A "Blue Zone" is a term given to geographic regions that are home to some of the healthiest people. It was a term first used by author Dan Buettner who began studying the areas in the world where people live the longest and healthiest lives.
Scientists have found only 20-30% of your genetics account for your longevity. Rather, environment, diet and lifestyle play the largest roles in determining your lifespan.
There were 5 original "Blue Zones," but since the original studies, other cities and communities have come a board. The original 5 countries are:
The people who live in these Blue Zones live until 100 and free of chronic diseases. Further, they found people who live in Blue Zones eat a diet full of plants, about 90% of them do not eat meat.
The foods most often consumed in Blue Zones are:
Exercise is part of daily life in Blue Zones. People don't necessarily go to a gym, but they have activity built into their day by walking, cooking, gardening or other daily activities.
Here's an example of food consumed by people in the Blue Zones. Below is a recipe from the Nicoya in Costa Rica, who have a healthier take on the traditional pancake. These sweet corn cakes use the sweetness in the corn and are served with honey.
Sweet Corn Cakes
