Residents of the world’s Blue Zones, areas known for their long-lived inhabitants, have certain caffeine consumption habits that could potentially contribute to their longevity. These individuals mainly partake in coffee and green tea. While coffee is common in three Blue Zones and is linked with numerous health benefits, green tea, especially in Okinawa, Japan, is associated with lowered risks of various diseases. The manner and social context of consuming these beverages also play crucial roles in their health outcomes.
Key Points:
- Caffeine is linked to a reduced risk of certain chronic diseases, including Alzheimer’s Disease, liver disease, and type 2 diabetes, according to Brooklyn-based dietitian Maddie Pasquariello.
- A study of 500,000 participants in the UK showed that consuming one cup of coffee or three cups of tea daily was tied to the lowest mortality risk. Additionally, combining one to two cups of coffee with two to four cups of green tea daily reduced mortality risk by 22%.
- In Nicoya, Costa Rica, residents consume diluted coffee more frequently throughout the day, mitigating potential negative effects of caffeine, like anxiety and jitters.
- People in Ikaria, Greece, and Sardinia, Italy have the shared practice of enjoying caffeine in social settings, which fosters better social support systems, potentially amplifying health benefits.
- Okinawa residents regularly drink green tea, known for its antioxidant properties and is linked to reduced risks of several diseases, including cardiovascular ailments and certain cancers.
Source: https://www.wellandgood.com/blue-zones-caffeine-habits/
