The Blue Zones are five global destinations that have been identified by writer Dan Buettner as having an unusual number of people living much longer than average - often past the age of 100. And these residents enjoy supercharged wellbeing well into older age too.
It turns out that what they eat is key - and it's based on a Mediterranean diet. 'The diet is largely plant-based,' explains GP Dr Sarah Brewer. 'It combines relatively large amounts of vegetables, fruit, olive oil, fish, garlic, wholegrains, beans, nuts, seeds, bread and potatoes, a relatively low intake of red meat and a moderate consumption of red wine. It does not include large portions of pizza or pasta!"
And the beauty of it? 'It's relatively easy to start getting the health benefits,' says Dr Brewer. 'Simply eat more fruit, vegetables, beans and potatoes, plus more nuts and seeds. Select wholegrain bread and cereals. Use olive oil rather than other cooking or dressing oils. Eat more fish, and low-to-moderate amounts of dairy products and poultry. Eat only a little red meat, eggs four times a week or less, and wine in low to moderate amounts.
BOOST
Have a daily 125ml glass of orange juice, says Carrie. While fresh fruit has more polyphenol content than juice, you can't absorb it all because of the fibre content, so you'll get more from juice.' And choose shop-bought over home-squeezed.
'The extraction process is really aggressive, so you get more of the fruit, including the pith, which has the highest polyphenol content.'
Turn up the plant power
Denne historien er fra January 03, 2023-utgaven av WOMAN'S WEEKLY.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent ? Logg på
Denne historien er fra January 03, 2023-utgaven av WOMAN'S WEEKLY.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
10 OF THE BEST Buys for CHARITY
Look great and support Breast Cancer Awareness Month this October
How to HAGGLE
Save those £££s by plucking up the courage to negotiate
Your wellbeing
LATEST HEALTH SOLUTIONS FOR YOUR MIND AND BODY
Here to help
LET COUNSELLOR KEREN LIGHTEN YOUR LOAD
Good to GLOW
Plant your bulbs now for a lovely bright start to spring
Painted VASES
Prettify empty jars and bottles with this quick craft project
Escape to OXFORD
Delve into the city's rich cultural heritage for a wonderful weekend
Sail through menopause WITHOUT WEIGHT GAIN!
Middle-aged spread may seem inevitable - but it really doesn't have to be
Woodland wonders
When you go down to the woods, you'll find a whole new world teeming with life
'We should all be dancing'
Singer and actor Toyah Willcox on overcoming adversity, ageing and Strictly Come Dancing