If you want to maximize longevity, it makes sense to follow the habits of the longest-lived people in the world.
As you probably know, the Blue Zones are the places around the world where people have historically lived the longest.
Dan Buettner discovered the Blue Zones more than 20 years ago and has extensively studied the eating and living habits contributing to exceptional longevity.
He found 9 common lifestyle habits across all of the Blue Zones, with food arguably playing the largest role in their longevity. As Buettner says, “Food may be the best starting point for anyone seeking to emulate the health, longevity, and well-being found in the world’s Blue Zones.”
Drawing upon decades of research, Buettner found these to be the best-of-the-best longevity foods, consumed regularly in all of the Blue Zones (it is recommended to eat at least 3 of these daily to reap the maximum longevity benefits):
- Beans (black beans, pinto beans, garbanzo beans, black-eyed peas, lentils)
- Greens (spinach, kale, chards, beet tops, fennel tops, collards)
- Sweet Potatoes
- Nuts (almonds, peanuts, walnuts, sunflower seeds, Brazil nuts, cashews)
- Olive Oil (green, extra-virgin olive oil is healthiest)
