Who would want to live to be 100 years old? Maybe many of us if we could live a healthy life and eat healthy food.

In the early 2000s, Dan Buettner, an American National Geographic Fellow and New York Times-bestselling author embarked on a mission. This was to determine what specific aspects of lifestyle and environment help humans to live longer. With support from his team and through research they were able to identify five areas in the world with the highest percentage of centenarians. Known as the Blue Zones, these areas also have low rates of diseases including heart disease, diabetes and cancer.

Simmi, Kiki and our guest host Daksha discover some of the secrets of the worlds longest-lived people.

Only 20% of how long we live is dictated by our genes, 80% is about lifestyle. What can we control or change in order to achieve a longer and healthier life? Can a Blue Zone diet really be one of the answers we are looking for?

The famous English chef Jamie Oliver, an advocate for providing nutritious meals for children in schools has visited schools the USA as well as England to show and encourage kitchen staff how to make simple changes to create healthier meals. A small initiative in order to help curb the obesity crisis.

• Who is responsible for the health of  our nation's children?
• Is it parents, schools, the government or even the media?

In the news recently a government-ordered review concluded that a tax on salt and sugar should be introduced. Food tsar Henry Dimbleby argues that the food we eat and the way we produce it, is doing terrible damage to our planet and our health. Could this be the time to take more notice of how people live and eat in the Blue Zones?

Our hosts have discussed the very issues that have come up in recent news reports. They definitely have some ideas that the government should take note of!

References:

• Blue Zones Kitchen by Dan Buettner
• Food secrets of the World’s longest-lived people.  www.bluezones.com
• Starting a Food Revolution in school. TED +GBS Present Torchbearers

DISCLAIMER: The content in the podcast is not intended to constitute or be a substitute for a fitness instructor, professional medical / food advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor / nutritionist or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on the podcast.