Tag Archives: Plant Based Diet

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The Greek Island of Ikaria

Ikaria

A Greek island in the Aegean Sea, Ikaria is one of five areas around the world that the National Geographic has classified as a Blue Zone, meaning that those who live there enjoy a much longer, healthier and happier life than what is experienced on average throughout the rest of the world. When compared to Americans, twice as many Ikarians reach the age of 90, with the elderly enjoying robust health and little need for medical care. The increased longevity that Ikarians experience is due to a few unique lifestyle factors that they share. From its geographic isolation to regular outdoor exercise to the healthy Ikarian diet, these are all aspects that we can incorporate into our own lives, no matter where in the world you may live.

Ikaria’s Isolated Location
It takes ten hours to reach Ikaria from Athens by boat, meaning that, over the years, the island has remained largely untouched by development and consumerism. This, coupled with the fact that Ikaria is subject to high winds and has no natural harbors, excluding it from the shipping industry, means that the Ikarians have been able to hold on to their cultural traditions and customs, becoming experts in self-sufficiency.

The Ikarian Diet
The majority of Ikarians have their own garden, meaning that they have daily access to the freshest of vegetables. The Ikarian diet is known to be pretty much completely devoid of processed and refined foods, while meat, which would have been raised in their own backyard, is eaten in small portions around once a week, keeping their levels of saturated fat to a minimum. When compared to Americans, Ikarians consume six times the amount of beans, while their twice-weekly fish meals, always featuring fresh locally caught fish, helps to improve the kidney function of the elderly. Herbs have always played a significant role in Ikarian traditions, and still do so today, with wild-harvested herbs giving the residents of Ikaria a fantastic boost of antioxidants and other nutrients and minerals.

Outdoor Exercise
Due to Ikaria’s unique topography, physical exercise each and every day is necessary. Simply walking around town on their tumultuous terrain gets the hearts of Ikaria’s residents racing, and this is enhanced by the fact that social ties are extremely important here, meaning that daily visiting is a regular part of life. The self-sufficient lifestyle in Ikaria also means that plenty of time is spent working outdoors, with these productive activities going a long way in keeping Ikarians fit and healthy.

While Ikarians are healthier than the majority of the world, they do still fall victim to cancer and other diseases. However, on average, Ikarians are around ten years older than the average American when they are first affected, and mental illnesses, such as depression and dementia, are practically non-existent. This may seem too good to be true, but the unique lifestyle that Ikarians enjoy brings with it a whole host of health benefits, and this is something that each and every one of us can learn from.

Lifestyle |

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Blue Zones Around the World

Blue zones have been identified all over the world, and, if you are lucky enough to be living in one, you will find that you enjoy a longer and healthier life than average. Currently, there are five blue zones around the world that have been identified and researched through a collaboration with National Geographic and other journalists, and they all have certain factors in common. From a lack of pollution to a daily routine that encompasses plenty of exercise and activity to low stress levels and strong family ties, these five blue zones are all worth looking into if you have been considering relocating due to health reasons.

Sardinia

Sardinia, Italy
Situated in the Mediterranean Sea, Sardinia is the second largest of the Italian islands, and its dazzling coastline is often its main draw for tourists. It has recently been discovered that, genetically, Sardinians carry the M26 marker, which has been linked to exceptional longevity. Since Sardinia is a relatively isolated island, these genes have remained ‘undiluted’, which is why the island has been home to more centenarians per capita than most other countries in the world. Sardinians also maintain a traditional lifestyle, from hunting and fishing for food, eating a healthy Mediterranean diet, and keeping close ties with friends and family, earning them a top spot in the list of blue zones.

Loma Linda, California
Loma Linda in California is considered to be one of the healthiest communities in the USA. A large number of those who live in Loma Linda are members of the Seventh Day Adventist Church, meaning that they follow the church’s recommendations when it comes to diet and lifestyle choices. The church recommends a vegetarian diet, placing an emphasis on avoiding alcohol, drugs and tobacco. The church also heavily promotes “pure water, fresh air, and sunlight”, all of which feature heavily in the lives of the Loma Linda residents.

Okinawa

Okinawa, Japan
Okinawa consists of around a dozen small islands that make up the southern half of Japan’s Southwest Islands. The diet in Okinawa is one of the reasons why the region has earned itself a spot on the list of blue zones, as Okinawans generally enjoy a plant-based diet, featuring plenty of tofu, stir fried vegetables, miso, and sweet potato. Older Okinawans remain active, with the majority of Okinawan centenarians being enthusiastic gardeners, giving them a productive source of daily activity, a fantastic stress reliever, and a bounty of fresh vegetables to choose from each day.

Nicoya Peninsula, Costa Rica
Measuring about 80 miles long and 30 miles wide, the Nicoya Peninsula is not only the driest part of Costa Rica, but also one of the most isolated. However, residents of this beach paradise all share a few common factors; not only do they enjoy a longer life expectancy, but they also have lower levels of stress and an active and healthy lifestyle. One theory behind this that is related to the water that Nicoyans have access to, as it runs through limestone, meaning that it is high in magnesium and calcium, therefore leading to stronger bones and bodies.

Ikaria.

Ikaria, Greece
Those who live on the Greek island of Ikaria thrive on an ideal balance of a healthy diet, an active lifestyle, and strong social connections. Wild and homegrown vegetables feature heavily on the Ikarian diet, while physical activity is a beneficially necessary part of their lifestyle. Family and social ties are also important, meaning that, as they age, the social roles of the average Ikarian continuously increase.

Even if living in one of the blue zones is not possible for you, there are many aspects of life that each of these unique locations share. From a plant-based diet to a lifestyle that incorporates plenty of exercise to strong family and social connections, it would seem as though these are the factors that can help to guarantee a longer, and happier, life.