Explorer Dan Buettner has visited the world’s five ‘Blue Zones’ – areas where the population lives to over 100 – and one food in particular is reportedly popular in these regions
What’s the secret to living a longer life? You might think it’s all about taking supplements or rigorous exercise, but one expert believes a single food could be the answer.
Adventurer Dan Buettner has spent years studying the world’s five elusive ‘Blue Zones’ – places where people are 10 times more likely to live to 100 than anywhere else. These zones include parts of Japan, Greece, California, Italy and Costa Rica, each with their own unique lifestyles.
Recently, he highlighted a certain legume that’s popular in these areas, particularly in Europe’s Blue Zones, as potentially being the key to a long life. Research suggests this humble food could have a significant effect on blood sugar and heart health, especially important given heart disease is one of the world’s leading causes of death, according to BHF.
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“Eat lentils and I’ll see you when you’re 100 years old,” he said, according to a La Nacion report. “These humble legumes promote heart health, balance blood sugar levels, and keep you full and energised. Embrace the longevity secrets of the Blue Zones and add more lentils to your diet.”
In 2017, an academic review noted the ‘increasing scientific interest’ in lentils, due to their ‘high nutritive value, polyphenols, and other bioactive compounds’. It concluded that their high potassium content was particularly beneficial for promoting heart health and potentially preventing cardiovascular disease and obesity.
“When comparing to pulses, lentils have the highest starch content and insoluble dietary fibre content and high quantities of prebiotic carbohydrates that maintain the gut microbiota, which prevents colon-associated diseases,” the scientists wrote. “Lentils are among the cost-effective legumes, and they have lower quantities of fat, sodium and vitamin K, but a high content of potassium.”
Later, they added: “Due to their nutritional and health-promoting potential, the development of lentil-based functional food products as well as nutraceuticals should be widely promoted.”
Meanwhile, other research has claimed that lentils are far better than peas, chickpeas of beans for slashing blood pressure, according to Healthline. Its experts explained: “Furthermore, proteins in lentils may be able to block angiotensin I-converting enzyme, which normally triggers blood vessel constriction and thereby increases blood pressure.”
Aside from lentils, Blue Zone residents also recommend the ‘80% trick’ or ‘Hara Hachi Bu’ for living a longer, healthier life. Generally, this refers to eating just a small meal in the late afternoon or early evening, and only consuming this to the point of feeling ‘80% full’.
While this strategy certainly helps locals avoid unwanted ‘food coma’ sensations, Helen Bell at Help & Advice isn’t convinced it’s for everyone. Previously speaking to The Mirror, she said: “This method can help prevent overeating and support weight management, reducing the risk of obesity-related diseases.
“However, eating one meal per day might not be suitable for everyone, as nutritional needs vary. I always advise individuals to tailor their eating patterns to their own body’s requirements while maintaining a balanced diet.”
