Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Do you want to live longer? Then eating five cuisines from Greece, Japan, Sardinia, California and Costa Rica may help you just do that. According to the Blue Zones project, a good number of centenarians can be found in some communities in these countries. Chronic disease was also not a problem among the elderly. According to a CNN report, the food that people eat in these places may be one of the reasons for longer life expectancy. Wholegrain, vegetables, fiber and protein – mostly coming from fish are the common ingredients across cuisines. Natural and unprocessed food is another common factor. Locally Produced, Fresh Food In Okinawa, Japan, living so close to the ocean gives easy access to seafood, primarily fish, as a main source of protein. A lot of local vegetables and even seaweeds are also available. Most meals are a combination of vegetables and protein, and usually stir-fried. When meat is used, it is used as just one of the many ingredients in a dish. Goya Chanpuru, an Okinawan dish. Photo by Nesnad via Wikimedia Commons. For people in Ikaria, Greece and Sardinia, Italy, being physically active (working in the farm) and eating a diet that is “rich in fish, vegetables, and wholegrain with moderate alcohol” keeps them healthy and live longer. Their concept of small plates or “tapas” helps them eat in moderation. This Mediterranean diet is said to help lower the risk of cardiovascular diseases. The Mediterranean diet. Photo by G.steph.rocket via Wikimedia Commons Eating Early, And Just Enough In the Nicoya peninsula, Costa Rica, people ate their meals early. The amount of food they take also matters: by taking in just enough food to get them through the day. Their diet consists of tubers such as yams, local potatoes and beans, with a little meat for protein. Spices For Flavor And More Spices are ever present not only in the Mediterranean diet, but also in Asian cuisines. Some spices are widely used for their herbal properties, while others are mainly used to flavor dishes mainly of vegetables and wholegrain. In Asian cuisines, turmeric and ginger are not only known for their distinct flavor but also for their anti-inflammatory properties. All Natural And Unprocessed The last community in Loma Linda, California is a community of Seventh-Day Adventists who follow a strict “low-fat, vegan diet.” Their protein mainly comes from beans and legumes. They also eat a lot of vegetables and drink only water. Like PilipinasPopcorn on Facebook for more updates. To send feedback or contribute your stories, email editor@pilipinaspopcorn.com. Facebook Comments
