A new Netflix documentary has left viewers vowing to change their lifestyle after watching the episodes.
The series “Live to 100: Secrets of the Blue Zones” was released on August 30 on Netflix, with its explorations motivating many viewers to start making better food choices, exercising more and exploring nature to conquer longevity, life expectancy.
The series – consisting of four 30-45 minute episodes – is presented by writer Dan Buettner, who uncovers five unique communities where people have lived for many years, including Ikaria.
All episodes are currently available on Netflix, with Buettner traveling to Okinawa, Japan in the first episode – where the island’s older residents share a “peaceful, purpose-driven lifestyle.” The author – who has already cycled the world and won three Guinness World Records – then travels to Sardinia, California and Singapore to investigate what has contributed to the remarkable longevity of those who live there.
And if you’re wondering why the term “Blue Zone” was coined by National Geographic explorer Buettner to describe places in the world where people live longer than average, apparently without nutritional supplements, strict diets or exercise rigorous. According to the Blue Zones website, its “mission” is to empower individuals to live better and longer through a study of the world’s oldest cultures.
Buettner believes that a plant-based diet can lead to a healthier, longer life, and that physical movement or light exercise during the day can contribute to longevity. At the same time, the author also claims that maintaining good relationships with family and friends can prolong life.
The general idea of the Blue Zone diet, however, is that you eat and drink what the healthiest people in the world consume.
What are the longevity secrets of centenarians
They include physical movement, having a purpose and ensuring a routine is followed to combat any stress.
People in the world’s “blue zones” also swear by the 80% rule, where they stop eating when they are 80% full.
They prefer plant foods and only eat meat about five times a month. Elsewhere, people in “blue zones” drink regularly, but never more than a glass or two of wine per day.
They put their loved ones first, have some sort of belief system, and form social circles that support their healthy behaviors.
What are the rules of the “blue belt” diet
Eat vegetable-based foods
The inhabitants of the blue zones consume an impressive variety of vegetables from the garden in season, then dry the surplus to enjoy them out of season. The best foods for longevity are leafy greens like spinach, kale, beets, turnips, and Swiss chard.
A little meat
Residents of four of the five blue zones consume meat, but sparingly, using it as a party food, as a small side dish or to flavor dishes. The ideal would be five times a month.
A little fish
Fish is eaten up to three times a week. In the blue zones of the world, in most cases the fish consumed are small and relatively cheap, such as sardines, anchovies and cod.
No dairy products
Cow’s milk is not included in the blue belt diet.
Yes to eggs
People in all blue zones eat a lot of eggs, about two to four times a week. They usually only eat one as an accompaniment to a full dish.
Beans every day
In the “Blue Zone” diet, half a cup of cooked beans is an integral part because beans dominate the blue zones.
Nuts
About two handfuls of nuts per day is the average amount consumed by more than 100 blue belts.
The best bread
People in blue zones only eat sourdough or 100% whole wheat bread.
They mostly drink water
With few exceptions, people in Blue Zones drink lots of water, coffee, tea, and wine. They never drink carbonated drinks (including diet soda).
Who is the Blue Belt diet for?
Speaking to DailyMail’s FEMAIL, sports scientist Drew Harrisberg said the diet is suitable for everyone.
“If you care about your health, environmental sustainability and animal welfare, a predominantly plant-based diet is the way of the future,” he said.
“Populations in the blue zone also have lower BMIs, indicating that they can easily maintain a healthy weight without counting calories or restricting their food intake. A plant-based diet is a particularly satiating and very nutritious way of eating. »
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