blue zone diet

Epidemiology

• refers to geographic areas in which the diet emphasizes whole foods & plant-based meals that are naturally low in fat & sugar
• Blue Zones include Ikaria (Greece), Okinawa (Japan), Sardinia (Italy), the Nicoya Peninsula (Costa Rica), & Loma Linda (California)
• persons who live in a Blue Zone live longer than those who do not*
• Blue Zone populations have favorable genetics, & their communities emphasize strong family ties
  • diets that are plant based, lifestyle is active

* no evidence presented to conclude that diet plays any role in the longevity of persons living in a Blue Zone

Clinical significance

• plant-based diets are associated with reduced cardiovascular mortality relative to animal-based diets

More general terms

• plant-based diet

Patient information

blue zone patient information