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Have you heard of “Blue Zones”? They are home to some of the oldest and healthiest people on the planet. These are areas of the world where people have been found to live longer, better and happier lives.
The Five Blue Zones on our Planet Include:
Okinawa Japan
Sardinia, Italy
Ikaria, Greece
Loma Linda, California
Nicoya, Costa Rica,
Nicoya, Costa Rica is way ahead when it comes to longevity. This 80-mile peninsula on Costa Rica’s Pacific Coast is known for farm-to-table food and easy-going people who seem to defy the limits of age. Not only is it common for residents to outlive the age of 100, but they thrive.
In America, 1/4000 people make it to the age of 100. Here in Nicoya, the number is 1/250.
Researchers have spent years zeroing in on why.
From the abundance of organic food, fresh produce and natural herbs to strong community ties and family support, there are many factors that come into play when considering Costa Rica’s booming quality of life. Blue Zone researchers have noticed that in Nicoya particularly, families live together under the same roof giving the oldest family members a real sense of purpose into old age. This sense of community combined with an active lifestyle could be the secret to maximizing human longevity.
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Some say the secret is in their food. Consisting of black beans, rice, plantains, papaya, pejibaye (peach palm) and homemade corn tortillas, this Mesoamerican diet is high in antioxidants, potassium, vitamins and enzymes that fight inflammation. Nothing in this list of staples, you’ll notice, is processed or contains preservatives. All these foods are locally grown and prepared fresh. Furthermore, Nicoyans are true, “early to bed, early to rise” type of people which involves a light, early dinner aiding in complete overnight digestion and cellular regeneration.
Let’s talk about healthcare. The Costa Rican government provides universal healthcare to its citizens and permanent residents (stay tuned for more on this next week). The UN even ranked Costa Rica’s public health system within the top 20 worldwide and number 1 in all of Latin America.
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So what’s it like to live in a Blue Zone?
Developing healthy habits, living a slower pace of life, and having a positive outlook is definitely easier when immersed in a diverse and stunning natural environment. Not to mention the vibrant, supportive community full of impassioned people with incredible stories. Whether it’s surfing, freediving, horseback riding, sailing, hiking, golfing, or mountain biking, Costa Rica, especially the Nicoya province, holds ample opportunity for an active lifestyle.
If you are ready to check out this coastal Blue Zone, contact us today and we’ll help set up your visit.
