Secrets from the Blue Zones

Blue Zone Blue Zone SecretsSecrets

Lifestyle Longevity Lifestyle Longevity Secrets Learned Secrets Learned From the Blue From the Blue

Zones Zones

Check out the Blue Check out the Blue ZonesZones

Want to look better, feel Want to look better, feel healthier, age younger, and live healthier, age younger, and live past 100? Then check out the past 100? Then check out the Blue Zones, where this is far Blue Zones, where this is far more common than in the more common than in the United States. Five Blue Zones United States. Five Blue Zones have been identified and have been identified and include Sardinia, Okinawa, include Sardinia, Okinawa, Loma LindaLoma Linda, Icaria, and , Icaria, and Nicoya Peninsula in Costa Rica. Nicoya Peninsula in Costa Rica.

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Top three KillersTop three Killers

The top three killers of The top three killers of Americans including heart Americans including heart attack, cancer, and stroke, are attack, cancer, and stroke, are much lower here. In addition, much lower here. In addition, not only are life years not only are life years extended, but healthy life extended, but healthy life years as well. Women can also years as well. Women can also expect a much more pleasant expect a much more pleasant trip through menopause.trip through menopause.


Longevity SecretsLongevity Secrets But what do these areas from But what do these areas from

across the world have in across the world have in common? By checking out the common? By checking out the below some of the longevity below some of the longevity secrets from the Blue Zones you secrets from the Blue Zones you can find out.can find out.

These secrets to longevity involve a These secrets to longevity involve a change in lifestyle from the Blue change in lifestyle from the Blue Zones that can seem difficult at first Zones that can seem difficult at first but can have huge effects on your but can have huge effects on your health.health.


1. Family1. Family : : We say that family is everything, but We say that family is everything, but

the people in the Blue Zones truly the people in the Blue Zones truly use it as a key to longevity. Going use it as a key to longevity. Going beyond the traditional nuclear beyond the traditional nuclear family, they keep grandparents, family, they keep grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, etc. close. aunts, uncles, cousins, etc. close. Many of them are even within Many of them are even within walking distance. With such a large walking distance. With such a large support group nearby, it is no support group nearby, it is no wonder that the people of the Blue wonder that the people of the Blue Zones live longer, happier lives. Zones live longer, happier lives.

2. Purpose 2. Purpose :: If you don’t have a reason to get If you don’t have a reason to get

out of bed in the morning, you out of bed in the morning, you are not living the Blue Zone life. are not living the Blue Zone life. Whether it is a job, game, Whether it is a job, game, garden, or family to tend to, garden, or family to tend to, longevity in the Blue Zones is longevity in the Blue Zones is traced back to having a purpose. traced back to having a purpose. By both having one or more By both having one or more purposes and devoted each day purposes and devoted each day to them, life is more worth living.to them, life is more worth living.

3. Take It Down a Notch 3. Take It Down a Notch :: Keeping up with the Jones’s may be Keeping up with the Jones’s may be

an American staple of life, but it is a an American staple of life, but it is a rarity in the Blue Zones. In fact, rarity in the Blue Zones. In fact, working less hours, taking more working less hours, taking more breaks, and finding time to rest all breaks, and finding time to rest all contribute to longevity in the contribute to longevity in the region. In fact, they are often known region. In fact, they are often known to vacation much more than the to vacation much more than the typical two weeks. If you are ready typical two weeks. If you are ready to do just that, check out these top to do just that, check out these top vacation sites from vacation sites from KiplingerKiplinger..


4. Social Network 4. Social Network :: No, this does not mean your No, this does not mean your

Facebook or online role playing Facebook or online role playing friends, it means an actual social friends, it means an actual social network. Whether a sports team, network. Whether a sports team, volunteering, or even a sewing volunteering, or even a sewing circle, having lots of friends can circle, having lots of friends can lead to longevity. It also gives lead to longevity. It also gives you purpose and something to you purpose and something to look forward to. If you need help look forward to. If you need help getting started try getting started try Volunteer MatchVolunteer Match or the or the YMCAYMCA..

5. Believe 5. Believe :: Believing in God and having a Believing in God and having a

spiritual life is an important spiritual life is an important longevity secret from the Blue longevity secret from the Blue Zones. Not only does it give a Zones. Not only does it give a purpose, but also a sense of purpose, but also a sense of community and belonging. The community and belonging. The power of prayer has also been shown power of prayer has also been shown to have positive health effects. If you to have positive health effects. If you need help exploring your own need help exploring your own religion or learning about a new one, religion or learning about a new one, you can visit a site like you can visit a site like BeliefnetBeliefnet..

6. The Family Dinner 6. The Family Dinner :: Not just a staple for family oriented Not just a staple for family oriented

sitcoms, the family dinner can sitcoms, the family dinner can actually have longevity benefits. Not actually have longevity benefits. Not only does everyone share in only does everyone share in preparing, eating, and cleaning after preparing, eating, and cleaning after a meal, but since the food is a meal, but since the food is prepared at home, no extra additives prepared at home, no extra additives or anything harmful make it into the or anything harmful make it into the food. To get more help for preparing food. To get more help for preparing and sharing visit and sharing visit herehere for tips, clips, for tips, clips, and challenges from TV Land.and challenges from TV Land.

7. 7. Give In To Snack AttacksGive In To Snack Attacks : :

Because people from the Blue Zone Because people from the Blue Zone snack regularly, they are able to eat snack regularly, they are able to eat less throughout the day. Those who less throughout the day. Those who starve themselves between meals starve themselves between meals are more likely to eat more and less are more likely to eat more and less healthy. This site has loads of help healthy. This site has loads of help for all kinds of snack lovers for all kinds of snack lovers including couch potato, soda, and including couch potato, soda, and the 3 o’clock slump. If you need to the 3 o’clock slump. If you need to know which snacks to stay away know which snacks to stay away from, click from, click herehere..


8. 8. Knowing is Half the BattleKnowing is Half the Battle : : Because Americans and most of the Because Americans and most of the

world outside the Blue Zones don’t world outside the Blue Zones don’t know where our food comes from or know where our food comes from or what’s in it, it’s time to learn. Find what’s in it, it’s time to learn. Find out how much damage that out how much damage that morning latte or lunch morning latte or lunch cheeseburger is doing by visiting a cheeseburger is doing by visiting a site like Calorie King. Simply type site like Calorie King. Simply type in a food to get the nutritional facts. in a food to get the nutritional facts. You can also join the community if You can also join the community if you need help losing weight.you need help losing weight.


9. 9. Hara Hara HachiHachi Bu Bu : :

This Okinawan rule is also This Okinawan rule is also known as the 80 percent rule. known as the 80 percent rule. Unlike the five second rule in Unlike the five second rule in the U.S,, this rule states that the U.S,, this rule states that you should eat until 80 you should eat until 80 percent full and then stop. percent full and then stop. The reduced calories lead to The reduced calories lead to healthy weight and less stress healthy weight and less stress on your digestive system. on your digestive system.


10. 10. High Plant DietHigh Plant Diet : : No secret, we have been told for years that No secret, we have been told for years that

fruits and vegetables are an important part fruits and vegetables are an important part of any diet. And in the Blue Zones they are of any diet. And in the Blue Zones they are a not-so-well-kept secret to longevity. In a not-so-well-kept secret to longevity. In this study reported on by Dr. Mirkin, 70 this study reported on by Dr. Mirkin, 70 percent of those eating the high plant diet percent of those eating the high plant diet had normal blood pressures, compared to had normal blood pressures, compared to 45 percent on the fruits-and-vegetables 45 percent on the fruits-and-vegetables diet and 23 percent on the control diet. diet and 23 percent on the control diet. Because each plant eaten has different Because each plant eaten has different nutritional properties, it is difficult to tell nutritional properties, it is difficult to tell how much longevity to expect, but the how much longevity to expect, but the benefits can include lower risk of cancer, benefits can include lower risk of cancer, diabetes, stroke, and many others.diabetes, stroke, and many others.


11. 11. Eat ChocolateEat Chocolate : : You read that right, one of the You read that right, one of the

better longevity secrets learned better longevity secrets learned from the Blue Zones is to eat from the Blue Zones is to eat chocolate every day. In fact, chocolate every day. In fact, according to this article the according to this article the cocoa found in chocolate can cocoa found in chocolate can benefit vascular health, as an benefit vascular health, as an anti-platelet therapy, and other anti-platelet therapy, and other benefits. Be sure to get a benefits. Be sure to get a chocolate that is free of chocolate that is free of preservatives and artificial preservatives and artificial ingredients. The article has ingredients. The article has much more.much more.

12. 12. Drink Red WineDrink Red Wine : : Need something to wash down Need something to wash down

that chocolate with?that chocolate with? Then grab a Then grab a glass of red wine for both stress glass of red wine for both stress reduction and health.reduction and health. It contains It contains several antioxidants and an several antioxidants and an ingredient called resveratrol that can ingredient called resveratrol that can help in both heart health and help in both heart health and longevity. While the people of the longevity. While the people of the Blue Zones have no problem with Blue Zones have no problem with moderation, those who have or may moderation, those who have or may develop an drinking problem should develop an drinking problem should not try this secret. It is also said that not try this secret. It is also said that red wine from Sardinia is the best.red wine from Sardinia is the best.

13. 13. Green TeaGreen Tea : :

Not only did the ancient Not only did the ancient Chinese drink for health but Chinese drink for health but also for medical purposes. also for medical purposes. Naturally decaffeinated, it Naturally decaffeinated, it was used to treat headaches was used to treat headaches and more. Other diseases it and more. Other diseases it can help include multiple can help include multiple sclerosis, cancer, sclerosis, cancer, Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and others.and others.

14. 14. Sweet PotatoesSweet Potatoes : :

No longer just for No longer just for Thanksgiving, many people in Thanksgiving, many people in the Blue Zones enjoy them on a the Blue Zones enjoy them on a regular basis. They are high in regular basis. They are high in antioxidants, vitamins, and antioxidants, vitamins, and even contain unique proteins. even contain unique proteins. They are also an excellent They are also an excellent substitute for the starchy, substitute for the starchy, carbohydrate laden potatoes carbohydrate laden potatoes most people eat.most people eat.


15. 15. Pecorino Romano CheesePecorino Romano Cheese : :

If you love mozzarella or cheddar, try If you love mozzarella or cheddar, try switching it out for this cheese. It switching it out for this cheese. It contains high amounts of Conjugated contains high amounts of Conjugated Linoleic Acid, an Omega-6 Linoleic Acid, an Omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acid naturally polyunsaturated fatty acid naturally found in certain food groups, which found in certain food groups, which shows bioactive properties for humans. shows bioactive properties for humans. Benefits include a lower incidence of Benefits include a lower incidence of cardiovascular diseases, the cardiovascular diseases, the enhancement of the immune defenses, enhancement of the immune defenses, and proven anti-inflammatory and and proven anti-inflammatory and cancer-fighting properties. Goat cancer-fighting properties. Goat cheese also has similar properties.cheese also has similar properties.

16. 16. Pomegranate JuicePomegranate Juice : : It took the United States 25 It took the United States 25

million dollars in research to learn million dollars in research to learn this longevity secret already well this longevity secret already well known in the Blue Zones. known in the Blue Zones. Pomegranate juice can help heart Pomegranate juice can help heart health, prostate health, and proper health, prostate health, and proper erectile function. An excellent non-erectile function. An excellent non-alcohol alternative to red wine for alcohol alternative to red wine for containing many of the similar containing many of the similar antioxidant properties.antioxidant properties.


17. 17. Swiss ChardSwiss Chard : :

Much like Popeye’s spinach, this Much like Popeye’s spinach, this super veggie has many healthy super veggie has many healthy benefits. Known as “the root of benefits. Known as “the root of the Ancients,” even Aristotle the Ancients,” even Aristotle wrote about its properties. It wrote about its properties. It contains a great deal of vitamin contains a great deal of vitamin C, vitamin A, potassium, sodium, C, vitamin A, potassium, sodium, and calcium. These can help and calcium. These can help with digestive tract diseases and with digestive tract diseases and lower cataract risk.lower cataract risk.


18. 18. Olive OilOlive Oil : : Now that you have all of this delicious Now that you have all of this delicious

food, what to cook it with? If you live in food, what to cook it with? If you live in the Blue Zones, a staple of cooking is the Blue Zones, a staple of cooking is olive oil. The beneficial health effects olive oil. The beneficial health effects are due to both its high content of are due to both its high content of monounsaturated fatty acids and monounsaturated fatty acids and antioxidative substances. Studies have antioxidative substances. Studies have shown that olive oil offers protection shown that olive oil offers protection against heart disease by controlling bad against heart disease by controlling bad cholesterol levels while raising good cholesterol levels while raising good levels. No other naturally produced oil levels. No other naturally produced oil has as large an amount of has as large an amount of monounsaturated as olive oil -mainly monounsaturated as olive oil -mainly oleic acid.oleic acid.

19. 19. Just Do ItJust Do It : :

No longer just a commercial catch No longer just a commercial catch phrase, the secret to exercise from phrase, the secret to exercise from the Blue Zones is simply to do it. If the Blue Zones is simply to do it. If still in doubt, read this story about a still in doubt, read this story about a 97 year old man in France who still 97 year old man in France who still runs marathons. Born in 1906, this runs marathons. Born in 1906, this 2008 article reports that he still 2008 article reports that he still trains and reports to a job at a trains and reports to a job at a plumbing business every day. plumbing business every day.

20. Walk it Off20. Walk it Off : :

One of the easiest ways to exercise, One of the easiest ways to exercise, walking helps burn calories and walking helps burn calories and increase metabolism. The increase metabolism. The AARPAARP reports that walking can help reports that walking can help manage weight, control blood manage weight, control blood pressure, help the heart, and more. pressure, help the heart, and more. And of course it is better with a And of course it is better with a loved one or even large group of loved one or even large group of people.people.


21. Bicycle21. Bicycle : :

Not is it only good for the planet and Not is it only good for the planet and for keeping your gas bills down, it for keeping your gas bills down, it can also lead to longevity. People in can also lead to longevity. People in the Blue Zones are often known to the Blue Zones are often known to bicycle to the houses of family and bicycle to the houses of family and friends, the market, cafes, and more. friends, the market, cafes, and more. It is also easier on the joints, and It is also easier on the joints, and when done outdoors, can be a when done outdoors, can be a relaxing experience.relaxing experience.


22. Play More22. Play More : :

When did we lose our love of play? If you When did we lose our love of play? If you live in a Blue Zone, never. Playing with live in a Blue Zone, never. Playing with children, be it your own, nephews, or children, be it your own, nephews, or grandkids, can have health benefits for grandkids, can have health benefits for both you and them. It helps the children’s both you and them. It helps the children’s imagination, metabolism, and social skills. imagination, metabolism, and social skills. Adults also increase metabolism, burn Adults also increase metabolism, burn calories, and improve heart health, all calories, and improve heart health, all while having fun. Visit this site for loads of while having fun. Visit this site for loads of games you can play with kids of all ages.games you can play with kids of all ages.


23. Yoga23. Yoga : :

Not just for new agers, yoga is Not just for new agers, yoga is practiced by many in the Blue practiced by many in the Blue Zones for longevity. It is a key Zones for longevity. It is a key exercise because it focuses on exercise because it focuses on strength and balance without strength and balance without putting too much stress on bones putting too much stress on bones or joints. It also helps with weight or joints. It also helps with weight loss and stress reduction. There loss and stress reduction. There are also similar benefits to Tai Chi are also similar benefits to Tai Chi and meditation.and meditation.

24. Garden for Longevity24. Garden for Longevity : :

It may not sound like a traditional exercise, It may not sound like a traditional exercise, but tell that to the centurions that swear by but tell that to the centurions that swear by it. Benefits include stress reduction, low it. Benefits include stress reduction, low impact, better balance, flexibility, and impact, better balance, flexibility, and Vitamin D from the sun. Not to mention Vitamin D from the sun. Not to mention that the that the fruits, vegetables, and herbs fruits, vegetables, and herbs grown in a garden can be used to help grown in a garden can be used to help in your Blue Zone longevity dietin your Blue Zone longevity diet. If you . If you need help getting started try How Stuff need help getting started try How Stuff Works for an easy guide.Works for an easy guide.


25. Have More Sex25. Have More Sex : : Both a workout and stress reducer, sexBoth a workout and stress reducer, sex

can have many health benefits for both men can have many health benefits for both men and women. According to this article from and women. According to this article from WebMDWebMD, sex can also boost your immune , sex can also boost your immune system by giving you higher levels of an system by giving you higher levels of an antibody called immunoglobulin A or IgA, antibody called immunoglobulin A or IgA, which can protect you from getting colds which can protect you from getting colds and other infections. Other benefits include and other infections. Other benefits include better cardiovascular health, pain reduction, better cardiovascular health, pain reduction, reduced risk for prostate cancer, and more. reduced risk for prostate cancer, and more. It is recommended for couples to It is recommended for couples to partake once or twice a weekpartake once or twice a week. However, . However, as we all know, sex with the wrong person as we all know, sex with the wrong person can do more harm than good.can do more harm than good.

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Secrets from the Blue Zones