News Report:
Ikaria Island in Greece is one of the rare longevity hotspots in the world, also known as a “blue zone.” Residents on the island typically live 8 to 10 years longer than Americans and have a low incidence of dementia. Experts attribute this to their strict adherence to the Mediterranean diet and love for two key beverages.
American longevity expert Dan Buettner has identified five regions with high populations of centenarians as “blue zones.” Apart from Ikaria Island, these areas include Okinawa in Japan, Sardinia in Italy, Nicoya Peninsula in Costa Rica, and Loma Linda in California, USA.
Buettner wrote in his “blue zone” blog that on Ikaria Island, with a population of around 10,000, residents live 8 to 10 years longer than Americans, have half the rate of heart disease, lower rates of cancer, and notably, almost no cases of dementia.
In the United States, if you are over 85 years old, there is a high chance of developing Alzheimer’s disease, the most common form of dementia. However, on Ikaria Island, the risk of developing the disease is less than 10%. People remain sharp and healthy until the end of their lives.
Buettner stated that residents on Ikaria Island follow the strictest form of the Mediterranean diet globally. Like others who follow this diet, they consume a lot of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, red wine, and olive oil, with minimal intake of fish and meat, and high consumption of vegetables.
Ikaria Island residents regularly consume around 100 types of wild and garden vegetables like mustard greens, chicory, fennel, etc. These vegetables contain artery-protecting antioxidants ten times that of red wine.
Additionally, Buettner mentioned that Ikaria Island residents enjoy drinking herbal teas and coffee, which reduce the risk of developing dementia.
He explained that the teas consumed daily on the island are made from plants found around homes, gardens, and in the wild, such as oregano, dandelion, sage, and rosemary.
Buettner stated, “These teas not only have anti-inflammatory properties but also act as gentle diuretics. Diuretics are often the first line of medication used by doctors to diagnose high blood pressure.”
He added, “Diuretics help lower blood pressure, assist the kidneys in excreting sodium, and help maintain clean and wide arteries, making blood flow easier.”
A study published in the journal Neurology by Johns Hopkins University confirmed that the use of diuretics can reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s disease by nearly 75%.
In his podcast “Live Well Be Well,” Buettner also discussed that Ikaria Island residents consume large amounts of coffee.
A 2010 study revealed that caffeine helps prevent dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. Drinking 3 to 5 cups of coffee daily in midlife is associated with a 65% reduced risk of developing dementia and Alzheimer’s disease in later years.
In addition to the Mediterranean diet and herbal teas and coffee, factors that contribute to the health and longevity of Ikaria Island residents include natural ways of exercising and social interactions.
Buettner mentioned in his blog, “Ikaria is a mountain village. Residents have to climb slopes almost every time they go shopping or visit friends, resulting in regular, low-intensity physical activity throughout the day.”
He highlighted that Ikaria residents avoid the sedentary lifestyle common in America. Many Americans believe they can sit in the office or in front of the TV all day and compensate with 30 minutes of exercise at the gym.
Regarding social interactions, Ikaria residents participate in festivals, church events, and celebrations. If you don’t engage in such activities, your neighbors will check on you. Compared to Americans, Ikaria residents are less likely to experience loneliness and depression. Those who experience depression have a 50% higher risk of developing dementia.
Buettner concluded that to avoid Alzheimer’s and dementia, one should not rely on miracle drugs or wait until the age of 80 to improve their lifestyle.
Starting from now, adopting these simple lifestyle habits will significantly reduce the risk of developing Alzheimer’s and most other common chronic diseases.