Sardinia, the Original Blue Zone
There are five areas in the world identified as Blue Zone ares. One of these is located on the idyllic island of Sardinia, Italy. As one of the oldest inhabited regions in Europe, this Mediterranean paradise is home to some of the longest-living people on earth! Read on to learn more about why life expectancy here is so long and why you should plan your next vacation to Sardinia.
The Longevity Factor
Experts have theorized that Sardinians’ longevity—the average man living to be 92 years old and women living to be 97—is due to their traditional diets and lifestyle. The local diet consists mainly of whole grains like wheat and barley, legumes like chickpeas, seasonal veggies like tomatoes and eggplants, wild greens like fennel and dandelion leaves, cheese made from sheep’s milk, pork sausages called porceddu (roasted over juniper wood), olive oil, wine and occasional seafood like anchovies. This “Mediterranean diet” has been linked to reducing heart disease risk factors.
Another potential factor for the locals’ longevity may be due to low levels of stress. In fact, stress was found to be nearly non-existent in a study conducted by Dan Buettner himself (the same guy who coined the term “blue zones”!). He concluded that this was partly because life on the island is largely focused around family values—with most families living close together—and a close knit sense of community. Furthermore, many locals still work in their agricultural fields well into their 70s or 80s which suggests that they remain active and engaged with life throughout their golden years.
Red Wine Consumption
Finally, another factor associated with longevity here is a high consumption of red wine – something not uncommon among most Mediterranean cultures! Studies have shown that moderate red wine consumption can reduce inflammation while also providing antioxidants which help protect our bodies from cellular damage caused by free radicals. So if you’re looking for an excuse to enjoy some local vino while in Sardinia then look no further!
Sardinia is an amazing place full of interesting culture and traditions—not to mention some stunningly beautiful landscapes along its coastline! But what makes it truly special is its status as one of the Blue Zones – regions where people tend to live significantly longer than average. Whether this is attributed to its traditional diets consisting mainly of locally produced foods or its strong sense of community remains up for debate but either way it’s certainly something worth exploring! So next time you’re considering your travel plans make sure you add lovely Sardinia at the top your list – you won’t regret it!
