Written by Avyashi Agarwal, a grade 6 student

“Blue Zone” is a term given to geographic regions where some of the world’s oldest people live.

There are places in the world where people live up to 100 years of age. These are called Blue Zones.

Here’s how we know about this.

A New York Times-bestselling author named Dan Buettner conducted long and comprehensive research on why people live longer in some places.

Through his research, we know that there are some places in the world where people live much longer lives.

this is what we know.

There are 5 such blue zones in the world.

Why are they called ‘Blue Zones’?

This term was first used by explorer, educator, and author, Dan Buettner, who was studying areas of the world where people live exceptionally long lives.

They are called Blue Zones because when Dan and his colleagues were searching for these regions, they drew blue circles around them on a map.

The 5 Blue Zones

1. Icaria, Greece

According to research, their increased longevity is associated with their traditional Mediterranean diet.

2. Okinawa, Japan

Okinawan food staples like sweet potatoes, goya, mugwort, and soybeans keep them living long lives.

3. Sardinia, Italy

Sardinians consume a low-protein diet, which is linked to lower cases of diabetes, cancer, and early death.

4. The Seventh-day Adventists in Loma Linda, California (USA):

Some residents of this place called the Seventh-day Adventists, live longer than the average American by following a biblical diet of grains, nuts, fruits, and vegetables.

5. Nicoya Peninsula, Costa Rica

People of this region live long and healthy lives partly due to physical activity and regular socialization.

The common thread in all

If you look at the above, you’ll find one thing in common with all the Blue Zones – all these people mainly have a plant-based diet.

Author’s works

After his research on blue zones, Buettner has written and published many books on this topic like The Blue Zones, The Blue Zones Kitchen, and many more.

His 2005 cover story for National Geographic magazine, “Secrets of Living Longer,” was a finalist for the National Magazine Award.

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