What is the Blue Zones diet in Netflix docuseries Live to 100? Key things to know

A new diet is being claimed to be the secret to a long life, to more than a 100 years. The unique diet is being talked about after the Netflix docuseries called Live to 100: Secrets of the Blue Zones released.

In the docuseries, Dan Buettner, author and National Geographic fellow, takes a look at five areas in the world – the Blue Zones – where people have the highest life expectancy. He aims to learn the secret to a healthy and long life from the people in these areas.

From what he learned from people who have lived a 100 years on this planet, Buettner created the Blue Zones diet.

Where are the Blue Zones in the world?

Buettner's five pockets or the Blue Zones are: Okinawa, Japan; Sardinia, Italy; Nicoya, Costa Rica; Icaria, Greece and Loma Linda, California, USA.

What is the Blue Zones diet?

People living in the five Blue Zones are consuming more plant-based foods. Their diet contains whole grains such as corn, wheat and rice, and also greens, sweet potatoes, and beans. They have sheep's milk cheese or goat's milk cheese.

Their diet contains very little sugar and no processed food.
These people also consume some meat, but only about five times a month. They eat fish once or twice a week only.

Benefits of the Blue Zones diet

This diet helps attain a long life, aids in weight loss and lowers cholesterol, and results in higher energy levels and attention span. These are some of the benefits of the Blue Zones diet.

FAQs

Q1. Where are the Blue Zones in the world?
A1. The five pockets or the Blue Zones where life expectancy is the highest are: Okinawa, Japan; Sardinia, Italy; Nicoya, Costa Rica; Icaria, Greece and Loma Linda, California, USA.

Q2. Do plant-based diets help in digestion?
A2. Plant-based diets help in digestion because of the fiber content. It helps reduce the risk of colon cancer and breast cancer.