The Blue Zones

Main Ideas

• The Blue Zones are regions of the world where people live significantly longer and healthier lives than average.
• The main Blue Zones include Okinawa (Japan), Sardinia (Italy), Ikaria (Greece), the Nicoya Peninsula (Costa Rica), and Loma Linda (California, USA).
• Longevity in the Blue Zones is linked to certain habits and lifestyles, such as diet, physical activity, social connections, and spiritual practices.
• The diet in the Blue Zones is primarily plant-based, rich in vegetables, fruits, legumes, and whole grains, with low consumption of meat and processed foods.
• Physical activity in the Blue Zones is a natural part of daily life, including regular walking, gardening, and other forms of moderate activity.
• Social connections and a sense of belonging to a community play a crucial role in maintaining mental and physical health.
• A sense of purpose and spiritual practices, such as meditation, prayer, or participation in religious rituals, contribute to longevity and well-being.
• Moderation in eating and drinking, including practices like «Hara Hachi Bu» (the Japanese practice of stopping eating when the stomach is 80% full), helps maintain a healthy weight and prevent diseases.