Blue zones are regions of the world
where people live longer than
average. Lower disease rates and
longer life expectancy is found in
these blue zones with diet, exercise,
and lifestyle all being contributing
factors. The five Blue Zones that have
been recognized are in Ikaria, Greece,
Okinawa, Japan, Ogliastra Region,
Sardinia, Loma Linda, California, and
Nicoya Peninsula, Costa Rica. The
longevity found in the Nicoya
Peninsula has been attributed to four
categories. Number one is having a
sense of purpose and positive outlook
or "Pura Vida", meaning that the
people want to work and contribute
for the good of their community.
Number two is to not rely on
machinery and to do things by hand,
leading to more calories burned,
daily exercise, and overall strength.
Number three is to slow down. In the
United States, we tend to overwork
and not take the time to relieve
stress. The people native to the
Nicoya Peninsula tend to work hard
in the morning hours, but take time
to enjoy themselves, laugh and
dance, and spend time with good
people to reward themselves for their
hard labor. Number four seems basic,
but drinking good water and eating
a nutrient-dense, natural grown diet
works wonders when it comes to
living a long life. Living close to the
ocean also improves productivity,
creativity, overall health, and
wellbeing. The native practices of the
people of the Nicoya Peninsula have
proven to extend lives and live
happier ones as well.
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