What Do People Who Live to Be 100 Eat For Breakfast?
Did you know that there are five regions around the world where people frequently live to be 100? These regions are known as the “blue zones,” and the people who live there have lifestyles that incorporate exercise, active social lives and, of course, healthy diets.
It can be overwhelming to evaluate the full dietary regimens of these five regions, so let’s focus on breakfast — the most important meal of the day — to get a sense for how each location has adapted local ingredients for nutrition-fueled longevity.
Nuoro Province, Sardinia, Italy
Traditional gioddu, a goat-milk yogurt, and whole wheat bread sweetened with honey is a typical breakfast for Sardinians. The goat milk yogurt is full of omega 3 and 6, healthy fats that can support heart health and lower your triglycerides.
Okinawa Prefecture, Japan
Soy and sweet potatoes are strong favorites in Okinawan cuisine. An average breakfast may consist of bread made with purple yam and turmeric, miso soup and an array of marinated veggies and fresh fruits. Nattō, a dish made from fermented soybeans, promotes gut health and is known for reducing inflammation.
Nicoya Peninsula, Costa Rica
Gallo pinto — rice and beans — with eggs is a breakfast staple in the Nicoya Peninsula of Costa Rica. Combined with a corn tortilla and side of local fruit like papaya or banana, this meal offers plenty of fiber and protein — and is complimented with a strong cup of coffee.
Icaria, Greece
Sourdough bread with olive oil and eggs or sheep’s milk yogurt with honey, nuts and fruit are two popular breakfasts in Icaria. Though these healthy breakfast options sound delicious, many Icarians choose to skip breakfast in order to practice intermittent fasting.
Loma Linda, California
An average breakfast in Loma Linda might incorporate slow-cooked oatmeal with nuts, dates and soy milk. Add a glass of prune juice for some extra potassium and iron!
Foods to Add to Your Menu
We can’t all be centenarians — but we can incorporate some of these notable foods into our diets to improve our overall wellness. Just adding a few of these items might show results you have been looking for!
Legumes: The #1 consumed food shared by ALL of the blue zone regions, with people enjoying at least ½ cup per day.
Sweet potatoes: High in fiber and antioxidants.
Swiss chard: High in Vitamins K & A, can reduce blood pressure and combat cancer.
Goat milk: Excellent source of vitamin A, can reduce risk of cataracts and cancer.
Red wine: Keeps your heart healthy and regulates cholesterol.
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