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Blue Zone Diet: The Key to Longevity?

written by saranyah kannuchamy Nov 04, 2024

 The blue zone is a geographic area where the age of people residing reaches 100 ten times more often than in the United States. The blue zones include the island of Okinawa in Japan, the island of Ikaria in Greece, the mountainous region of Sardinia in Italy, and the Nicoya Peninsula in Costa Rica. The blue zone diet is a way of eating that is prominent in these regions and emphasizes consuming wholesome, plant-based foods, whole grains, lean protein, and healthy fats. This diet has been linked to healthy aging. 

The incidence of lifestyle-related diseases has been increasing at an alarming rate in recent times; research states that about two-thirds of the deaths reported worldwide are caused by non-communicable diseases like cardiovascular disease and diabetes. Adopting a blue zone diet can mitigate the adverse effects of such diseases.  

 The old-age population in this area practices certain lifestyle habits that contribute significantly to their well-being. These include family solidarity, social interaction, and physical activity, which help them maintain their physical and psychological health. Studies have shown that the traditional diet of the blue zone is also a significant contributor to their longevity and health. The Mediterranean diet, which includes fruits and vegetables, whole grains, beans, potatoes, and olive oil, is commonly followed by Ikarian individuals in the blue zone and has been found to have significant health benefits. Those who adhere to this diet experience a decrease in overall mortality, mortality from cardiovascular diseases, incidence of or mortality from cancer, and incidence of Parkinson's disease and Alzheimer's disease. 

Interestingly, the blue zone diet affects not only physical well-being but also psychological well-being. A study comparing depression rates among elderly individuals living in rural areas of the blue zone with those residing in urban regions of Sardinia found that the prevalence of depression was significantly lower in those residing in the blue zone. The higher levels of self-reported well-being were also positively correlated with improved cognition. 

So, is everything about the blue zone diet positive?

The short answer is no! A research study on vegetarians living in the Loma Linda blue zone revealed that consuming a vegetable-based diet can negatively impact sperm quality. The reason behind this is believed to be compromised membrane calcium selective channels. Even if there is a change in sperm quality, the study could not find a significant impact on fertility. This research study suggests further investigation is required to corroborate the results inferred.

 

Written by: Saranyah Kannuchamy

Edited by: Susan Egbert PharmD, Mallory Kane MD  

 

References:

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