to snack and avoid less healthful packaged foods. Fruit can also satisfy a sweet tooth!

Vegetables

As with any change, exploring your vegetable options is an excellent way to increase your intake of plants throughout the day.

Colorful veggies like carrots, broccoli, beets, bell peppers, brussels sprouts and all varieties of squash are as versatile as leafy greens and can be used similarly as well as added to wraps and casseroles.

Legumes (beans, peas and lentils)

Dont forget to include the power of the legume! These tasty alternatives are low in fat, high in folate, magnesium and potassium while containing no cholesterol and boosting protein intake.

Add black, white, pinto, garbanzo and kidney beans as well as lentils to soups, stews, tacos, enchiladas, crock-pot meals and salads. Look for low-sodium goods if buying canned, or buy dried and soak your own overnight to avoid the salt.

Looking for ideas? Searching the internet is a great resource for new recipes and ideas on plant-based eating.

Lynice Anderson is director of the Healthy Heart Program at Renown Health. Go to renown.org to learn more.

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There are plenty of miracle foods to follow a heart-healthy diet - Nevada Appeal

In a recent study undertaken by scientists from the National Institutes of Health and National Institute of Aging, researchers found the secret to longevity is linked with meal times.

The researchers separated 292 male mice into two groups and gave them different diets. They also examined how altering the meal times affected the life expectancy of the mice. At the end of the study period, the scientists found the results to be very impressive and concluded that the same might be true for humans. happy man longevity Photo: rottonara - Pixabay

They said the findings provided a beacon of hope for future studies and at the same time, suggested a particular diet to help improve longevity. This study, which was participated in part by scientists from the Pennington Biomedical Research Centre and the University of Wisconsin-Madison, analyzed how longer fasting times could boost health and longevity. Researchers noted that increasing the time between meals improved the overall health of the male mice. They also lived longer compared to the other group who were fed and ate more frequently.

The scientists also report that health and life span greatly improved with increased fasting times, notwithstanding the type of food the mice ate or how many calories the food contained.Dr. Richard J. Hodes, a director at the NIA, said that the study revealed that the group of mice that consumed only one meal daily appears to enjoy a longer lifespan. They also seem to have better outcomes for age-related ailments like liver disease and a number of metabolic disorders.

He also said that the fascinating results using lab mice as the model which revealed the relationship of fasting and feeding time length and total caloric intake deserve a closer examination.

Dr. Rafael de Cabo, the studys lead author and Translational Gerontology Branch chief of the NIA Intramural Research Program, said increasing daily fasting times improved the overall health of male mice. He also said that their survival chances in a number of age-related ailments also increased. These positive results occurred regardless of the caloric intake and the type of diet the mice have.

The lead author hypothesized that the extended fasting period might have enabled the maintenance and repair mechanisms of the mices bodies to kick into place. Such a process would have been absent had the mice ate food continuously.Researchers of the study also revealed the results seem to suggest that those who are able to fast at least once a month may enjoy a longer and healthier life.

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You Can Improve Longevity By Having This Diet At Least Once A Month - International Business Times

Chief goal of Centre St. plan is pedestrian safety

The article Road diet backlash in W. Roxbury (Metro, Dec. 3) failed to provide much-needed context around the proposal to remove two lanes of vehicle traffic on Centre Street in West Roxbury. The primary goal of the so-called road diet design is pedestrian safety.

Study after study has shown that these designs two traffic lanes, with a third, center lane for turns are a safer alternative to four-lane roads; the evidence is so clear that the Federal Highway Administration describes them as a proven safety countermeasure to four-lane roads and a low-cost solution that addresses safety concerns and benefits all road users a win-win for quality of life. Whats more, the AARP promotes road diets to improve safety.

Studies also have shown that these types of road diets do not negatively affect business or significantly increase or divert traffic, and can even benefit emergency response times.

Giving a voice to our neighbors in opposition to the plan is important, but failing to mention the fact that the proposed design is a data-driven, pedestrian-focused solution to safety on Centre Street was a major omission.

Evan Judd

West Roxbury

Crossing four lanes of traffic is dangerous

I was disappointed in the article about changes to Centre Street traffic in West Roxbury. The opening line of the article leaves the impression that the proposed road diet is mainly intended to remove two lanes of cars so that we can have two lanes for bikes. The idea of reducing the current four lanes of vehicle traffic to two was inspired by the death of a pedestrian, Marilyn Wentworth, on Feb. 5, and is not centered around bicycles.

The 16 parking spaces that would be lost are due to daylighting removing one parking space from the end of a block so that pedestrians are more visible. The bicycle lanes would be an added benefit if we do reduce the road width, but they are not the primary reason to do it. Crossing four lanes of traffic is dangerous. Its a fact.

Pamela Haran

West Roxbury

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Road diet in West Roxbury is about more than just bike lanes - The Boston Globe

Vegetarians, much less vegans, would prefer not to becompelledto eat meat. Yet the reverse compulsion is what lurks in the growing proposals for a new plant-based planetary diet. Nowhere is this more visible than in India.

The subcontinent is often stereotyped by the West as a vegetarian utopia, where transcendental wisdom, longevity and asceticism go hand in hand.

Earlier this year, the EAT-Lancet Commission released its global report on nutrition and called for a global shift to a more plant-based diet and for substantially reducing consumption of animal source foods. In countries like India, that call could become a tool to aggravate an already fraught political situation and stress already undernourished populations.

The EAT report feeds into the false premise that traditional diets in countries like India include little red meat, which might be consumed only on special occasions or as minor ingredients in mixed dishes.

Disadvantaged castes and indigenous communities are being coerced into giving up their traditional foods.

In India, however, there is a vast difference between what people wouldwishto consume and what theyhaveto consume because of innumerable barriersaround caste, religion, culture, cost, geography, etc. Policymakers in India have traditionally pushed for a cereal-heavy vegetarian diet on a meat-eating population as a way of providing the cheapest sources of food.

Currently, under an aggressive Hindu nationalist government, Muslims, Christians, disadvantaged castes and indigenous communities are being coerced into giving up their traditional foods.

None of these concerns seem to have been appreciated by the EAT-Lancet Commissions representative, Brent Loken, who during the launchevent in New Delhi said India has got such a great example in sourcing protein from plants.

But how much of a model for the world is Indias vegetarianism? In theGlobal Hunger Index2019, the country ranks102ndout of117. Datafrom the National Family Health Survey indicate that only 10 percent of infants between 6 to 23 months are adequately fed.

As a result, 38 percent of children under the age of 5 are stunted. About 1 in 5 women and men are underweight, with a similar proportion being either overweight or obese, especially in urban settings.

Anemia affects almost 60 percent of children ages 6 to 59 months, more than half of women between 15 to 49 years old, and almost 1 in 4 men in that same age group. Subclinical vitamin A deficiency in preschool children is 62 percent and is closely associated with malnutrition and poor protein consumption. Hardly a model to be followed.

Which is why calls for a plant-based diet modeled on India risk offering another whip with which to beat already vulnerable communities in developing countries.

A diet directed at the affluent West fails to recognize that in low-income countries undernourished children are known tobenefit from the consumption of milk and other animal source foods, improving anthropometric indexes and cognitive functions, while reducing the prevalence of nutritional deficiencies as well as morbidity and mortality.

Or that, in India, bone fracture and shorter heights have beenassociated with lower milk consumption. Importantly, traditionallivestock gets people through difficult seasons, prevents malnutrition in impoverished communities and provides economic security.

EAT-Lancet claimed its intention was to spark conversationsamong all Indian stakeholders. The stakeholders, however, were carefully narrowed down to yea-sayers.

Vocal critics of the food processing industry and food fortification strategies, such as Indias Right to Food campaign, have been left out of the debate along with the National Institute of Nutrition, the 100-year-old government nutrition research body whose research points in favor of animal source foods. But the most blatant omission may as well be the fact that Indias farmers were conspicuously absent.

Yet the government seems to have given the report a thumbs-up. Rather than addressing chronic hunger and malnutrition through an improved access to wholesome and nutrient-dense foods, the government is opening the door for company-dependent solutions.

What is conveniently being ignored are the environmental and economic cost of shifting metric tons of micronutrients from Western countries on a permanent basis while at the same time destroying local food systems. Its a model fraught with danger for future generations.

By Sylvia Karpagam, Frdric Leroy and Martin Cohen

OZY partners with The Wire to bring you premium global features.

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India Shows Why the Global Shift to Plant-Based Diets Is Dangerous - OZY

New diets tend to be fads that don't stick around for long. Let's be honest; the likes of the Atkins, juice and cabbage soup diets aren't likely to be able to provide a long-term health solution. But this year the planetary health diet emerged as a new contender with some serious kudos - not only does it have the potential to 'transform' the planet, it also allows an average 2,500 calories a day, which is more than most. We're listening...

Unlike most diets, the planetary health diet has the support of many nutritionists and sustainability experts. We spoke with Claire Barnes, Nutritional Therapist at Bio-Kult, to get the lowdown on the new regime.

The diet - unsurprisingly - has a focus on plant-based foods, but it does allow for some meat, fish and dairy. It emerged thanks to the EAT-Lancet Commission report which was published earlier this year, which found that the diet could have worldwide benefits both on individual health and the health of the planet.

"The diet has been designed to address the health of human civilisation and the state of the natural systems on which it depends'," Claire says. "The commission brought together 37 world-leading scientists from 16 countries in various disciplines, including human health, agriculture, political sciences and environmental sustainability to develop global scientific targets for healthy diets and sustainable food production.

"Their guidelines seek to provide nutritious food to the worlds fast-growing population, whilst at the same time, addresses the major role of farming in driving climate change, the destruction of wildlife and the pollution of rivers and oceans."

Unlike many new diets, the planetary one has a focus on far more than just individual health. The worlds diets must change dramatically, said Walter Willett, one of the leaders of the commission. "We are not talking about a deprivation diet here; we are talking about a way of eating that can be healthy, flavourful and enjoyable."

It's surprisingly easy to follow, and doesn't require too much change for most - although meat-lovers might struggle at first. "The planetary health diet is represented by half a plate of fruits, vegetables and nuts," explains the nutritionist. "The other half consists of primarily whole grains, plant proteins (beans, lentils, pulses), unsaturated plant oils, modest amounts of meat and dairy, and some added sugars and starchy vegetables.

The recommended daily intake would look something like the below:

"The biggest change for those who are daily meat eaters is the significant reduction in meat required by the diet. The recommendations for red meat equate to the equivalent of around one burger a week or one large steak a month. You can still have a portion of fish and the same of chicken a week, but plants are where the rest of your protein will need to come from. The researchers are recommending nuts and a good helping of legumes every day instead of animal products."

The diet relies on a large number of people to follow it in order to make a real difference to the planet. "Reducing meat intake in some parts of the world to these recommended daily intakes may not be too dissimilar to their usual daily intake. However in the UK where the average daily intake of meat is 108 grams for men and 72 grams for women, it will signify a huge alteration to the average daily diet."

If you're used to eating meat regularly, you might be wondering how you'll get enough protein from the planetary health diet. But, if followed correctly, you shouldn't have a problem.

"The planetary health diet is largely plant-based and allows an average of 2,500 calories a day," says Claire. FYI, the usual recommended daily calorie allowance for a woman is 2,000. "It allows one beef burger and two servings of fish a week, but most protein comes from pulses and nuts. A glass of milk a day, or some cheese or butter, fits within the guidelines, as does an egg or two a week. Half of each plate of food under the diet is vegetables and fruit, and a third is wholegrain cereals.

"Whilst this diet provides an overview of daily intakes from different food groups, individuals would need to ensure that they are eating a rainbow of different coloured fruits and vegetables to gain the different phytochemicals that are available from a variety of plants. Eating a variety of fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, legumes, wholegrains and pulses will also help to provide different fibre sources important for your digestive health and to maintain a healthy diverse gut microbiome," explains the nutritionist.

But there are some things you need to consider when changing your diet. "When drastically reducing animal products from the diet, levels of vitamin B12 may become more difficult to source in adequate amounts," notes Claire. "In the UK, a reference nutrient intake (RNI) for vitamin B12 in adults is set at 1.5 mcg per day or 2 mcg per day whilst breastfeeding. Fish, meat, poultry, eggs and milk are good sources of vitamin B12, as these can still be consumed within the Planetary Health Diet, adequate daily levels of vitamin B12 should still be achieved." The expert adds that you can look to supplements to help boost these vitamin levels.

"Another important aspect of a healthy diet requires a balance between omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acids. The one-size-fits-all advice doesnt take into account individuality and diverse dietary preferences. Therefore it would be necessary to adapt the diet to individual requirements to ensure nutritional needs are met." In other words; ease yourself in. If dropping your meat intake drastically feels daunting, it's better to do it slowly than not at all.

"The researchers estimate that the diet will prevent about 11 million people dying each year," says Claire. "That number is largely down to cutting diseases related to unhealthy diets such as heart attacks, strokes and some cancers.

"The diet also promises significant benefits for the environment and wildlife, with better managed, more sustainable land-use," she notes.

Increasing plant-based foods in your diet in order to be environmentally-friendly isn't exactly a new idea - plenty have adopted a flexitarian diet in recent years - but this is one of the first studies to look at global impact plus individual health benefits, and come up with an exact plan to follow.

"Increasing plantbased foods in the diet will certainly be of benefit to most peoples health," Claire says. "This is often due to the high amount of fibre found in plant foods, which help to feed our gut microbes, which play a fundamental role in keeping us healthy. The lower levels of sugar and refined carbohydrates in this diet, in comparison to a typical Western diet, are also likely to help reduce the incidence of metabolic diseases, such as diabetes type 2 and cardiovascular problems.

"Overall the goal to support the increased intake of plant-based foods, including legumes, pulses and nuts, with moderate consumption of red meat and added sugars is sound advice."

Your body will obviously react to the new diet, but you shouldn't need to worry too much unless it's extreme. "Any big change in our diet will also have a huge impact on the microbes which live in our gut," says Claire. "Different bacteria require different food sources to survive, meaning certain bacteria are likely to die off whilst others will thrive. If a dramatic change in diet occurs suddenly, some individuals may notice increased gas in the gut, which could lead to bloating, abdominal cramps and excess wind.

"These symptoms are likely to clear as the gut microbiota settles. Ideally making changes to the diet is best done slowly, so making one change at a time, such as starting by reducing the amount of meat eaten each week, opting for local grass-fed meats and avoiding processed meats such as ham and sausages and converting to eating a plant-based meal at least twice a week.

"Those already on restrictive diets for health concerns, individuals who have absorption issues (such as IBS) or people with eating disorders would all certainly require a more individual approach."

The planetary health diet is based on creating a healthy diet from sustainable food systems and makes no reference to exercise as part of a health strategy within this framework - therefore, it's advised you take things slowly and listen to your body when making changes to the way you fuel before and after workouts.

It probably goes without saying that the diet probably won't be perfect for professional athletes. "As individual diet preferences have not been taken into account in this report, those who partake in regular intensive or endurance exercise may find they struggle to achieve the higher levels of protein they require without supplementation," says Claire.

As with any big dietary change, it's best to speak to your doctor before altering your entire food intake - particularly if you have any dietary needs. Otherwise, we can totally get on board with dietary changes that can help the environment and our bodies.

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The planetary health diet could help your health and the planet - cosmopolitan.com

The secret to long life expectancy is to follow a healthy lifestyle - regularly exercising, limiting alcohol intake, not smoking and eating a healthy balanced diet. When it comes to eating a healthy diet, the NHS recommends eating at least five portions of a variety of fruit and vegetables every day, basing meals on higher fibre starchy foods like potatoes, bread, rice or pasta, having some dairy or dairy alternatives, some protein, choosing unsaturated oils and spreads, and eating them in small amounts, and drinking plenty of fluids. A new study also suggests a different approach to meal times and how it could impact on your health.

In the study with the National Institute of Ageing (NIA) and the National Institutes of Health, longer daily fasting times and how it could improve health and longevity was analysed. The study noted: Increasing time between meals made male mice healthier overall and live longer compared to mice who at more frequently. Scientists from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and the Pennington Biomedical Research Centre, Baton Rouge, Louisiana , reports that health and longevity improved with increased fasting time, regardless of what the mice ate or how many calories they consumed. https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2018/09/180906123305.htm

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NIA director, Dr Richard J. Hodes said: This study showed that mice who ate one meal per day and thus had the longest fasting period, seemed to have a longer lifespan and better outcomes for common age-related liver disease and metabolic disorders.

"These intriguing results in an animal model show that the interplay of total caloric intake and the length of feeding and fasting periods deserves a closer look.

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How to live longer: Following this diet once a month could increase your life expectancy - Express

Quinoa is a complete source of protein with all essential amino acids

If you are also trying to decipher the buzz around quinoa, you have arrived at the right place. Quinoa is a pseudo-cereal that packs all the right amino acids that makes it a quality protein source. It is one of the rare plant-based sources that has such high protein content, replete with all essential amino acids. This is why, it is ideal for non-meat eaters. But nobody said that meat-eaters cannot enjoy its benefits. In fact, pairing it with chicken or egg would make for an excellent protein boost. Now, there are number of ways to do that. But what if we tell you that we have a biryani recipe that is all protein and nutrition? Yes, you heard us. This quinoa biryani will change all your pre-conceived notions about quinoa or even biryani for that matter.

(Also Read:Quinoa Nutrition: Here's Why You Should Include This Pseudo-Cereal In Your Daily Diet)

Chicken is a kind of lean meat. Unlike red meat like pork and mutton, chicken contains much less quantum of fat. It is a treasure trove of good quality protein. It also happens to be very low in carbohydrates. Chicken breast is said to be the one of the healthiest parts of the meat.

(Also Read:Chicken For Weight Loss: 6 Healthy Chicken Recipes To Shed Those Extra Kilos)

This chicken quinoa biryani is an ideal meal for those looking to eat something healthy without compromising on flavour. The one-pot meal is an ideal blend of comfort and indulgence. Juicy, succulent pieces of chicken with well-cooked quinoa make for one delectable treat you must try today. You have seen plenty of salads using the superfood; there are many quinoa snacks available in the market too, but we are sure this unique dish will blow your minds too.

Try making this chicken quinoa biryani at home and let us know how you like it in the comments section below.

(This content including advice provides generic information only. It is in no way a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist or your own doctor for more information. NDTV does not claim responsibility for this information.)

About Sushmita SenguptaSharing a strong penchant for food, Sushmita loves all things good, cheesy and greasy. Her other favourite pastime activities other than discussing food includes, reading, watching movies and binge-watching TV shows.

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High Protein Diet: This Chicken Quinoa Biryani Could Be The Healthiest Biryani You Have Ever Had - NDTV Food

What Is the Blue Zone Diet and Is It Actually Healthy for You?AcceptBrowsers may block some cookies by default. Click accept to allow advertising partners to use cookies and serve more relevant ads. Visit our privacy policy page for more information.Source: iSTOCKBy Jacqueline Gualtieri

2 days ago

When National Geographic author Dan Buettner asked people to take part in a challenge to stick with the Blue Zone diet for three months, The Today Show documented three of the women's experiences and successes. All three lost weight, with one losing a resounding 37 pounds by the end of the three months. Moreover, the women reported higher self-confidence, lower cholesterol, and more energy.

The women's success has sparked an interest in the lifestyle. Much of America experiences diet culture and, as such, is constantly trying the latest and assumed greatest diet so it's no surprise that the Blue Zone diet is now on everyone's lips. But what exactly is this new diet craze and is it actually good for us?

The Blue Zone diet was created by Dan when he discovered the five places in the world, where people live the longest: Okinawa, Japan; Sardinia, Italy; Nicoya, Costa Rica; Ikaria, Greece, and Loma Linda, Calf.

Dan and his fellow researchers were able to find that all the Blue Zones share nine specific lifestyle habits which they labeled the Power 9. The Power 9 fall into 4 categories: Move, Right Outlook, Eat Wisely, and Connect.

Under Move is the habit of Moving Naturally, meaning that they live in an environment in which they move throughout the day. They don't join gyms. Instead, they move around in gardens and opt to walk instead of drive.

Under Right Outlook is having Purpose and Down Shift. Purpose means that you feel that you have a reason to get up in the morning. Down Shift means that you take time every day to relieve stress.

The Eat Wisely category includes the 80 percent Rule, Plant Slant, and Wine at 5. The 80 percent Rule refers to the fact that people in the Blue Zones stop eating when they are 80 percent full. They typically eat their smallest meal in the late afternoon or evening and then stop eating for the day.

Plant Slant is in reference to what kinds of foods people in the Blue Zones eat. It's a bean and plant based diet with very little meat consumption. Wine at 5 is pretty straightforward. Most people in the Blue Zones drink 1 or 2 glasses of wine each day.

The last category, Connect, is arguably the most important. It includes Belong, Loved Ones First, and Right Tribe. Belong means that you follow and engage in a religion, regardless of what that religion is.

Loved Ones First means that you keep your family close. You commit to a life partner, have kids that will take care of you when you're old, and you keep your parents and grandparents nearby or in the home with you. Right Tribe means that you are surrounded by a group of friends who promote healthy behavior.

Well, sort of. But the problem with the way that we talk about the Blue Zone diet is probably the fact that we call it a diet. Yes, food is an important part of it, but most of the coverage that the diet gets is just on the food, which isn't the only reason why people in the Blue Zones tend to live longer.

When Dan issued the challenge for people to try the Blue Zone diet for three months, he was clear that the test had to be done in groups, because a big part of the Blue Zone way of living is that they are surrounded by a support system.

If you're attempting the Blue Zone diet by just cooking mainly bean and plants and drinking wine by yourself, you're missing the big picture and at least 7 of the Power 9 habits for a long life.

While it's not reasonable to assume that you should join a religion or have kids in the name of your diet, there are pieces of the Power 9 that are possible to add into your everyday life, like by spending more time with close friends or making the decision to move more naturally throughout the day. And by doing so, you'll get a lot more of the benefits that the Blue Zone diet has to offer.

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Everyone Is Talking About the Blue Zone Diet but Is It Actually Healthy? - Distractify