Sardinia is considered a “blue zone” which means that individuals there live longer and healthier than anywhere else on earth. The fresh foods Sardians consume are conducive to a long and healthy life.
There are only five blue zones on the Earth and they include:
- Sardinia
- Okinawa, Japan
- Loma Linda, California
- Costa Rica’s Nicoya Peninsula
- Ikaria, a Greek island
Eating healthy foods, getting fresh air, going for long walks, laughing, and living a low-stress lifestyle help the population of this captivating island live up to 100 years old! Below are 8 foods that Sardinian’s consume regularly.
1. Cannonau wine
Cannonau wine is produced in Sardinia and has about three times the level of flavonoids as other wines. The wine is full of antioxidants and Sardinians drink small cups of it throughout the day. This amazing red wine may be part of the reasons why Sardinians have fewer heart attacks.
2. Olive Oil
Olive oil contains monounsaturated fats and antioxidants. It may prevent strokes and protect against heart disease.
3. Kohlrabi
Kohlrabi contains fiber, vitamin C, and potassium. Sardinians often add it to their minestrone or it eat roasted.
4. Potatoes
Potatoes contain nearly half your daily value of vitamin C. They are rich in fiber, magnesium, and antioxidants and Sardinians LOVE them. They often make culurgiones which are made with semolina flour, white flour, eggs, boiled potatoes, olive oil, pecorino cheese, garlic, mint, and nutmeg.
5. Fava beans
Fava beans are overflowing with health benefits. They contain folate, copper, iron, magnesium, fiber, phosphorous, and potassium.
6. Sourdough bread
Sourdough bread is a great and healthy alternative to regular white or whole wheat bread. It is also less likely to spike blood sugar levels. It is one of the oldest forms of grain fermentation. It is very popular in the Mediterranean and Sardinians make it home-made.
7. Goat’s Milk
Sardinians make goat’s milk often and it has numerous benefits as opposed to regular cow’s milk. It contains 134% more potassium than regular cow’s milk. It also contains 13% more calcium, 25% more vitamin B6, and 47% more vitamin A!
8. Barley
Barley can help protect against diabetes and the risk of colon cancer. Barley is rich in nutrients and minerals. It also contains beta-glucans that may help lower cholesterol.
