Why “Blue Zone”?

The term “Blue Zones” refers to geographic areas in which people have low rates of chronic disease and live longer than anywhere else in the world.  The five Blue Zones are located in:

 

     1. Icaria (Greece)

     2. Ogliastra, Sardinia (Italy)

     3. Okinawa (Japan)

     4. Nicoya Peninsula (Costa Rica)

     5. Loma Linda, California (USA) -among the Seventh-day Adventist population

 

A number of studies have found that these areas contain extremely high rates of people who live much longer than average.  Interestingly, genetics only account for 20-30% of longevity.  Therefore, environmental influences, including diet and lifestyle, play a huge role in determining lifespan.

 

One thing common to Blue Zones is that those who live there primarily eat a 95% plant-based diet. A number of studies, including one in over half a million people, have shown that avoiding meat and dairy can significantly reduce the risk of death from heart disease, cancer and a number of other chronic diseases.  Instead, diets in the Blue Zones are typically rich in the following:

 

Fruits & Vegetables: Fruit and vegetables are a good source of vitamins and minerals, including folate, vitamin C and potassium. They're an excellent source of dietary fiber, which can help to maintain a healthy gut and prevent digestive problems.

 

Legumes: Beans and legumes contain antioxidants that help prevent cell damage and fight disease and aging, which is why beans are linked to longevity. The high fiber and other nutrients benefit the digestive system, and may even help to prevent digestive cancers. 

 

Whole Grains:  Whole grains are packed with nutrients including protein, fiber, B vitamins, antioxidants, and trace minerals (iron, zinc, copper, and magnesium). A diet rich in whole grains has been shown to reduce the risk of heart disease, type 2 diabetes, obesity, and some forms of cancer.

 

Nuts & Seeds: Nuts and seeds are a nutritionally rich food, containing most of the vitamins and minerals the body needs. They’re one of the main sources of ALA omega-3 fatty acids, offering a range of health benefits from reducing rheumatoid arthritis to protecting against Alzheimer’s and dementia.

 

Our goal at Body Basics Healing Center is that, together, we can create a Blue Zone right here in Española, New Mexico (USA)!

 

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Then God said, "I give you every seed-bearing plant on the face of the whole earth and every tree that has fruit with seed in it. They will be yours for food. ~Genesis 1:29