These 7 foods are consumed daily by the longest-living people in the world
In three of the five blue zone areas, namely Nicoya (Costa Rica), Okinawa (Japan), and Ikaria (Greece), beans have been a mainstay of the diet. All varieties of beans are excellent providers of protein, dietary fibre, and carbs.
Beans
A native of the Greek island of Ikaria, black-eyed peas have also been discovered to offer anti-cancer, heart-healthy, and anti-diabetic effects. Half a cup of beans should be included in your diet, according to the Blue Zones diet.
Beans
People who live in nations with the Blue Zone typically eat leafy greens. Because of the abundant vegetable harvests in Ikaria (Greece), the locals there consume a range of dark leafy greens.
Leafy Greens
In fact, Ikaria's rich, fertile soil allows for the growth of 75 different types of leafy greens. Since leafy greens are nutrient-dense and low in calories, I frequently advise dieters to aim to eat a salad practically every day.
Leafy Greens
All Blue Zones diets are largely devoid of cow's milk, with the exception of Adventists, some of whom consume dairy and eggs.
Alternatives to Dairy
While most residents of the Blue Zones don't frequently consume milk, they do consume large amounts of tofu and leafy greens, two foods strong in calcium.
Alternatives to Dairy
Nearly everybody uses whole grains as a basic food, but it's crucial to understand that whole grains are different from refined grains. It does not result in weight gain to consume more whole grains than refined grains.
Whole Grains
Whole grains are a staple of meals in the majority of the Blue Zones. Our body benefits from whole grains by lowering cholesterol, regulating blood sugar, and reducing the risk of disease.
Whole Grains
In Loma Linda, California, one of the Blue Zone zones, avocados are a staple food. Avocado consumption has been linked to a decrease in oxidized LDL cholesterol.
Avocados
Additionally, avocados may reduce the risk of type II diabetes, obesity, and cardiovascular illnesses.
Avocados
In order to boost their health, people in the Blue Zone, particularly in Sardinia, Nicoya, and Ikaria, frequently eat nuts. Almonds and peanuts, for example, have vitamin E, magnesium, protein, good fats, and folate.
Nuts
The inclusion of water on this list may come as quite a shock. But one of the most crucial things our bodies require on a daily basis to preserve health is staying hydrated.
Water
Adults specifically require at least seven glasses of water daily to maintain proper hydration and wellness. The preferred beverage among residents of the Blue Zones is water, not fruit- or sugar-sweetened juice or soda.