According to Dan Buettner, a researcher of Blue Zones (places where people live the longest without chronic disease), people in these zones tend to drink these five beverages on a daily basis for decades - or even a century!
It’s not a fluke because lots of independent scientific research confirms the beneficial effects of these drinks too. Here are the top five...
Green Tea: Caffeine in green tea is "associated with lower rates of diabetes and Parkinson’s, lower rates of heart disease, and sharper focus,” says Buettner. Another positive is that green tea is high in flavanols, a type of antioxidant that has been associated with a reduction in bad cholesterol and better cardiovascular health. Additionally, the catechins found in green tea, protect the brain and have been linked to better attention, memory, and improved mood.
Black Tea: Many of the same benefits apply to black tea as they do to green tea - but black tea is actually better for the gut and digestion than green tea.
Black Coffee: According to Buettner, coffee is the primary source of antioxidants in the American diet and its consumption is linked to improved risk for various diseases, including type 2 diabetes, depression, neurodegenerative diseases, cancer, and liver disease. But that's not all: coffee is also rich in essential nutrients like vitamin B5, manganese, potassium, magnesium, and niacin.
Water: “If you ask a centenarian what explains the longevity of the area, they’ll say good food, clean air, and freshwater,” Buettner explains, emphasizing the importance of water for a healthy life.
Red Wine: Moderate alcohol consumption is linked to higher flavonoid or antioxidant absorption, which can lower cortisol levels and reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, and some cancers. Better yet, drinking in moderation fosters social connections, which are another crucial aspect of longevity. Although alcohol is not for everyone, Buettner emphasizes that drinking in moderation, specifically one glass per day can be an excellent addition to a healthy diet. He recommends enjoying red wine with a plant-based meal to maximize its health benefits.
Where People Routinely Live Beyond 100 Years Old: In 2004, Michel Poulain, a demographer at Belgium's University of Louvain, along with Gianni Pes, a physician and epidemiologist at Italy's University of Sassari, published an article in the journal Experimental Gerontology that identified an unusual phenomenon that came to be called "Blue Zones". Read on...