The blue zone diet; 6 longevity take aways

May 27, 2022
Longevity Lifestyle
9 minutes read

Written By Purovitalis News

Embarking on a journey to a healthier, more fulfilling life has never been more exciting! Following the blue zone lifestyle and diet, including nutritious snacks, is your ticket to a rejuvenated and extended existence. These unique regions, known as blue zones, have been studied extensively for their extraordinary longevity rates and exceptional health. Taking the blue zones longevity test can further help guide your journey. But you don’t have to relocate to experience the benefits; you can incorporate the blue zone lifestyle, including wholesome snacks, into your daily life and see the transformation for yourself.

In old age, chronic diseases are becoming more common. According to health experts, genetics plays a crucial role in defining your age and risk of diseases. On the hand, your lifestyle also has an important influence on your lifespan. Some places in the world are known as “blue zones” or “blue zone diet”. This term refers to those geographical areas in the world where people have a low risk of chronic diseases and live longer.

This article discusses the common features of the blue zone diet and lifestyle. And also defines why blue zone people live longer than the rest of the world.

What are blue zones?

In our quest for a healthier, happier, and longer life, we often find ourselves looking for inspiration from those who have already achieved it. The blue zones, a term coined by author and explorer Dan Buettner, refer to five regions around the world where people live exceptionally long and healthy lives. These areas include Okinawa, Japan; Sardinia, Italy; Nicoya, Costa Rica; Ikaria, Greece; and Loma Linda, California. The residents of these unique communities not only enjoy remarkable longevity but also maintain a high quality of life well into their later years.

In the book “The Blue Zone”, author Buettner has described the 5 blue zone areas of the world such as:

Ogliastra (Sardina, italy) This area is called the home of the oldest men in the world. It contains a lot of mountains, where people work on farms and drink more red wine.
Icaria (Greece) It is an island where people consume a Mediterranean diet, which is rich in organic vegetables, olive oil and red wine.
Okinawa (Japan) This region is called the home of the oldest women in the world, where they eat soy-based food and do exercise (tai chi).
The Seventh-day Adventists (USA) It is a place of a religious group of people, who consume a strict vegan diet and live in night-tight communities.
Nicoya (Costa Rica); older people Nicoyans of the Blue Zone consume a mostly plant-based diet, relying heavily on beans, maize, and vegetables, as well as antioxidant-rich tropical fruit, to stay healthy.

Several studies have shown that all these areas contain a large number of centenarians and nonagenarians, people aged 100 and 90, respectively.

The Blue Zone Lifestyle and Its Impact on Longevity and Well-being

The blue zones have captivated the attention of researchers worldwide due to their inhabitants’ exceptional health, well-being, and remarkable longevity. These unique regions are home to individuals who not only live longer but also thrive in their later years, experiencing fewer age-related health issues than their counterparts in other parts of the world.

Extensive research into the blue zones has revealed that the key to their inhabitants’ impressive longevity lies in their lifestyle choices. The blue zone lifestyle is a holistic approach that encompasses various interconnected factors, which work synergistically to promote optimal health and well-being. These factors include:

7 Blue zone lifestyle takeaways

1. Focus on plant-based nutrition

In all zones, a predominantly plant-based diet is a common factor. Rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, and legumes, this nutrient-dense approach provides an abundance of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. You don’t have to eliminate meat entirely; however, try limiting your consumption to lean sources and smaller portions while increasing your intake of plant-based foods.

In addition, fasting is also beneficial for your health. Like, Icarian are orthodox Christians, which is a religious group and they fast on religious holidays for the whole year. A study has shown that religious fasting can reduce body mass index (BMI) and total serum cholesterol. Moreover, intermittent fasting that includes fasting for some specific hours in a day can also result in a decline in blood pressure, body weight and cholesterol.

Restriction of calories for a long time can increase longevity. An animal study has shown that monkeys consuming 30% fewer calories have more lifespan than others.

2. Engage in regular, moderate physical activity

Blue zone inhabitants don’t necessarily hit the gym for intense workouts. Instead, they incorporate physical activity into their daily routines, such as walking, gardening, or practicing yoga. Find activities you enjoy and make them a part of your life to keep your body moving and healthy.

For more information on exercise: Top 9 exercises for longevity

3. Prioritize social connections

Strong social ties are essential for mental and emotional well-being. Blue zone residents maintain close relationships with family and friends, offering a support system that fosters happiness and resilience. Make an effort to deepen your connections and spend quality time with loved ones.

4. Cultivate a sense of purpose

Having a sense of purpose contributes to overall happiness and fulfillment. Blue zone inhabitants often have a clear understanding of their life’s meaning, which can reduce stress and promote longevity. Reflect on your passions, values, and talents to help you find your unique purpose.

5. Implement stress reduction techniques

Managing stress is critical to maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Blue zone residents practice various stress reduction techniques, such as meditation, prayer, or simply enjoying a relaxing hobby. Experiment with different methods to find what works best for you and make it a part of your daily routine.

6. Moderate alcohol consumption

While alcohol can be a part of the blue zone lifestyle, it’s essential to consume it in moderation. Many blue zone inhabitants enjoy a glass of wine, particularly red wine, with meals or during social gatherings. However, they do so responsibly and avoid excessive drinking. If you choose to include alcohol in your lifestyle, be sure to follow recommended guidelines and prioritize your health and safety.

7. Prioritize restorative sleep

Quality sleep is vital for overall health and well-being. Blue zone residents understand the importance of a good night’s rest and maintain consistent sleep patterns. To improve your sleep, establish a regular sleep schedule, create a calming bedtime routine, and optimize your sleep environment. By prioritizing restorative sleep, you’ll be supporting both your physical and mental health, contributing to a more fulfilling blue zone lifestyle. A review of 35 studies has found that “siestas” (daytime naps) do not harm human health. However, its duration matters. A nap of thirty minutes is beneficial, but longer than this can leads to heart issues.

Blue zone diet

Most people living in blue zones consume 95% plant foods, enjoying an array of blue zone diet snacks. Although some are not strict vegans and consume meat 5 times a month, research has shown that avoiding meat and its products can significantly reduce the risk of cancer and heart diseases. By incorporating blue zone diet snacks into their daily lives, they prioritize plant-based nutrition and promote overall health.

The Blue zone diet is typically high in the following foods:

Vegetables: The blue zone diet is rich in numerous minerals, vitamins, and fiber. Consuming five servings of fruits and vegetables daily can prevent several chronic diseases.
Whole grains: Whole grains contain a high amount of fiber. They can control blood pressure, which is associated with colorectal cancer and death.
Legumes: Legumes include chickpeas, beans, lentils and beans, and are high in protein and fiber. A high intake of legumes can lower the mortality rate.
Nuts: Nuts are high in healthy fats (mono and polyunsaturated fats), protein and fiber. In combination with a nutritious diet, nuts can reverse metabolic diseases and reduce the mortality rate.

Blue zone diet food list

If you’re following the blue zone diet plan, you should:

Set your macronutrients to the following allocation: 65% carbs, 20% percent fats, and 15% of proteins.
Prioritize plant-based foods by making 95% of your food consumption from plant-based sources, while the remaining 5% can be animal products.
Pay close attention to how you feel, and stop eating when you reach about 80% satiety.

Blue zone diet protein options:

All types of legumes, including red beans, black-eyed peas, chickpeas, fava beans, lentils, peas, and peanuts.
Spread out beans consumption across breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Soy proteins such as Tofu
5% of total protein intake could be animal meats with a priority to fish meats.
Limit poultry meat intakes such as chicken and turkey.
Completely avoid red meats such as Beef and Pork and processed food.

Blue zone diet fats choices:

Olive oil
Nuts and nut butter
Sesame oil
Avocado
Limit or completely avoid trans fats that are highly present in processed food, margarine, and hydrogenated oils.

Fruits and vegetable choices in the blue zones:

Prioritize fresh whole fruits and vegetables. The top priority choices are leafy greens like spinach, kale, beet and turnip greens, chard, and collards.
Seasonal fruits and vegetables, sea greens, and vegetables such as seaweed, kelp, and mushrooms are also good choices.
Limit or completely avoid fruit juices.

Bread and grains choices:

Prioritize whole-grain bread, sourdough bread, ground corn
Eat brown rice, oatmeal, chia, and quinoa
Limit or completely avoid white bread, pasta, crackers, and processed snacks.

Blue zone diary products list:

Prioritize unsweetened plant-based milk such as soy milk, almond milk, and oat milk.
Consume moderately Sheep’s and goat’s milk products such as feta cheese and Pecorino cheese.
Limit egg intake to 3 times weekly
Completely avoid cow’s milk and its dairy products.

Flavoring options:

Limit table salt intake and lower sugar consumption.
Replace salt with Mediterranean herbs, milk thistle, rosemary, turmeric, lemon, garlic, and miso.

Blue Zone Diet Snacks: Nutritious and Delicious Choices for Healthy Living

Incorporating blue zone diet snacks into your daily routine is a great way to sustain energy levels, curb cravings, and stay aligned with your journey towards a healthier lifestyle. These wholesome and tasty options are inspired by the dietary habits of blue zone inhabitants, ensuring that you receive essential nutrients without compromising on flavor.

Some delicious blue zone diet snacks include:

Trail mix: Combine nuts, seeds, and dried fruit for a nutrient-dense and energizing snack that’s rich in healthy fats, protein, and fiber.
Fresh fruit: Enjoy seasonal fruits like berries, apples, or oranges, which are packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
Hummus and veggie sticks: Pair your favorite vegetables with hummus for a satisfying snack that offers a good balance of protein, healthy fats, and fiber.
Whole grain crackers with avocado: Spread ripe avocado on whole grain crackers for a nutrient-rich snack that’s high in healthy fats and fiber.
Greek yogurt with honey and nuts: Opt for protein-packed Greek yogurt, drizzle with a touch of honey, and top with a handful of nuts for a delicious and nourishing treat.

By incorporating blue zone diet snacks into your daily routine, you’ll not only feel satisfied between meals but also support your overall health and well-being. Remember, choosing nutritious blue zone diet snacks is a small but impactful step towards embracing the blue zone lifestyle and experiencing its long-lasting benefits.

Assessing Your Life Expectancy: The Blue Zones Longevity Test

A crucial step in embracing the blue zone lifestyle is understanding where you currently stand in terms of health and habits. The blue zones longevity test is a comprehensive assessment designed to provide valuable insights into your life expectancy based on factors such as diet, activity levels, social connections, and more.

By taking the blue zones longevity test, you can identify the areas in your life that need improvement and set realistic goals to fully adopt the blue zone lifestyle. The test is also an eye-opening experience, encouraging you to make positive changes and embrace a more fulfilling and healthier way of living.

To begin your journey towards the blue zone lifestyle, consider taking the blue zones longevity test available at this link: Blue Zones Longevity Test and use the results to create a personalized plan for a longer, happier, and healthier life.

The bottom line

What is the blue zone diet and what are blue zone? A region of the oldest and healthiest individuals in the world. Although their lifestyle is different, such as consuming natural and plant-based foods. Drink alcohol moderately, exercise daily, get adequate sleep and have a healthy social network. All these factors result in the prevention of diseases and a longer life span. So, by incorporating all these factors into your life, you can also add some healthy years to your life. Here are 11 more longevity hacks to help add some healthy years.

References

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The blue zone diet; 6 longevity take aways

What are blue zones?

The Blue Zone Lifestyle and Its Impact on Longevity and Well-being