Blue zones are regions\nof the world where it is believed that people live longer, healthier lives due\nto culture, diet and environmental factors. As processed foods and hectic\nlifestyles envelop the world, chronic diseases are on the rise despite us\nliving in arguably the healthiest era of humanity to date.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Defined as being homes\nto some of the world\u2019s oldest people, the term \u201cblue zones\u201d was first coined by\nauthor Dan Buettner who was studying people with exceptionally long lives. In\nthe book, \u201cThe Blue Zone Solution\u201d, he identifies five regions in Europe, Latin\nAmerica, Asia and the U.S. where there are not only the highest concentrations\nof centenarians in the world, but also clusters of people who had grown old\nwithout health problems like heart disease, obesity, cancer, or diabetes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The zones identified\nin his book include Ikaria, Greece; Loma Linda, California, USA; Sardinia,\nItaly; Okinawa, Japan; and Nicoya, Costa Rica. And while these five blue zones\nare most famous, there are many other hotspots around the world with\nexceptional longevity. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Although a lot of\nfocus is put on the primarily plant-based diets of those living in blue zones \u2013\nwith as much as 95 per cent of daily food intake coming from vegetables,\nfruits, grains, and legumes \u2013 there is also a significantly high level of\nphysical activity, as well as low-stress levels, robust social connections and\na strong sense of purpose in each location. <\/p>\n\n\n\n