Sardinia, an island off of the coast of Italy, is a place where scientists have been trying for years to discover why the residents live such long lives. The Melis family was recognized by Guinness World Records in 2012 for having the world’s oldest combined age in a family, nine elderly siblings equaling 818 years! To Alfonso […]
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The people of Okinawa, an island a thousand miles south of Japan’s main landmass, are known for their longevity. This Pacific archipelago has been referred to by early Chinese expeditions as the land of the immortals. Nine lessons from the Okinawans Buettner believes help them live long, happy lives: Stay active-Older Okinawans are active walkers […]
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“The Blue Zones”, a result of the longevity research project funded by National Geographic, outlines the diets, healthy habits, and cultural values of identified long-lived groups. Diet does tend to be the entrance ramp for better health according to Dan Buettner. In addition he reports, “None of the spry 90 and 100 year-olds I met […]
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An article in the Seattle Times by Carrie Dennett, RDN entitled “How to Eat Mindfully at the Holidays” had some great suggestions as we head into the holiday season. Use all of your senses and choose food that is both satisfying and nourishing. honor hunger-do not be ravenous before you eat stay nourished-schedule regular meals and […]
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Nicoyan’s descend mostly from the Chorotega Indians. Diet plays a large role in their longevity. They ate a low-calorie, low-fat plant-based diet rich in legumes like the residents of most of the other Blue Zones. Traditionally they lived off beans, corn tortillas, and large quantities of tropical fruits. The secret of the Nicoyan diet was […]
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Seventh-day Adventist is a branch of Christianity whose members live longer than any other Americans. These conservative Protestants do not smoke, drink, or dance and follow a biblical diet of grains, fruits, nuts, and vegetables. The diet is plant-based and also very low in sugar, salt, and refined grains. Small amounts of meat, dairy, and […]
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While Okinawa has the longest-lived women, Sardinia, Italy has the longest-lived men. It too is an isolated island and although most men’s job is tending to their sheep, in the past they did not eat much meat. A Sardinian centenarian explains their longevity to clean air, locally produced wine or as another suggests, making love […]
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I have blogged about The Okinawa Plan and continue to be amazed so many Okinawans live to the age of 100. Before 1940, over 60 % of the calories Okinawans consumed came from one food-the imo or Okinawan sweet potato. Three foods in their diet during those early days, included sweet potato, turmeric, and seaweed […]
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Each Blue Zone group enjoys longevity and health due to a combination of factors including what they eat, physical environments, routines and a sense of purpose. Ikaria is a remote island and the residents have stuck to their traditions and avoided the modern western diet. Food seems to be the key factor to a Blue […]
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Today is Veterans Day, November 11, 2016. When I was back in Peoria visiting my family, I captured photos of this flag along the riverfront. The contrast of the stars and strips waving in the breeze against the blue sky captured my attention. The flag reminded me of you Mark. I just want you to […]
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