Seaweeds are considered the superfoods of the sea, representing an important part of the diet of some of the longest-lived people on Earth. Algae represent one of the key longevity secrets of these healthy populations, which inhabit specific regions of the world, known as blue zones.
However, seaweeds are not only recognised for their lowcalorie, nutrient-rich dietary properties, but they have also been leveraged to improve the skin appearance and therefore sustainably enhance the raw material portfolio in different categories.
In some regions of the world people live longer than anywhere else. These special geographical areas, home of the world’s oldest and healthiest people, have been referred to as blue zones. Specifically, five blue zones have been identified throughout the world and have been studied to find out what common lifestyle characteristics they share that contribute to their longevity.
The first place is the Barbagia region of Sardinia, in Italy, where the world’s highest concentration of male centenarians can be found. Also located in the Mediterranean, in Greece, there is the blue zone of Icaria, known to have a very high percentage of 90-year-olds and to have the lowest rates of middle age mortality and dementia in the world. In Costa Rica, the Nicoya peninsula also presents a high concentration of male centenarians, and the Loma Linda region in California is home of an Adventist community known to live 10 years longer than anyone else in the United States. Finally, the last blue zone is the Japanese island of Okinawa, where women have the longest life expectancy in the world. But, what do these regions have in common?
Log in or register FREE to read the rest
This story is Premium Content and is only available to registered users. Please log in at the top of the page to view the full text.
If you don't already have an account, please register with us completely free of charge.
