why is nicoya, costa rica a blue zonewhy is nicoya, costa rica a blue zone

why is nicoya, costa rica a blue zone why is nicoya, costa rica a blue zone

Butterflies in Costa Rica The Best Places to See Them, Irazu Volcano Visit the Highest Volcano in Costa Rica, 20 Free Things to Do in Costa Rica That Youll Love, Costa Rica Rental Car Discount Save Up to 20%, The feeling of a sense of purpose in life. While the Blue Zones project Lane discusses isnt a cure for COVID-19, the principals lived by the people in those zones could increase the chance of livelihood for people of other cultures. By TCRN STAFF October 5, 2022 528 0 These cantons are: Carillo, Hojancha, Nicoya, Santa Cruz, and Nandoyure. Of course, there is still a desire for success (especially in the cities) but in general, the priorities are shifted. According to the most recent data from the Ministry of Health, this region will be painted blue for many years to come, as over 900 people over 90 have been recorded, along with over 5,000 inhabitants over 75, the majority of whom enjoy good health in their old age. While starting the day off with rice and beans may not be an ideal breakfast for most people, the key to a healthy breakfast is one rich with protein, complex carbs, and antioxidants (minus the preservatives). The Nicoya Peninsula, in Costa Rica, is one of them, . Directions: Toss the cabbage with the orange juice, season with salt and pepper and let sit 30 minutes. Nicoya, also known as the Nicoya Peninsula has not been only recognized as one of the 5 places in the planet with surprisingly high rate of longevity but also as the highest concentration of centenarians in the world. Speaking of work, finding work/life balance is a constant challenge for many. This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged. About two hours down the coast from Tamarindo is Nosara, Nicoyas yoga center (the Nosara Yoga Institute here offers teacher training). Nicoya, Costa Rica. For most of their lives, Nicoyan centenarians ate a traditional Mesoamerican diet highlighted with the three sisters of agriculture: squash, corn, and beans. This Central American nation isn't that far from the U.S. geographically, but it is way ahead of us in longevity. Beyond this context, however, the health authorities are taking measures to help Costa Ricans reach over 80 years of age in good health. This has paid off, with Costa Rica frequently scoring high in world happiness and environmental rankings. Swimming holes dot the peninsula too, including beneath the Montezuma waterfall. Over the last several months, the world has mourned the loss of hundreds of thousands of lives. Several of Nicoyas beaches like those in the Ostional National Wildlife Reserve are nesting grounds for Kemps Ridley, green, and leatherback turtles. Your email address will not be published. Try cutting out some meat and replacing it with fresh vegetables and fruit. Its very interesting, and I mean, who doesnt love a good TED Talk? However you may visit Cookie Settings to provide a controlled consent. All of our step by step Costa Rica planning tips in one spot. This vigorous village is one of the Blue Zones' unique hotspots. The heart is a muscle, and all muscle contractions depend on calcium. The international attendees also included Dan Buettner, a reporter and researcher for National Geographic, who has been responsible for popularizing the concept of Blue Zones through the publication of various articles and best-selling books that explore the direct connection between this issue and diet, spirituality, purpose in life and physical exercise, with happiness as a cross-cutting element. Get your fill of fresh fruits like pineapple, mango, papaya, banana, and passionfruit and vegetables and legumes like squash, cassava, plantain, yam, and beans. The peak nesting time is from August to November and in the days before a new moon, thousands of turtles congregate in the Pacific waiting for the perfect time to come ashore and dig a hole to lay their eggs. Blue Zone is a term created by author Dan Buettner, building off of research by demographers Michel Poulain, Ph.D., and Giovanni Pes, Ph.D. Lunch is the main meal in Costa Rica (its better for your digestion to eat a bigger breakfast and lunch and a lighter dinner). It consists of 100 recipes with ingredients used by those who live in Nicoya, Costa Rica and the other four Blue Zones. These include Nicoya, Costa Rica; Loma Linda, California; Ikaria, Greece . We are always happy to help you out! He worked with several notable anthropolgists, dieticians, historians, and geneticists to identify and further understand what contributes to a long lifespan. Every morning, at dawn, before the men of Nicoya ride their horses through the mountains of the Costa Rican peninsula, they eat a healthy breakfast. Longevity then would not be a luxury only reserved for a few living in Blue Zones, but a reality for billions.. Montezuma is great for long beach walks and jungle hikes. Not long after, he began to lead trips to the first Blue Zones that he had discovered. It remains to be seen if the COVID pandemic will affect that average. You can, thanks to the world's "blue zones." Almost 40 percent of the residents of the Nicoya Peninsula (about 5,000 of the population of 132,000) are over the age of 75, more than 900 are over the age of 90, and many are over 100. The most southerly point is Cabo Blanco Reserve and the south coast also has the town of Tambor. Soltara Healing Center is located on the calm and pristine Gulf of Nicoya in the mountainous jungle of Costa Rica's Nicoya Peninsula. It's also an area identified as a "Blue Zone . Win-win! Nicoya isn't full of marathon runners . He cautions though that one of the reasons Nicoyas centenarians live so long is that they dont have high incomes, which means theyve had to do physical labor since they were young, their meals are light and mainly of vegetables and legumes, and they cant afford a lot of protein or processed foods. Changing the American diet and culture around the food we eat can help save lives. The agreement was signed by the Vice President of Costa Rica, Ana Helena Chacn, as well as ministries and institutions of the government and the mayors of the cantons of Nicoya Peninsula: Nandayure, Hojancha, Carrillo, Santa Cruz and Nicoya. I cant blame you. Go to a soda, thats the name of a small, local caf, and look for casado this popular dish is rice and beans served with vegetables and either fish or meat. Are We Headed To A World In Which We Own Nothing? While Nicoyans start their day by eating a healthy breakfast, their diet is not the only secret to living long lives. In mid-November 2017, the first World Meeting of Blue Zones was held. This healthy breakfast gives them the nutrients they need for a day of tending crops and livestock. howler and white face monkeys, red variegated squirrels, sloths, anteaters, raccoon-like coatis, butterflies, plus some 900 bird species including the fiery-billed aracari toucan and the rufous-tailed hummingbird. The Peninsula is covered by spectacular beaches that host nature's best. If you want to really embrace the Nicoya Peninsula blue zone vibe, head to any small village in the area. All rights reserved. Pablo Jenkins, a regenerative investor and futurist explains that it is a great time to take on that wisdom from the local ancestors and combine it with new regenerative ways of living. Do you ever wish you could know the secrets to a long and happy life? Everywhere you go in Costa Rica, youll hear pura vida! and soon feel the freedom to adopt the pura vida lifestyle yourself. Still planning? Possessing the highest density of biodiversity of any country in the world, it is also labeled as one of the 5 "blue zones", a term coined by National Geographic author Dan Buettner, describing places where a high percentage of the population lives active . This goes along with the decision to widen the country's tourism offerings and venture into industries with high potential, such as wellness tourism. Rooms have a mini fridge and theres a communal kitchen plus bikes to rent. The term Blue Zone was first used in a 2005 National Geographic cover story entitled The Secret of Long Life written by a man named Dan Buettner. In other words, it lives longer than the average global life expectancy. Drain and pat the onions dry with paper towel. Thanks to the peninsulas reputation as one of these Blue Zones, Nicoya has become a haven for digital detox. Along with starting every morning with a healthy breakfast, Nicoyans also eat nutritious food throughout the day. People who have diabetes, heart conditions, or are overweight tend to have a more difficult time if they are infected by COVID-19. Nicoya was introduced as a Blue Zone in a 2004 National Geographic article by Dan Buettner. On today's podcast, Gina does some serious myth-busting about what has kept the centenarians so well, for so long. Come to Nicoya, Costa Rica, One of the World's Five 'Blue Zones' The Nicoya Peninsula has a high concentration of people over 100 years old and a low incidence of health problems like cancer or heart disease. Nicoya Peninsula, Costa Rica: Researchers found that the probability of becoming a centenarian for a 60-year-old man residing in Nicoya is 4.8%, which was even more than double that of Okinawa, the second highest in the comparison, and it was almost seven times that of Sardinia and Japan (6). American researcher, Dan Buettner, discovered that people in these areas shared several lifestyle characteristics: They don't smoke; They eat a plant-based diet Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. Blue Zones Nicoya naci en 2014, una empresa 100% costarricense, que durante los ltimos 6 aos ha sido destacada por la investigacin de alimentos locales de la Zona Azul de Nicoya-Guanacaste. What are Blue Zones? There are four similar places on earth: Costa Ricas Nicoya Peninsula, Okinawa in Japan, the Greek island of Ikaria, as well as Loma Linda in California (though that one might just be due to its large population of Seventh-day Adventists and their healthy lifestyle). Nicoya, Costa Rica, is a Central American Caribbean nation that boasts economic security and excellent health care. Although the Blue Zone Project isnt all about diet, and its certainly about more than food for the people of Nicoya it is a big difference from the typical American diet (no matter what type of community). In Nicoya, Costa Rica, where average incomes are among the nation's lowest, the average lifespan is 85 among the world's highest. Required fields are marked *, car rental deal! We have a full guide to the ferry here. "This meeting commits us to preserve this Blue Zone, but most importantly, it should have a multiplier effect and serve as an example for the other cantons of the country" said Ana Monge, Commissioner of the Presidential Social Council of the Government of Costa Rica. Barra Honda is on the peninsulas northeast about a half hours drive from the town of Nicoya. We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. Compreende os 5 cantos da Pennsula de Nicoya: Hojancha, Nandayure, Carrillo, Santa Cruz e Nicoya. This is due to key decisions the country has taken through its history that have positively affected its performance in social progress, environment, society and overall peace indicators, explains Daniel Valverde, Essential Costa Rica country brand director. Nicoyans often live more than 100 years and Nicoya boasts of the highest number of centenarians in the world. What we can incorporate about Nicoya into our culture is the sense of purpose Nicoyans enjoy. La Senda has a 2.5-acre labyrinth with a two-mile-long path (said to be the biggest in the world) as well as horseback riding. Eco-tourism is a natural must in this out-of-this-world scenario, where everything that happens is in a quiet, lovely pace. Buettner had spent several years before penning the article leading expeditions including tracing Darwin's route in the Galapagos and Marco Polo's trip along the Silk Road. Now is the time for cities like Chicago to learn from the five Blue Zones throughout the world like Nicoya, Costa Rica. Meaning, family ties are strong. The world has 5 recognized Blue Zones (as determined by the authority of National Geographic ). Its name is due to the tribe that reigned prior to the arrival of the Spanish in 1520, it is said to come from the Nahuatlas words Nica, Necoclau or Necocyanh, which means surrounded by water. Without a doubt, this is a challenge for the next generations, in the context of the world's age pyramid turning upside down, with ever more senior citizens. The Nicoya Peninsula of Costa Rica is one of the five areas in the world that hold the distinguished classification of a Blue Zone. Centenarians seem to have enjoyed physical work of all their lives. The Caribbean nation is economically secure and has excellent health care. Many believe it will be through the cutting-edge innovations of regenerative medicine that the privileges of the Blue Zones can be democratized, so that anyone, anywhere, and at any time has access to the technology that allows us to replenish, replace and rejuvenate our physical bodies., What weve witnessed during 2020 are healthcare systems around the world that are reactive, bureaucratic, inefficient, and saturated. Loma Linda, California. Do you have any questions about the Costa Rica Blue Zone? According to researchers, most inhabitants live to at least the age of 90. Nicoyan centenarians frequently visit with neighbors, and they tend to live with families and children or grandchildren who provide support, as well as a sense of purpose. None of these staples are processed, and because all of these foods are locally grown they are not faced with genetically modified or pesticide laden produce. Arising from this need, one of the results of the meeting was the establishment of an International Network on Healthy Aging, which will be led from Costa Rica in order to "build knowledge collaboratively", said Montero. The Nicoya Peninsula of Costa Rica is one of the five areas in the world that hold the distinguished classification of a Blue Zone. There are many factors that go into the long life of Nicoyans, and some of them will be impossible for you to replicate (unless you plan to move to an area of the world where the sun is always shining, the nature is amazing, and then you also need to bring all of your family with you). The way Nicoyans choose to live their lives gives us a template from which we can learn to improve our health and find our sense of purpose. Results were also shared from the research carried out by the demographer Luis Rosero and Dr. Elizabeth Lopez, both from Costa Rica, who made significant contributions on the subject of healthy longevity. I also suggest watching his TED Talk. At the southern tip of the peninsula is Cabo Blanco Nature Reserve. Community. Nicoyans eat a light dinner early in the evening. Nicoyas interior where most of the centenarians and almost-centenarians live and northeastern coast are less visited by tourists but still have much to offer. Santa Teresa is great for surfing and enjoying a small but vibrant town with a backpacker vibe. These regions are considered Blue Zones. These characteristics are: Despite this, it is believed that 30% of a long healthy life comes from genes and 70% is based on lifestyle. They are eye-opening and heart-tugging. The occasion was also used to release the most recent study on longevity by the Institute of Social Studies in Population (Instituto de Estudios Sociales en Poblacin, IDESPO) at the National University of Costa Rica. "Year after year, our surveys indicate that its the Costa Ricans themselves that set our destination apart, and it's certainly always a marvelous experience to spend time with the older generation. Nicoya is a small, rural beach community located on the Guanacaste peninsula on the northwest coast of Costa Rica. For Priscila Chaves, a Costa Rican social tech-entrepreneur and ethics thought leader, the question that still stands is, how can we translate these apparent otherworldly effects, to the rest of us? The Tortuga Islands are offshore and are a frequent destination for snorkeling trips, even from other parts of the peninsula. Even the cancer rates on the Nicoya Peninsula are lower than those elsewhere in the world! Youll stay in one of 21 suites, bungalows, and villas; lounge in poolside hammocks; walk on the beach; swim; and enjoy seafood purchased from local fishers and bread by the local baker in the open-air Manzu Restaurant thats right on Playa Santa Teresa. You can design your own holistic retreat too, choosing from a Kirtan sound bath, detox program, cacao ceremony, blue clay treatment, drum circles, and more. My fourth investigation into exactly what our Blue Zone folks eat has left this dietitian, well, intrigued. Calles 27 & 29, Ave 2, Were Thomas (the German) and Sarah (the US-er). Surprisingly, happiness and keeping a focus on family are two of the main components. Healthy and supportive relationships with friends and family are another one of their keys to longevity. Sardinia, Italy. Sustainability is said to be a way of life, and Costa Rica has actually reversed deforestation; protects more than a quarter of its landmass via 29 national parks, 19 wildlife refuges, and eight biological reserves; gets 93 percent of its electricity from renewable resources, and aims to be completely decarbonized by 2050. If you would like to be near things but get a bit more of a feel for traditional Nicoya life while also enjoying a bit of the touristy perks (surfing, fun restaurants etc.) We do not need to wait for our cities of residence to adopt the principles for healthier living outlined in the Blue Zones Project. In the southern part of the peninsula, Santa Teresa is a popular surf area that sprawls for miles along the coast. In the Nicoya Peninsula, the water is particularly rich in calcium and magnesium which studies show is good for cardiovascular health and preventing cancer. The Nicoya Peninsula, a Blue Zone in Costa Rica, is renowned for its tranquil, laid-back ambiance. A blue zone is a geographical area in which the population is the longest-lived. Actually, it is home. So why is it that the people of Nicoya outlive so many others? The Power of Nine is the name Buetnner has given to the characteristics that all Blue Zones seem to share. Black beans contain high doses of antioxidants and they are eaten for almost every meal among Nicoyans (and most Costa Ricans). As of now, there are 5 blue zones: Icaria, Greece. Check out all of our favorite travel companies. All of the international experts agreed that the factors that make healthy longevity possible must be communicated worldwide, in order to reflect on the implications of Blue Zones, unique geographical areas with a high concentration of inhabitants who live to ninety or one hundred years of age, whose aging process is positive, and most importantly, deliberate and active. Costa Rica's Nicoya Peninsula joins Sardinia, Italy, Okinawa, Japan, Lima Linda, California, and Icaria, Greece as one of the world's five blue zones. It's a question that inhabitants of Guanacaste are happy to be asking themselves, since it's a true pride for the province's population to be home to one of the five such zones that exist worldwide. All Rights Reserved. This Blue Zone is in the mountains of the Nicoyan Peninsula in western Costa Rica. The town of Nosara, located in the Nicoya Peninsula of Costa Rica, is a surfing and wellness hot spot located in one of the five "blue zones" in the world. Costa Rica Experts Wins 2022 Tripadvisor Travelers Choice Award, Where to Find Black Sand Beaches in Costa Rica, Best Time to Visit Costa Rica: What to Expect Month by Month, 11 Travel Mistakes To Avoid Before Your Trip, 8 Costa Rica Natural Mysteries You Have to See to Believe, 5 Common Misconceptions About Travel in Costa Rica, 10 Top Costa Rica Honeymoon Bungalows & Suites, 3 Costa Rica Hotels Made The Travel & Leisure Top 100 in the World List, Costa Rica Expert Interview with Aaron Daker: top destinations, new hotels, & best months to travel. Its difficult to maintain family bonds and friendships when school and work take us far from home, into strange communities. I had visited the famous Costa Rica "must-see" spots - Arenal, Manuel Antonio, the cloud forest, the Osa Peninsula - some of them a few times. The people of Nicoya value their families a lot, and you can often see them joking with their neighbors, working hard for long hours, and enjoying the sunshine. While walking gives Nicoyans a chance to exercise and get fresh air, it also gives them time to enjoy the natural beauty for which Nicoya is known. This Central American nation isnt that far from the U.S. geographically, but it is way ahead of us in longevity. Costa Rica holds one of the original 5 blue zones of the world and you will find yourself in one of them if you decide on living in the Nicoya Peninsula. By clicking Accept, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. . Access to natural foods and organic fruits and vegetables (stables of the Nicoyans) is difficult to come by. Warm, Sunny Climate. Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. Also, we would love to hear your thoughts on Blue Zones and what constitutes a long lifestyle. Living Hotel partners with the Spacio spa, a five-minute walk away, which has several treatments geared to surfers. Most residents here live to be over the age of 90 and there's a high number of centenarians as well. This treasure includes the atmosphere around you." The Nicoya Peninsula Blue Zone, in addition to aligning with our Wellness Pura Vida strategy, are important as a driver of wellness tourism throughout the country, highlighting the importance of creating authentic travel experiences. Long-living creatures like sea turtles are frequent visitors to the Blue Zone too. The Today Show's Cynthia McFadden accompanied Blue Zones founder Dan Buettner to Costa Rica and Singapore to learn why they these two different places have such happy residents. Having a Blue Zone helps strengthen the country's constant striving for quality of life, both for Costa Ricans and for tourists. Having worked with the pioneers in mind-body research and psychoneuroimmunology. So, having extra-hard water may help keep Nicoyans' hearts strong, and longer. In other words, people in these zones to live longer than any other areas in the world. I have been exploring the data reported by National Geographic and Dan Buettner in the Blue Zones Solution: . And a breakfast rich with antioxidants helps to protect a persons cells from disease. Join 19k+ in receiving Expert travel advice, news & promotions! There are several theories about why the Blue Zone of Costa Rica exists, but the most likely explanation is that it is due to a combination of factors. Despite that, the area has many of the same ideals that the rest of Costa Ricans have. Rhuigi Villaseor Kept His Foot On The Gas. A hike from the town of Montezuma will bring you past several cooling-off pools on your way to the three cascades of this waterfall, perhaps the most visited one on the peninsula. If youre eating a standard American diet, its probably shaving about six to 10 years off of your life expectancy, Buettner says. 4. Nantipa means blue in the language of the Chorotega people, some of the first known people to live in the Nicoya region. This information is complemented by studies carried out by Costa Rican demographer Dr. Luis Rosero Bixby, which show that the mortality of inhabitants of the Nicoya Peninsula aged 90 is 10% lower than for Costa Ricans of the same age elsewhere in the country. For those who want to explore the peninsula at their own pace, renting a car might be best (you can use your home countrys drivers license for a maximum of three months). The Caribbean nation is economically secure and has excellent health care. Down on the Nicoya Peninsula in Costa Rica's Blue Zone, visitors can book into a yoga retreat, eat freshly caught fish, go surfing and ride horses along the beach. Though Costa Rica has just 0.03 percent of the planets surface, it has almost six percent of the worlds biodiversity and you might see (or hear!) Who knows, maybe it will change your life! If we can harness that, we can hopefully improve the health of future generations. Buettner's studies on the Nicoya Peninsula revealed eight key factors that affect people's life expectancy. Thanks to the peninsula's reputation as one of these Blue Zones, Nicoya has become a haven for digital detox. While we may not increase the average life expectancy throughout the world we can use Nicoya as a template for healthier living. Many of us in Western countries know we need to eat less junk and add more natural food to our diets. Demographers have identified the area, located on Costa Rica's northern Pacific coast, as a Blue Zone or "longevity hot spot," typified by a higher-than-normal number of people living past the age of one hundred. What Is The Potential Of Generative AI In Healthcare?

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