The Secret to Longevity

People Over 100 Years Old

In a study published in the National Geographic magazine in 2005, researchers identified specific regions around the world where people over 100 years old were notably concentrated. Upon examining these regions, they discovered that the inhabitants shared certain common habits. These regions, known as "Blue Zones," are as follows:

• Loma Linda - USA
• Sardinia - Italy
• Ikaria - Greece
• Okinawa - Japan
• Nicoya Peninsula - Costa Rica

Intrigued by these Blue Zones, you might be wondering about the common habits. Let's take a closer look together.

The Secret to Longevity: Habits

• Healthy and Balanced Nutrition: Similarities in dietary habits include the consumption of legumes and high soy. People in Blue Zones generally follow a plant-based diet. Their protein intake is not predominantly from red meat but rather from white meat and even plant sources. These individuals have consciously or unconsciously prioritized the most effective plant-based protein sources in their lives, such as legumes. Legumes are not only rich in protein but also in galactooligosaccharides, prebiotics essential for a healthy gut. Therefore, legumes are a suitable option for meeting daily fiber needs due to their rich fiber content.
• Physical Activity: Sunlight exposure, gardening, regular exercise, and other physical activities are common in Blue Zones. The key here is "regular" physical activity—not too low-intensity, not too high-intensity, but "regular." Exposure to sunlight may also enable them to synthesize vitamin D effectively. Vitamin D deficiency is associated with various diseases, depression, and even cancer.
• Spiritual Values: Perhaps the most interesting aspect is the spiritual values of these people. They often share meals with their families and have a tradition of gathering for meals every Sunday due to their religious beliefs. They feel loved, belong to a group, and know that they can seek help when needed. They experience less time pressure against time, are less exposed to chronic stress, and may have non-office jobs. Their culture is isolated, they are content with themselves, and they do not feel the need for more.
• Antioxidants: They also have a diet rich in antioxidants. Turmeric, containing the organic compound "curcumin," has antioxidant, antidiabetic, and anticancer effects. There are even studies suggesting that it extends lifespan in experimental animals. It seems that it doesn't only extend lifespan in experimental animals:) High-polyphenol wine is also rich in antioxidants. Red wine also contains a powerful antioxidant compound called "resveratrol." However, these antioxidant substances are present in only about 3%, so regular consumption or supplementation is necessary.

In summary, the World Health Organization summarizes this lifestyle of longevity in its definition of health: "Health is not merely the absence of disease and infirmity but a state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being."

Take care of yourself; there is only one of you.

Spc. RD. Edanur Serçe

Dietitian and Healthy Nutrition Specialist