Ikaria, Greece – The Island Where They Forget About Dying
The ‘Ikaria diet’ is based on the traditional foods of the island of Ikaria, Greece, which is home to one of the world’s “blue zones” – areas where people live longer and healthier lives than average.
The Ikarian diet is a Mediterranean diet that has been associated with longevity and good health.
Throughout history, this place has been the target of Persian, Roman, and Turkish attacks which forced its residents out of its coast and into the mountains.
Results: A distinct and isolated society rich with traditions, families and long-term values. This isolation has created longevity results that have enabled studies to be conducted into why these residents live longer than the rest of the world.
The life expectancy in Ikaria is 10 years longer than anywhere else in the developed world.
Ikaria Diet – Why Is Ikaria One Of The Blue Zones?
The island of Ikaria was declared one of the Blue Zones, which means that people live longer than global averages.
The Ikarian diet is a dietary pattern that has been associated with longevity and good health. The Mediterranean diet is based on the traditional foods of the island.
Some Ikarian diet staples include:
- Fresh fruits and vegetables
- Whole grains
- Beans and legumes
- Moderate amounts of fish
- Moderate amounts of wine
What Is The Ikaria Diet?
The Ikarian Diet is a healthy, plant-based Mediterranean diet that includes fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, beans and legumes, nuts and seeds.
This diet is rich in antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, and healthy fats that can help you live a long and healthy life.
What Is The Life Expectancy In Ikaria, Greece?
Natives of Ikaria, Greece, live incredibly long lives.
Averaging 90 years for women and 84 years for men, Ikarians experience very low rates of heart disease, cancer, and dementia.
Ikaria Diet – What Are The Ikarian Lifestyle Principles?
The Ikarians have a relaxed lifestyle, they enjoy their food and they take time to connect with friends and family.
The Ikarian lifestyle is based on the following principles:
- Regular physical activity
- A healthy diet
- Close social ties and community support
- A sense of purpose in life
- A positive outlook on life
Ikarians don’t use clocks, they connect with nature, they take naps, and they celebrate life. Ikarians know how to relax and enjoy themselves!
Ikaria Diet – How To Eat Like You’re On The Greek Island ‘where People Forget To Die’
There is a good reason to call Greece’s Ikaria ‘the island where people forget about dying’. Ikarians live long, happy and healthy lives.
On this tiny island, the cultural diversity is rich with social traditions from ancient Greece.
They have an extensive history of producing olive oil, honey, and herbal teas. The Ikarian diet is based on these three healthy ingredients.
These ingredients are full of antioxidants and have numerous health benefits.
Olive Oil
- Ikarians consume a lot of olive oil which is rich in antioxidants and has anti-inflammatory properties
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil (EVOO) is the healthiest and most Ikarian form of olive oil
Honey
- Has been used medicinally for centuries and is a key ingredient in the Ikarian diet
- Full of antioxidants and has antibacterial, anti-fungal, and anti-inflammatory properties
- Ikarians use honey for everything from sweetening their tea to treating coughs, colds, and sore throats
Herbal Teas
- Ikarians drink a lot of herbal teas which are full of antioxidants and have numerous health benefits
- Some of the most popular Ikarian herbal teas include sage, chamomile, rosemary, and thyme
The Ikarian diet is a healthy dietary pattern that can be followed by anyone looking to improve their health and longevity.
Intermittent Fasting
The Ikarian’s were traditionally fierce Greek Orthodox Christians. They also had religious days in which fasts took place.
Fasting has many health benefits, including;
- Improved blood sugar control
- Weight loss
- Decreased inflammation
- Reduction in Chronic Diseases
So, if you’re looking to live a long and healthy life like the Ikarians, make sure to incorporate some of the Ikarian lifestyle into your own life.
Mimic Mountain Living
Ikarians were often poor, living in their homes in the highlands. They had to work hard every day and were very physically active.
This type of lifestyle is beneficial for health, as it leads to increased levels of physical activity and decreased levels of stress.
Nap Often
Follow an Ikarian lesson by taking a mid-afternoon break. Ikarians would take a siesta after lunch for about an hour. This tradition is still practiced today.
Napping has many benefits, including improved alertness, decreased stress, and increased productivity.
Eat Mediterranean-Style Diet
The Ikarian diet is a healthy, plant-based Mediterranean diet that includes fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, beans and legumes, olive oil, and moderate amounts of fish and wine.
This type of diet has been shown to improve health and longevity.
Stock Up On Herbal Products
People from the island of Ikaria love drinking herbal tea, packed with antioxidants. The tea also acts as a diuretic and helps maintain the blood pressure as it eliminates salt and water.
Some Ikarians also use herbs as a compress for wounds and a natural remedy for colds, coughs, and sore throats.
Choose Goats Milk Over Cow’s Milk
Ikarians choose goats milk over cows milk as it is readily available from their mountain herds.
Not only is goats milk easier to digest, but it also contains more calcium, phosphorus, and magnesium than cows milk. It is also a good source of protein, calcium, potassium and vitamins A and D.
Goats milk also has a higher concentration of short and medium-chain fatty acids, which have been shown to improve cholesterol levels and decrease inflammation.
Goats milk also contains the stress reliever tryptophan.
Make Family And Friends A Priority
Ikarian’s promote friendships and family gatherings as a big part of their culture. They even have a saying, “A society without friends is like bread without salt.”
This close-knit community helps to support and care for each other, which can lead to increased levels of happiness and longevity.
Ikaria Diet – What Do People In Ikaria Eat For Breakfast?
There is no Ikarian breakfast per se, but many people start their day with a cup of coffee or tea, others may have some bread with honey or goat’s milk cheese.
Some Ikarians like to eat a light lunch or dinner for breakfast, such as a vegetable soup or Ikarian Stew.
No matter what you eat for breakfast, the Ikarian diet is all about fresh, healthy food that will help you live a long and healthy life.
What Vegetables Do Ikarians Eat?
Common vegetable varieties include radish, cabbage, cucumber, and potato as well as plenty of leafy greens, such as collard greens, dandelion greens, and turnip greens.
What Fruits Do Ikarians Eat?
Fruit varieties include figs, grapes, lemons, oranges, and watermelons. These are eaten seasonally.
What Beans And Legumes Do Ikarians Eat?
Ikarians typically eat beans, such as black-eyed peas, lentils, chickpeas and plenty of peas and fava beans.
What Wine Do Ikarians Drink?
Ikarians usually drink red wine with their meals.
Red wine is a good source of antioxidants and has been shown to improve heart health.
Ikarians often eat their meals with family and friends, and they enjoy plenty of Ikarian wine with their meals.
How Can I Incorporate The Ikarian Lifestyle Into My Own Life?
Here are some ways you can incorporate the Ikarian lifestyle into your own life:
- Get regular physical activity. Ikarians are very active, even into their old age. They often walk or hike for transportation and do plenty of manual labor
- Take a nap. Ikarians often take a siesta after lunch for about an hour. Napping has many benefits, including improved alertness, decreased stress, and increased productivity
- Eat a healthy diet. The Ikarian diet is based on fresh, unprocessed foods. Fill your plate with fruits, vegetables, whole grains, beans and legumes, and moderate amounts of fish and wine
- Make family and friends a priority. Ikarians are very social and have close-knit communities. Spend time with loved ones and make meaningful connections
- Live a stress-free life. Ikarians live a relatively stress-free life. They take time to enjoy life and don’t sweat the small stuff. Try to find ways to reduce stress in your own life
Summary
The Ikarian diet is a healthy, plant-based diet that includes fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, beans and legumes, olive oil, and moderate amounts of fish and wine.
This type of diet has been shown to improve health and longevity.
Ikarians make family and friends a priority, which can lead to increased levels of happiness and longevity.
The Ikarian lifestyle is a healthy way to live that can be incorporated into your own life.
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