Lot of people hope to live long lives, and it’s been claimed food can help you get there.
A recipe that’s a favourite among centenarians living in the world’s “Blue Zones” has been shared by lifestyle and cooking influencer, Jess Linnea, who posted a tantalising image of a pot brimming with wholesome ingredients.
The dish, which is said to taste just as good as it looks, was shared on her Instagram page, and is described as “delicious and packed with nutrients”.
“Blue Zone” refers to regions globally where an unusually high number of locals live to 100 or beyond. These areas have sparked interest online, with many seeking to emulate their diet and lifestyle choices to potentially enhance their own lifespan.
Notable Blue Zone areas include Ikaria in Greece, Loma Linda in California, Nicoya Peninsula in Costa Rica, Okinawa in Japan and Sardinia in Italy.
Below are the ingredients for Linnea’s nutritious creation:
- 2 tbs olive oil
- 1 tbs garlic
- 1/2 cup of celery
- 1/2 cup of carrots
- 1/2 yellow onion
- 1/2 cup of green beans
- 1/2 cup of zucchini
- 1 can of white beans
- 1 can kidney beans
- 4-6 cups of broth
- 1/2 a cup of pasta
- 1-2 cups of kale
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tbs Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tbs paprika
While each Blue Zone has its unique dietary habits, most share a common emphasis on plant-based eating, utilising a diverse range of fruits and vegetables such as peas, lettuce, spring onions and squash. These staples are rich in essential vitamins, minerals and dietary fibre – all recognised for their contribution to good health.
Research indicates that upping your fruit and vegetable intake could slash the risk of death from chronic diseases such as heart conditions and cancer, according to the National Library of Medicine. They advocate for an increased intake of these foods, stating: “These results support public health recommendations to increase fruit and vegetable intake for the prevention of cardiovascular disease, cancer and premature mortality.”
However, they acknowledge that the precise quantities needed in a diet are still uncertain. The research further notes: “Although a high fruit and vegetable intake has been recommended for prevention of cardiovascular disease and some cancers, questions remain with regard to the amounts and types of fruits and vegetables that are most strongly associated with a reduced risk of cardiovascular disease, total cancer or all-cause mortality and with regard to the burden of disease and mortality that may be attributed to a low fruit and vegetable intake.”