The island where people live up to a hundred years
Ikaria is one of the world's five "Blue Zones," which refer to regions where people have a significantly higher rate of centenarians.
The small Greek island in the eastern Aegean Sea has a permanent population of just over 8,000.
It has a lower rate of chronic disease than many other places.
Its population is one of the few places in the world where its residents live the longest, in terms of average life expectancy.
In fact, a third of Ikarians live beyond 90 years.
Strong social and family ties, regular exercise, and adequate sleep are believed to be the reasons why the islanders live to be centenarians.
Another important factor is their diet. That is, what kind of food they eat.
The Mediterranean diet is well known for being healthy.
This diet is similar to the Ikarian diet. It also includes healthy fats, lots of fiber, and nutritious foods.
This diet is largely plant-based. It is rich in nuts, potatoes, legumes, vegetables, grains, and seeds. The main source of fat is olive oil.
Yogurt, cheese, fish, poultry, and red wine are eaten in moderation. Red meat is eaten in very limited quantities, a few times a month.
It has been found that following such rules reduces the risk of many diseases.
The underlying causes of diseases like heart disease, stroke, diabetes, high cholesterol, obesity, and high blood pressure are reduced.
A Greek-American chef named Diane Kochilas has recently written a cookbook. The name is - The Ikaria Way.
In her new book, Chef Diane Kochilas has given a 'plan' in the light of the island's inhabitants' food. Here is advice for those who want to bring the Mediterranean style to their feet.
The book focuses on two questions: how to keep the body healthy "without hurting the mind" and how to cook.
She finds the answers to these questions by inspiring the simple and slow-paced life of the island, which is peaceful and relaxing. Where people bond around the dining table.
The book talks about a variety of foods.
It includes light meals like yogurt, cucumber and walnut soup, snacks, and recipes for dinners for large or medium-sized groups, as well as recipes for grilled peaches and arugula salad with cheese; Spicy beans roasted in red wine; dishes like pistachio-raisin polava.
0 Comments