What are Zones In The World?

The term “Blue Zone” refers to the world’s five regions with the highest longevity, and was first coined by Italian epidemiologist and physician Gianni Pez to refer to the Italian island of Sardinia. In 2000, Gianni Pes and Belgian demographer Michel Poulain published a paper in an international journal on the results of a longevity study using demographic methods in Sardinia.

• The World’s Blue Zones

Pess and Pooran drew concentric blue circles on their map highlighting villages with high longevity, and called the area inside these circles the Blue Zone. National Geographic writer and adventurer Dan Beutner then expanded the geographical term to include areas with statistically the longest lifespans in the world: Okinawa, Japan; Loma Linda, California; Nicoya, Costa Rica, and Ikaria, Greece, have been added to the Blue Zone.

The November 2005 issue of National Geographic magazine featured a special feature entitled “The Secrets of Living Longer,” and the cover featured a long-living man doing a handstand on Naminoue Beach in Naha City, Okinawa Prefecture. In 2008, “The Blue Zones: 9 Rules for Longevity Learned from Centenarians Around the World” (authored by Dan Beutner) became the best-selling business book in the United States. The Blue Zones have become known all over the world

What is Blue Zone?

Many people may be hearing the term “Blue Zone” for the first time. The Blue Zone has been attracting a lot of attention in the last 20 years or so. There seems to be some hints to help us stay healthy.

A place where many people live long lives

Blue zones are areas where many people live long lives (over 100 years old). The initiative was founded by American scholar Dan Buettner, who has been researching longevity around the world for many years, and identified five regions in the world with the highest proportion of longevity as “Blue Zones.”

It has also been shown that people living in blue zones not only live longer, but also have lower rates of cancer and heart disease.

Researchers who have actually visited the Blue Zone say that the lifestyle of the people living there has a positive impact on their longevity and health. It turns out that the eating habits and interactions with people that are commonplace for people living in the Blue Zones are actually the secret to a long life.

Japan’s average life expectancy is one of the highest in the world

The average life expectancy in Japan in 2021 is 81.47 years for men and 87.57 years for women. Although it is shorter than last year due to the effects of the new coronavirus, the country has the third-highest average life expectancy for men and the longest average life expectancy for women in the world.

Japan’s high level of medical care and high awareness of health are said to be the reasons why Japan has such a long life expectancy.

Furthermore, Japanese food is nutritionally balanced, and is characterized by a good intake of beans and vegetables. For us Japanese people, eating Japanese food is not something special, but it may actually be a natural way to have a healthy diet.

Top 5 Blue Zones In The World

Here We are showing World 5 blue zones map:

5 blue zones around the world

Currently, there are five regions in the world called Blue Zones. If you look at the characteristics of each, there are some interesting similarities. Here we will introduce how to spend your time in such Blue Zone areas.

1. Sardinia Island [Italy]

Blue Zone in Italy Sardinia:

Sardinia is the second largest island in the Mediterranean Sea, approximately 50 minutes by plane from Italy’s capital Rome. It is the region with the highest number of men over 100 years old in the world, and is also the birthplace of the Blue Zones. Surrounded by the beautiful sea, it is a popular area as a luxury resort area.

Sardinia is characterized by its thriving sheep farming. Due to their work as shepherds, many of them are physically active, which is the key to their longevity. It is also said that the custom of eating “pecorino cheese” made from sheep’s milk is one of the reasons for its good health.

Furthermore, people in Sardinia follow a plant-based diet, and only eat meat on Sundays or during special celebrations. There are no forced dietary restrictions, and healthy eating habits have taken root throughout the region.

2. Okinawa [Japan]

Blue Zone in Japan:

In fact, there are blue zones in Japan, where we live. Okinawa is known for its beautiful sea and relaxing time. It is famous as a region in Japan with a long life expectancy.

The secrets to longevity are said to be the ideas of “nankuru naisaa” (something will happen) and “yumaaru” (helping each other). Positive thinking, such as not dwelling on things forever and helping those in need, may give you peace of mind.

Okinawa’s food culture is also one of the reasons for its health. Eating foods such as bitter gourd, mozuku, island tofu, and pork on a daily basis allows us to have a naturally well-balanced diet. Drinking awamori, also known as “the head of a hundred medicines,” is also a custom unique to Okinawa. Enjoying drinking alcohol with relatives and neighbors is a uniquely Okinawan culture.

3. Loma Linda [USA]

Blue zones in the united states:

Blue Zones California United State of America:

Loma Linda, California, is home to the longest living population in the United States. Since there are many believers of the Seventh-day Adventist Church living here, there seem to be some characteristics of lifestyle.

His diet consists of healthy foods such as vegetables and fruits, and he has a habit of not eating meat or rich foods. In addition, many people seem to live a life such as not smoking or drinking alcohol, and taking a Sabbath day once a week to relax.

4. Nicoya Peninsula [Costa Rica]

Blue Zones Costa Rica:

Costa Rica is a country located in Central America and rich in nature. It seems that the Nicoya Peninsula has a culture called “plan de vida,” which encourages people to think positively about life. It is a region where “connections with people” are deeply rooted, such as valuing one’s family and helping each other with neighbors.

Eating tropical fruits rich in antioxidants is also the secret to maintaining a youthful body. Drinking hard water full of minerals and eating a small dinner are also part of the food culture unique to the Nicoya Peninsula.

5. Ikaria Island [Greece]

On the island of Ikaria in the Aegean Sea, one in three people is over 90 years old, and it is not uncommon for people to be over 100 years old. World-renowned for its longevity, this region is known for its Mediterranean diet, which is centered around vegetables, fruits, olive oil, whole grains, and beans.

Also, since there are many Greek Orthodox believers, the lifestyle of eating a vegan diet and fasting several times a year has taken root. This region is also characterized by the habit of taking naps and taking plenty of afternoon breaks.

Healthy food and a relaxed lifestyle without worrying too much about time may be what makes Ikaria a region of longevity.

Why Blue Zone people is  healthiest people in the world?

As research into the Blue Zones progressed, they shared a common lifestyle. Here are nine habits that aren’t difficult, but are surprisingly easy to forget.

1. Move your body

Exercise is still important to maintain a healthy body. However, that doesn’t mean people who are nearly 100 years old are doing muscle training or running every day.

It has been found that people living in blue zones have many opportunities to be physically active in their daily lives, such as “taking a walk,” “doing housework such as cleaning and cooking,” and “doing gardening.” Particularly on the mountainous island of Sardinia in Italy, the long distances traveled and the job of shepherds encourage people to be physically active.

2. Try to be stress-free

It is difficult to reduce stress to zero, but it is important to make time to relax so that your mind is as stable as possible. It seems that many people living in blue zones have a relaxed mind, taking naps and enjoying alcohol.

As the phrase “slow life” suggests, it’s a good idea to try to enjoy your daily life without being too chased by time.

3.Having a purpose in life

It’s wonderful to wake up in the morning and think, “Let’s do our best today!” It seems that people living in blue zones tend to live with a sense of purpose in life.

Don’t think too hard about your “life goals,” it’s okay to say things like “If I work hard today, I’ll eat delicious food!” By creating rewards and goals, you should be able to tackle things you don’t like in a positive way.

4. Eat plant-based foods: Blue Zones Diet and Recipe

How Make Blue Zones Eating Recipe?

Blue zones diet: It seems that many people in the Blue Zones eat a diet centered on fresh vegetables, fruits, and legumes. It is important to eat meat and fish in moderation and maintain a balanced diet.

5. Belly 8th minute

Even in the Blue Zone, especially in Okinawa, there is a high level of awareness of this 8-minute mark. Instead of eating until you are full, you can stop when you feel like you can eat a little more, which will reduce the burden on your body. Chewing your food well and eating slowly will help you feel fuller.

6. Drink wine in moderation

It may come as a surprise, but drinking alcohol in moderation can actually be good for your body. It is said that many people in blue zone areas drink one or two glasses of alcohol (especially wine) a day.

Among them, a red wine called “Sardina Cannonau” made from the Grenache variety is famous for its healthful ingredients. Enjoying wine with friends may help relieve stress.

7. Bonds with family

Take care of your partner, children, and parents, and make memories together. It seems that many people in Blue Zones believe that their family is their first priority. The more time you spend with your family, the stronger your bond with each other will be. Having people around you that you care about is important in life.

8.Have faith

Many people in Blue Zones belong to faith-based communities. Participating in worship, events, and activities can be an opportunity to connect with others.

9.Social Network

To value “connections with people.” People in Blue Zone areas seem to enjoy interacting with friends, family, school, work, and other people. Although online communication has become mainstream, it seems that face-to-face communication has a positive impact on our health.

Living while helping each other with local people can enrich your soul.

References

https://cosmosparkjn.jp/

https://prtimes.jp/

https://www.luxurycard.co.jp/