BLUE ZONES are regions of the world where people tend to live significantly longer and healthier lives, often surpassing the average life expectancy by a decade or more.
There are FIVE key Blue Zones in the world. They appear to share several lifestyle traits, including diet, physical activity, community, and mental outlook, which seem to play significant roles in the health and longevity of their populations.
`1. OKINAWA, JAPAN
- One of world’s oldest populations of women live here.
- Okinawans experience 1/5 of the rate of cardiovascular disease, breast and prostate cancers, and less than half the rate of dementia than Americans.
- They often follow a plant-based diet and have a strong sense of community.
2. SARDINIA, ITALY
- Particularly the Nuoro province, this area has a high concentration of centenarians (people living past 100 years).
- Sardinians still hunt, fish and harvest the food they eat.
- They remain close with friends and family throughout their lives.
3. NICOYA PENINSULA, COSTA RICA
- Those living in Nicoya, have the world’s lowest rate of middle-age mortality.
- They enjoy longer lives, thanks to their calcium-rich water, nutritious diet, close-knit family life, active outdoor lifestyle, and dedication to the “pura vida” or “pure and simple” way of living.
4. IKARIA, GREECE
- This island boasts a very low rate of dementia and chronic disease.
- 1/3 of Ikarians live past 90 years of age.
- Their diet is rich in healthy fats, high in fibre, and packed with nutrient-dense whole foods like nuts, grains, potatoes, legumes, vegetables, seeds and olive oil.
5. LOMA LINDA, CALIFORNIA, USA
- The only blue zone in America
- Home to a community of Seventh-day Adventists, people here follow a vegetarian diet, abstain from smoking and alcohol, and emphasize spirituality and rest.
