The Secrets of Longevity: What a Galician Diet and Lifestyle Can Teach Us
For years, the Japanese island of Okinawa was considered the holy grail of longevity. However, as the world continues to evolve, new competitors have emerged in the quest for longevity. One such newfound contender is Ourense, known as a ‘Blue Place’, which has been included in the list of esteemed ‘Blue Zones’ – places with populations known for their longevity.
In 2015, a book titled ‘The Blue Zones Solution’ by Dan Buettner explored the commonalities among some of the oldest populations on the planet, including the island of Okinawa in Japan, the Peninsula of Nicoya in Costa Rica, the Ikaria Island in Greece, and Loma Linda in California. These places, characterized as rural and relatively poor, were found to have less obesity and stress compared to other areas. They are home to people who live simple lives, working less physically and with lower stress levels.
Ourense, situated in Galicia, also shares these characteristics. This discovery prompted Jermán Bugallo, a Galician doctor and anti-aging expert, to produce a microdocumentary titled ‘The Galician Recipe’ in collaboration with the Xeral Directorate of Public Health of the Xunta. The documentary explores the lifestyles and routines of long-lived individuals from Galicia, shedding light on the key factors contributing to their longevity.
The documentary reveals that the following pillars form the foundation for living a longer and healthier life, the Galician way:
1. Physical and Mental Activity: The elderly in Galicia engage in daily activities such as walking, scything, and tending to their farms, emphasizing the importance of regular physical movement. This is supplemented by an active social life, comprised of conversations with neighbors and engagement in cultural and social activities.
2. Atlantic Diet: The Galician diet is rich in fish and vegetables, complemented with traditional cooking techniques like boiling, grilling, and little frying. This diet, which is heavy on plant-based foods and low in oxidation, emphasizes the importance of simplicity and natural foods.
3. Sleep: The elderly in Galicia uphold the practice of sleeping as much as the body requires, waking up naturally without the aid of an alarm clock. This highlights the significance of quality sleep for maintaining neurocognitive health.
4. Social Life and Environmental Support: The Galician community, especially the close-knit neighborhood relationships, plays a crucial role in fostering happiness, health, and support for the elderly.
Overall, the Galician lifestyle, reminiscent of a nourishing Galician soup, encompasses physical activity, nutritious diet, adequate sleep, and strong social connections. Notably, humor also plays an essential role, adding a pleasant flavor to life’s challenges. These insights challenge the conventional notions of longevity, showcasing how a simpler and more connected way of life can pave the way for longer and healthier living.
In conclusion, the ‘Galician Recipe’ offers valuable wisdom for leading a longer and better life, reminding the world that longevity is not merely about extending years but ensuring vitality and well-being in those years.