"Although the accuracy of lifespans in Blue Zone countries is in question, here is an interesting piece on their drinking habits". h/t Marks Daily Apple here
"We can learn a lot about longevity from the people who live in the Blue Zones —places where people frequently live past 100. They live longer, healthier years than the rest of the world, so they've got to be doing something right. The way alcohol in Blue Zones is consumed is mindful and intentional, much like the rest of their diet. "These people who are living the longest of anybody on Earth are enjoying a little bit of their favourite alcoholic beverage every day," longevity expert Dan Buettner said
There is plenty of debate around touting alcohol as something that's beneficial to health. "I'm well aware of the recent studies around alcohol showing that it increases the chance of breast cancer in women, or that it can cause falls, car crashes, and other fatal events," Buettner says. "But I can tell you that in all five Blue Zones, they drink a little bit every day, and it adds to their quality of life. If you drink a little bit of red wine with a plant-based meal, it will about quadruple the flavonoid or antioxidant absorption and lower cortisol levels at the end of the day."
Alas, they aren't really out there drinking spicy margaritas. In the Blue Zone of Sardinia, Italy, they enjoy a red wine called cannonau. It's got double to triple the amount of flavonoids, a type of antioxidant, compared to other wines. The way they consume wine is also of note—they drink one or two glasses, and drink it with loved ones and a Mediterranean-inspired diet.
Meanwhile, in Okinawa, Japan, there are lower rates of cancer, heart disease, and dementia than America, and they also consume alcohol. Their bevvy of choice is awamori, a rice-based, distilled liquor. Awamori has been part of their culture for over 600 years, and often it's enjoyed mixed with water. And again, the key is that they are consuming alcohol in moderation and with a mostly plant-based diet, while surrounded by good friends and family.
As we were harshly reminded last year, social connectedness is crucial to good health. So now that pandemic restrictions are looser, embrace the benefits by raising a glass with your favourite people. Cheers!"
Above words and picture from article here
Related Articles
The Blue Zones: Lifestyle Habits of the World’s Longest-Living Populations - see here
Horiatiki / Villager's Salad
it's delicious, a taste of the eastern Mediterranean
see recipe here
All the best Jan
38 comments:
Thanks for this interesting information.
A different approach.
I want to live ripe old age, and live every moment
Coffee is on and stay safe
...well, I don't drink!
Great post. I do wonder how much longevity can be attributed to alcohol and how much is genetics of those areas. Or maybe even both. A glass of wine or beer is always a nice thing to have.
Moderation is the key I believe.
Genial entrada yo casi no bebo. Te mando un beso
For me, water is the best.
I've heard for years and years a small glass of red wine was good for you. I could just never get into drinking anything except coffee on a daily basis. Wine tastes like vinegar to me. And we're talking good/expensive wine, too.
With the state of our world today, who wants to live to be 100. I certainly don't. I surely do appreciate your posts though. They're always chalk full of helpful information. Thanks you.
I don't drink alcohol love my water. and tea ..boring hey..x
Interesting - a Specialist once told my late father to drink a glass of red with dinner which he did, he lived till he was 90 and certainly didn't do him any harm..
My fave drink is still coffee! Have a great day, Valerie
I think it's like everything else, everything in moderation.
Hello,
Thanks for the info, I like a glass of red wine.
Take care, have a great day!
I often drink red wine, but it's not alcoholic, it's 100% grapes, yet it's sold in the wine aisle of the supermarket.
thank you so much for the incredible post dear Jan!
special thanks for the links ,i enjoyed and learnt a lot
never knew teas can be as helpful in healthier longer life :)
blessings!
Very interesting stuff here. Thanks so much. Hugs and blessings, Cindy
I enjoy a glass of red wine with a meal. Everything in moderation.
Super post
I like wine, but it goes bad before I can finish it at a single glass a day.
Congrats on such a great post! I didn't know that Cannonau wine's amount of flavonoids is so high. As it is kown, there are more antioxidants in the red wine. And Cannonau is a red wine.
With regards to Sardinia, where people drink that particular red wine, you also mentioned the Mediterranean-inspired diet ... some people, who live healthier in small villages in central Italy, get proteins they need mainly from chickpeas. It seems that's why the village of Campodimele has been awarded the European title of The Village of Eternal Youthas, as it is noted for the longevity of its citizens. In 1985 the World Health Organization sent researchers to Campodimele (Italy) to discover its secret.
http://campodimele.southlazioitaly.com/
Regards,
Giorgio
Interesting. I had never heard of Blue Zones.
Skol!
Good to know. I don't drink alcohol!
Giorgio
Many thanks for your comment and also giving the link to the article about the village of Campodimele.
A very interesting read.
If other readers would like to read this article I give the link Giorgio very kindly gave below
http://campodimele.southlazioitaly.com/
All the best Jan
I rarely drink these days...or nights! Over the past few years the only time I have a few wines is at my neighbours' annual Christmas party, and then at our little lane/street party in the afternoon of Australia Day, 26th January. I've not had an alcoholic beverage since Aussie Day earlier this year. I'm not a "wowser"...I just can't be bothered imbibing.
I do squeeze citrus fruits each morning and enjoy the juices thereof; and, daily, I do drink a lot of water.
I have a glass of wine every couple of weeks or so, and always with food at a meal. These are interesting stats about the Blue Zone residents.
Wine ... we´re Germans... use for cooking. Does beer count, too? ;-)
Muito interessante.
Um abraço e continuação de uma boa semana.
Andarilhar
Dedais de Francisco e Idalisa
Livros-Autografados
A small glass of red wine is part of my daily diet. So I always love reading about its benefits!
How fascinating! Little and often does it.xxx
Jan. I do like reading such information because as you know we two here enjoy a tipple, but always with food. I have been reading about the health benefits of ouzo with all of its many herbs. Give it a splash on here and at home if you can find it in the shops. I've mentioned to Aldi that they should stock it!
I went to the story about Cannonau. It's the garnacha/grenache grape that accounts for the benefits. This grape is one that I seek out along the supermarket shelves because it does have a robust concentrated flavour. Usually I find it in French and Spanish wines where it's often mixed with other varieties.
i don't drink any wine or alcohol, i never have. i am not sure how long i want to live, life after 80 is not kind!!
Feliz fin de semana. Besos.
Phil Slade said...
Jan. I do like reading such information because as you know we two here enjoy a tipple, but always with food. I have been reading about the health benefits of ouzo with all of its many herbs. Give it a splash on here and at home if you can find it in the shops. I've mentioned to Aldi that they should stock it!
Hello Phil, many thanks for your comments.
I've never been a fan of Ouzo, although I know many do enjoy it.
According to the Tesco grocery site "In 1880, Greeks who loved the real taste of Ouzo, preferred the special Ouzo produced at the most renowned distillery of the time and stored in the barrel with the number 12. Thus Ouzo 12 was born. To this day, only the finest herbs and seeds are harmoniously blended using the same secret recipe and then double distilled to ensure the exquisite aroma of an Ouzo loved by generations of Greeks. Enjoy Ouzo 12 the Greek way: on ice or chilled with water as a refreshing aperitif."
Ouzo Health Benefits
Like most alcoholic spirits, a moderate amount can aid the intestine in absorbing iron from food as well as reduce blood pressure by dilating the blood vessels.
Otherwise, the Ancient Greeks believed that anise helped with pain relief, difficult urination, and reduced thirst. However, anise is a well-known carminative and helps settle the digestive tract, which decreases bloating and reduces flatulence.
Similarly, the anise in ouzo may offer antispasmodic benefits by alleviating cramps, convulsions, and diarrhoea. Of course, like any strong alcohol, any benefits will only be gained in moderation. The side effects of drinking too much will easily outweigh them!
Gluten, Carbs, & Calories In Ouzo
Technically, grain alcohol doesn’t contain any gluten as the protein is removed during distillation. However, people with celiac disease have experienced issues even with triple-distilled vodka.
However, grape-based ouzo won’t contain any gluten at all. The only issue is that few producers will openly state whether the alcohol base is made from grapes of grain.
Meanwhile, a shot of ouzo can contain between 100 and 110 calories depending on the amount of sugar used. Similarly, it will feature between 10 and 15 grams of carbohydrates.
Read the above and more here
https://bespokeunit.com/spirits/ouzo/#benefits
Cheers!
Enjoy the weekend
All the best Jan
I found this really interesting, Jan. I'd like to try that red wine!
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