| It is a widely-held idea (particularly in Asian | | | | very little seafood. People in Sardinia, Italy, are not |
| countries) that noodles symbolize long life. Thus, | | | | likely to stint on their food intake, while in (again) |
| noodle dishes are often served at special | | | | Okinawa, it is more traditional to eat only until one |
| occasions as a sort of generalize well-wishing to all | | | | is mostly (but not completely) full. |
| the participants. It is probably going too far to | | | | However, there are some characteristics that |
| assume that these people believe that eating long | | | | appear to be common across the board. To begin |
| noodles will actually make you live longer. | | | | with, meat does not tend to feature heavily in |
| However, research into longevity supports the | | | | the cuisine of such places. Vegetables, fruits, and |
| idea that what you eat has a significant impact on | | | | whole grains tend to make up the bulk of the diet. |
| how long you live. It is possible to adjust your | | | | Cooking often utilizes vegetable oils, such as olive |
| cooking and eating habits in order to not only live | | | | oil. Sugar and fat are kept to a minimum. If we |
| longer, but remain healthy as you get older. | | | | go beyond the "blue zone" diets-which may be |
| Longevity researchers have named certain parts | | | | hard to procure for people living elsewhere, we |
| of the world "blue zones." These are areas where | | | | can still implement the same general guidelines, |
| people not only tend to live a long time | | | | even if we do not use the exact same |
| (centenarians often come from these areas) but | | | | ingredients. |
| are still active and mentally lucid at an age when | | | | Still, it must be understood that diet alone will not |
| their contemporaries elsewhere can no longer | | | | be enough to let your health reach its full potential. |
| take care of themselves. It has been noted that | | | | A relatively active lifestyle is also important. No, |
| people in these zones tend to have significantly | | | | this does not mean that you suddenly have to |
| different diets as compared to people in | | | | turn into a gym rat or sports buff. Rather, small |
| surrounding areas. For instance, one of the blue | | | | changes implemented regularly can make a big |
| zones is Loma Linda, California, which contains a | | | | difference. For instance, you should try walking |
| large community of Seventh-Day Adventists. Far | | | | short distances, instead of driving or taking rides |
| from adhering to the "usual" American diet, which | | | | everywhere. Walking or jogging for fun can also |
| is rich in fast food and "instant" meals, this | | | | be very relaxing, and the resulting drop in your |
| particular religious community sticks to a diet plan | | | | stress level is another factor that can lead to long |
| based on the food described in the Bible. | | | | life. |
| Of course, not every blue zone has the same | | | | If you do what you can to eat healthier, you can |
| common or traditional diet. For instance, | | | | live a longer, better life, no matter where you live |
| Okinawans eat a great deal of fish, while the | | | | or what your budget happens to be. |
| inhabitants of mountainous Icaria, Greece, eat | | | | |