Blue Zones

From times immemorial, man has always sought longevity. Who does not want to live a healthy and long life? There are innumerable procedures and supplements which promise the fountain of youth but fizzle away when it comes to actual results. The euphoria of modern day health achievements in communicable diesases is fading as the modern plague of non-communicable disorders like Obesity, Chronic disorders and Cancer have grown exponentially in modern times.

What if i tell you that Longevity exists among us in different pockets of earth? These geographical pockets are called Blue Zones. Here people live longer and healthier than anywhere else on earth. Several of these blue zones exist, and in each of these places people living to 90 or even 100 years is common. And they are not just living long either—these people are living healthy—without medication or disability.The word Blue Zone was first used by the author Dan Buettner, who was studying areas of the world in which people live exceptionally long lives.

Five blue zones have so far been identified and thoroughly researched by journalist Dan Buettner in a partnership with National Geographic during more than five years of on-site investigation.

The five blue zones are as follows:

• The Italian island of Sardinia
• Okinawa, Japan
• Loma Linda, California
• Costa Rica’s isolated Nicoya Peninsula
• Ikaria, an isolated Greek island

There may be unidentified areas in the world that could also be Blue Zones. We have not stumbeled upon it as of now. We believed for a long time that longevity was a genetic trait. But Epi genetics clearly shows that is not true. Environmental influences, including diet and lifestyle, play a huge role in determining our lifespan.

FACTORS RESPONSIBLE FOR LONGEVITY:

Buettner identified certain common factots pertaining to their Diet and Lifestyle which are common to all blue zones.

Plant based diets:

One thing common to Blue Zones is that those who live there primarily eat a 95% plant-based diet. Although most groups are not strict vegetarians, they only tend to eat animal products around five times a month. Diets in the Blue Zones are typically rich in Vegetables, Beans, Nuts and Seeds, Whole grains all of which can help reduce the risk of death.

Mindful eating and Fasting:

Eating mindfully regulates the calorie intake according to body’s requirements.

Okinawans tend to follow the 80% rule, which they call “hara hachi bu.” This means that they stop eating when they feel 80% full, rather than 100% full.This prevents them from eating too many calories, which can lead to weight gain and chronic disease.A number of studies have also shown that eating slowly can reduce hunger and increase feelings of fullness, compared to eating rapidly.

Fasting intermittently is also common in the blue zones.

Periodic fasting appears to be beneficial for health.For example, Icarians are typically Greek Orthodox Christians, a religious group that has many periods of fasting for religious holidays throughout the year.

Movement:

In the Blue Zones, people don’t exercise purposefully by setting aside a particular exercise hour Instead, it is built into their daily lives through gardening, walking, cooking and other daily chores. A study of men in the Sardinian Blue Zone found that their longer life was associated with raising farm animals, living on steeper slopes in the mountains and walking longer distances to work. Constant movement throughout the day seems to be the key for longevity.

Sleep:

People in Blue Zones get sufficient sleep. Seven hours of sleep at night and naps of no more than 30 minutes during the day may help reduce the risk of heart disease and death.

Living in a tribe:

In many Blue Zones, grandparents often live with their families. Studies have shown that grandparents who look after their grandchildren have a lower risk of death.

Stress reduction:

Blue zone inhabitants apply many rituals to de-stress on a regular basis like Loma Linda  people turn to prayer, Ikarians nap, while Sardinians rely on food and drink.

Purposeful living:

People who live with a purpose in mind always tend to live longer. The positive outlook protects them psychologically. It is called “ikigai” in Okinawa or “plan de vida” in Nicoya.

Spiritual:

Blue Zones are typically spiritual communities. A number of studies have shown that being religious is associated with a lower risk of death. This may be due to social support and reduced rates of depression.

For more information log on to Buettner’s website, aptly named bluezones.com, which is an entire site dedicated to revealing Buettner’s findings and posting daily developments in the field.

MY TAKE:

When I look at the common factors which enable the blue zones to lead long and healthy lives, I am perplexed. If we rewind 30 to 40 years back many people around us actually lived by the the factors listed above. They lived to their 90s with great health and vitality. You must have witnessed the same with relations near you. The tsunami of chronic diseases is a recent phenomenon when we have adopted a processed diet and fast paced lifestyle.

IT IS TIME TO GET BACK TO OUR ROOTS.