Healthy Aging From “Blue Zones” Regions – Press Release
FoodTrients Shares the Secrets to Healthy Aging From “Blue Zones” Regions
Research has shown that cuisine from Blue Zone regions contributes to enhanced well-being and longevity.
As we age, the prevalence of chronic diseases is on the rise. While genetics play a role in determining lifespan and disease susceptibility, lifestyle choices exert a more significant influence. Certain regions around the globe, referred to as “Blue Zones,” have garnered attention for their remarkable attributes. Coined by author Dan Buettner during his exploration of areas known for longevity and low rates of chronic illness, the term denotes specific geographic locales where residents enjoy extended lifespans and exceptional health.
Grace O, the visionary behind FoodTrients, derives her philosophy of graceful, healthy aging from the dietary practices observed in the vibrant Blue Zone regions.
One “Blue Zone” Grace has focused on is Loma Linda, a city within San Bernardino County, California, with just over 24,000 residents. It is one of five regions in the world where the population has notably exceptional longevity. Loma Linda is a unique Blue Zone for many reasons; it is the only Blue Zone located in the U.S. and is also far less geographically isolated than the rest.
Loma Linda has one of the largest concentrations of Seventh-day Adventists in the world. Members of this religion see health as a central part of their faith. Much of the longevity of this population has been attributed to plant-based dietary habits, regular exercise, and abstinence from caffeine, smoking, and alcohol. This tight-knit community in California historically outlives the average American by ten years.
Dietary Habits
Seventh-day Adventists consume a predominantly plant-based diet and believe this diet is the original diet intended for humans. Some consume a vegan diet while others consume a vegetarian, lacto-vegetarian, or a more flexitarian version of a plant-based diet. For those that choose to consume meat, Adventists recommend consuming it in small, side-dish sized portions. In general, they consume a well-balanced diet focusing on fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, and nuts, and limit salt, sugar, herbs, and refined grains.
Embracing a “blue zone” lifestyle often involves harnessing the power of herbs and spices to elevate culinary experiences. For the California “blue zone” Grace has selected a few drought-tolerant herbs that thrive in Southern California’s climate and can be grown in any home garden. These herbs enrich dishes with their robust flavors.
- Sage: can be used to flavor oils, marinades, and pasta. It has been used in folk remedies to treat conditions like heartburn and digestive issues.
- Rosemary: can be used in the kitchen in a variety of ways – to flavor breads, soups, oils, and cookies.
- Oregano: a versatile and easy-to-grow plant, it pairs well with basil and can be used fresh or dried to flavor pasta dishes, soups, and sauces.
You don’t need to live in Loma Linda to implement longevity habits from this unique community. Consider dedicating a day, or even a couple hours one day a week, to rest. Focus on more plant-based foods in your diet and consider a vegan, vegetarian, or simply more flexitarian plan for yourself.
This is part of our 5-part series on life in the “Blue Zones,” where people live longer, healthy lives. Each part looks into the diets and lifestyles of the areas where longevity is a normal part of aging better. Who doesn’t want to know their secrets? To read the full article and learn more about blue zones, click here.
Try this delicious dessert recipe from Grace O’s Anti-Aging Dishes from Around the World cookbook utilizing elements of a Blue Zone diet and perfect for spring:
Blue Zone Ripple Flan with Berries
Serves 4-6
Ripple is a non-dairy, nut-free milk made from pea protein. It’s popular here in California and in the Blue Zone of Loma Linda. It’s available in some markets and on Amazon. With a little creativity, it can be used to make a non-dairy flan. I’ve used dark agave syrup in place of caramel for a more natural and less processed ingredient.
Benefits
Ripple non-dairy milk has half the sugar of cow’s milk but more calcium because it is fortified. It also contains protein for muscle and bone health, and omega-3 fatty acids for heart health.
FoodTrients: Disease Prevention, Strength
Ingredients
⅓ cup dark agave syrup*
2 whole eggs
6 egg yolks
2 cups Ripple Unsweetened Original non-dairy milk
½ cup coconut sugar (or monk fruit sweetener)
2 tsp. lime zest
Procedure
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
- In a pot, add the agave syrup and simmer over low heat until reduced to half. Pour into 2 metal flan molds or a 4 by 6-inch oven-proof glass baking dish. Set aside.
- In a medium bowl, mix the whole eggs and the 6 egg yolks with the milk and sugar.
- Using a fine strainer, strain the egg mixture into the molds or baking dish and sprinkle with the lime zest. Place the molds or baking dish into a deep pan.
- Fill the pan with enough water to come halfway up the side of the molds or baking dish.
- Bake for 40 minutes or until set.
- Run a knife around the inside of the molds or baking dish to free the flan and turn it out onto a serving dish. Serve warm or cold, and top with fresh berries, if desired.
Gluten-Free
*Sugar-Free if using monk fruit sweetener as the agave syrup will raise your blood-sugar level
Resources
Green, C. M. (2021, May 1). Longevity Blue Zone Centenarians: An expository paper. Inquiries Journal.
Loma Linda, California – Blue Zones. Blue Zones – Live Better, Longer. (2021, May 4).
Spector, N. (2019, April 3). What ‘blue zone’ city Loma Linda, California can teach us about living longer. NBCNews.com.
Whittaker, L. (n.d.). 7 drought-tolerant herbs: Southern California tips: Install-it-direct. INSTALLITDIRECT.
CONTACT:
Trina Kaye – Public Relations / The Trina Kaye Organization / TrinaKaye@tkopr.com / 310-963-3964
About FoodTrients
FoodTrients® is a philosophy and a resource dedicated to the foods and rejuvenating nutrients that help us fight the diseases of aging and promote longevity. All of the recipes combine modern scientific research and medicinal herbs and ingredients from cultures around the world. They’re loaded with flavor and superfoods, which promote wellness, increase energy and vitality, improve skin, and help people look and feel younger.
About Grace O
Over a span of 30 years, Grace O has built an impressive record of business achievement, community building, philanthropy, and community service in California. Guided by her spirit of entrepreneurship and building on a model of generosity learned from her family, Grace has spent a lifetime helping people heal through food and medicine. Grace launched FoodTrients.com in 2010 where she shares age-defying superfoods from around the world and creates delicious recipes with them. Grace is the author of three award-winning cookbooks—The Age GRACEfully Cookbook: The Power of FOODTRIENTS to Promote Health and Well-being for a Joyful and Sustainable Life; The Age Beautifully Cookbook: Easy and Exotic Longevity Secrets from Around the World, and the multi-award-winning Anti-Aging Dishes from Around the World.
For more information and recipes visit www.FoodTrients.com.
