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In the early 2000s, Dan Buettner embarked on a mission to determine what specific aspects of lifestyle and environment help humans live longer. He teamed up with National Geographic and the National Institute of Aging on his quest, and through research, they were able to identify five areas with the highest percentage of centenarians (i.e. a person who is 100 years old or older). Known as the Blue Zones, these areas also have low rates of chronic diseases including heart disease, diabetes, and cancer. Buettner and his team of anthropologists, epidemiologists, and researchers traveled to these particular areas to study the lifestyle characteristics of the people who lived in these Blue Zones. From there, the "Blue Zone" diet became of interest to help people outside of these locations practice that way of life. Here's everything you need to know about the Blue Zones, including diet recommendations and more.
Although the Blue Zones are all over the world, they share quite a few commonalities. After studying the Blue Zone populations, Buettner and his team narrowed down nine evidence-based common denominators among all of the world's centenarians. Known as the "Power 9," these factors are said to be the most influential in promoting longevity in these Blue Zone groups.
Research suggests that a strong mechanism behind the longevity and reduction of chronic disease in Blue Zone people is the anti-inflammatory benefits of their dietary choices. While these centenarians aren't necessarily completely vegan, their diets do have a predominant focus on plants.
Vegetables, especially homegrown, are a huge emphasis for Blue Zone people and provide a ton of vitamins, minerals, fiber, and antioxidant benefits. Beans and lentils are strong plant-based sources of protein in these populations. Similarly to vegetables, legumes also provide a ton of fiber which has benefits ranging from reducing risk of cardiovascular disease to helping control blood sugar levels. Healthy fats, such as olive oil, are used in several of the Blue Zone regions and provide a slew of heart-healthy fatty acids and antioxidants.
Blue zone people limit their consumption of red meat, and even only enjoy small portions of fish about three times per week. These populations do still indulge in moderation regarding sweets and other foods, but they eat sensibly and don't overindulge. By maintaining moderation and balance with food choices, especially following rules such as the Okinawans do with the hara hachi bu principle, weight stays controlled and obesity is not as prevalent to fuel chronic disease.
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Based on the "Power 9" principle of plant slant that the Blue Zone regions embrace, we've put together a food list that can help you get started on eating the Blue Zone way.
If you're looking to adopt some of the Blue Zone diet and lifestyle habits, these resources can help get you started.
The Blue Zones
$4.99
The Blue Zones Solution
$11.69
Good Housekeeping Mediterranean Diet
Ikaria
$23.33
The Complete Mediterranean Cookbook
$21.99
The Blue Zones of Happiness
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Excerpt from:
What Is the 'Blue Zone' Diet? A Nutritionist Explains the Popular Lifestyle - GoodHousekeeping.com
