4 min read
Anti-Aging Superfoods from the Okinawa Diet, Sardinian Diet, and Ikarian Diet
Okinawa, Japan
Even in ancient times, the Okinawan Islands were referred to as “the land of the immortals.” They eat a mostly plant-based diet with lots of seaweed, tofu, and sweet potato. The Okinawans even have an eating mantra: hara hachi bu, which means eat until you are 8/10th of the way full.
(Source: iamafoodblog.com)
The Okinawa Diet
Seaweed
Not only is seaweed full of good things like iron and calcium, it also contains strong antioxidants that are found only in sea plants. Beyond being a yummy ingredient in miso soup, seaweed is used for anti-aging products and is also found in popular creams like La Mer’s famously expensive skincare cream.Okinawan Sweet Potato
Cousin to our orange sweet potato, the purple Okinawan sweet potato is one of the healthiest foods in the world. It contains a plethora of nutrients like flavonoids, carotenoids, Vitamin E, lycopene, and anti-aging antioxidants called sporamin.Turmeric
While you’ll find green tea in the rest of Japan, in Okinawa, turmeric tea is a big part of their diet. Research shows the spice is an anti-inflammatory superhero: it boosts collagen (perfect for beautiful skin) and alleviates symptoms of arthritis, Alzheimer’s, and digestive inflammation.Tofu
Okinawans regularly eat tofu instead of meat. Tofu is a white block of soybean curd that’s high in protein. People who choose soy-based products over meat have lower cholesterol and triglyceride levels, which means a lower risk of heart disease. Though it’s hard to say no to a juicy steak, this might make us reconsider meatless mondays.Sardinia, Italy
We’ve always dreamed of moving to a remote town in Italy à la Under the Tuscan Sun, and once we found out about the food, we love the idea even more! Sardinian cuisine is built around cheese, wine, and bread (hallelujah), but these aren’t the same varieties found at your neighborhood Olive Garden. Local ingredients grown on the island add anti-aging properties to these delicacies.
(Source: iamafoodblog.com)
The Sardinian Diet
Cannonau Wine
Locals drink three to four small glasses of this indigenous drink, made from 99% Sardinian grenache grapes. Almost every local, from the farmer to the baker, has a small plot of land to grow grapes and make their own Cannonau wine. In moderation, wine can be a healthy indulgence, and a great addition to your diet, since it prompts the body to absorb more flavonoids (a type of antioxidant). We’ll take this as proof that our one-glass-a-night habit is totally good for us.Sourdough Bread
The Sardinians use live lactobacilli rather than yeast to make the sourdough rise. During this process, the sugar is converted into lactic acid, which lowers the bread’s glycemic score, making it the perfect indulgence for those who are trying to keep their blood sugar down.Flat Bread
More bread? We’ll take it! This high-protein bread can last up to a year and has a low-to-medium glycemic score, which means it won’t raise blood sugar. Looks like you don’t need to kick out ALL bread from your diet!Goat’s Milk
Almost all of the Blue Zone diets consume small amounts of dairy. In Sardinia (and also in Ikaria), the locals consume dairy made from goat’s milk. This drink has less lactose, which makes it easier to digest and it doesn’t contain the unwanted hormones or antibiotics that are usually found in cow’s milk. As an added bonus, goat’s milk also boosts serotonin (a mood-stabilizing chemical in the body), which helps fight depression.Ikaria, Greece
On this tiny island in the middle of the Mediterranean, 1 in 3 people make it past their 90th birthday. This is partially thanks to an unprocessed diet that consists of organic produce picked from their gardens, and an abundance of beans, bread, goat’s milk, and red wine.
(Source: juliagartland.com)
Comments
4 comments
Leave a comment