The Blue Zone Myth and Debunked proof
Interesting
You may have seen the latest Netflix Live to 100 series. In various corners of the globe, there exist regions (places like Okinawa, Japan or Ikaria, Greece) dubbed as Blue Zones, where residents purportedly enjoy extended, healthier lives in comparison to the global norm. These zones have garnered widespread attention due to their remarkable abundance of people living past 100 and notably low instances of age-related ailments. Despite their seemingly lengthened lifespans, the notion of Blue Zones have been propagated more by media and promotional campaigns than by rigorous scientific study. Attempts to decipher their longevity secrets, such as their purportedly low-protein, predominantly plant-based diets, defy logic. People in Blue Zones may defy the odds of their low-protein, plant-leaning diets, rather than attribute their longevity to them. While these Blue Zones offer potential insights into well-being, they should be regarded more as anecdotal observations vs. scientific principles for longevity.
In a 2021 demographic analysis1, researchers delved into the potential connections between substantial meat consumption, life expectancy, and childhood mortality across 175 nations. And to no surprise, the study revealed a positive correlation between meat consumption and increased life expectancies, coupled with diminished childhood mortality. Remarkably, this correlation persisted even after adjusting for confounding variables linked to longevity (GDP, education levels, calorie intake, and obesity). Take that Blue Zones! Going a step further, meat consumption emerged as a prominent predictor of longevity, while carbohydrates exhibited a feeble and negative correlation. This aligns with the historical incorporation of meat into human diets for eons, evidenced by its digestibility, tolerance, and complete amino acid profile. While modern conveniences may permit sustenance on vegan or vegetarian diets, their nutrient density pales in comparison to an omnivorous diet. But let's not take my word for it. The researchers assert, "Well-planned vegetarian diets, including vegan diets, are nutritionally adequate… but only because their nutritional composition adequately imitates and replaces what is commonly provided by meat."
Note, the study is observational, preventing assertions about causality between meat consumption and longevity.
Swap: A healthier substitute
Out: Waffles
In: Birch Benders Paleo Waffles
Why: On-the-go healthy alternative to the traditional thing.
Where to get it: Any grocery
What to do with it: Throw some almond butter on it or use it as a base for your next avocado toast with an over-easy egg, yum!
Workouts of the week
Travel:
8 Rounds for Time
11 Hand Release Push-Ups
30 Walking Lunges
19 Sit-Ups
Lightweight:
8 Rounds for Time
11 Hand Release Push-Ups
30 Dumbbell Walking Lunges
19 Sit-Ups
Middleweight:
8 Rounds for Time
11 Hand Stand Push-Ups
30 Overhead Dumbbell Walking Lunges
19 Sit-Ups
Heavyweight:
8 Rounds for Time
11 Hand Stand Push-Ups
30 Front Rack Dumbbells Walking Lunges
19 Sit-Ups
Quote: “You don’t have to eat less, you just have to eat right.”
https://www.dovepress.com/total-meat-intake-is-associated-with-life-expectancy-a-cross-sectional-peer-reviewed-fulltext-article-IJGM