The diets enjoyed in the ‘Blue Zone’ are attracting attention. The Blue Zone refers to an area where many people live to be over 100 years old. △Sardinia in Italy △Okinawa in Japan △Ikaria in Greece △Nicoya in Costa Rica △Loma Linda in California, USA are among the world’s top five blue zones.
On the 7th (local time), the American health media Itdis Not That said, “Even though the food culture may not be the same as the different lifestyles in each region, common eating habits were found.” On the other hand, limit intake of processed foods and sugar.” The media then listed the foods that are often eaten in the blue zone and explained the efficacy.
First of all, according to the American Life Medicine Journal, it was found that oats, quinoa, and brown rice are often consumed in the blue zone. Whole grains help manage blood sugar and lower cholesterol compared to refined grains. In addition, because it is rich in nutrients, including calcium that helps the pancreas secrete insulin, it is known to be positive in managing the risk of type 2 diabetes.
Avocado, famous as a healthy fruit, contains a large amount of unsaturated fatty acids, including protein, minerals and vitamins. Previously, as a result of a six-month experiment conducted by a research team in the United States, the total cholesterol and low-density cholesterol levels were significantly reduced in the group that consumed avocados every day. Another study found that people who ate one avocado at least once a week had a 16% lower risk of cardiovascular disease than those who ate less or none at all.
ⓒGetty Image BankBeans are not missing from most Blue Zone tables. In particular, it was found that Ikaria, Greece, enjoys peas, and Costa Rica’s Nicoya region, enjoys eating black beans. The scientifically proven direct effect of soybeans is to lower cholesterol levels in the blood vessels. It is also said to be good for cancer prevention, diabetes management, and heart health.
Garlic, known to be good for immunity, is rich in allicin. Allicin is a component that helps the absorption of vitamin B. It facilitates energy metabolism and has excellent antiviral effects. According to a British study, subjects who were given garlic extract for 12 weeks had a two-thirds less chance of getting a cold compared to a control group. It is also known to help prevent diabetes and cardiovascular disease.
In addition, anti-inflammatory foods such as olive oil and tomatoes were mentioned. Oleocanthal, a chemical in olive oil used primarily in the Mediterranean diet, helps reduce inflammation. Tomatoes are also rich in lycopene, an antioxidant. In particular, studies have shown that cherry tomatoes contain more beta-carotene, which is effective in lowering the risk of tumors related to prostate cancer.
Source: Donga
Mark Jones is a world traveler and journalist for News Rebeat. With a curious mind and a love of adventure, Mark brings a unique perspective to the latest global events and provides in-depth and thought-provoking coverage of the world at large.