Residents of Loma Linda, one of the world’s Blue Zones, live an average of 10 years longer than people in other parts of the country due to some surprising secrets.
Loma Linda, home to just over 25,000 people, is located about an hour east of Los Angeles, California, and is the only Blue Zone in the United States. Residents of Loma Linda live on average 10 years longer than the rest of the country. This is what makes Loma Linda special.
The concept of Blue Zones refers to geographic areas of the world where the environment is clean, nature is beautiful, and pollution is minimal due to community and local government protection. Blue Zones are also home to diverse marine life, abundant greenery, and rivers and streams. Currently, there are five Blue Zones worldwide: Okinawa (Japan), Sardinia (Italy), Nicoya (Costa Rica), Ikaria (Greece), and Loma Linda (USA).
Loma Linda in California is the only Blue Zone in the USA.
According to the Los Angeles Times, most residents of Loma Linda lead a lifestyle that is 20% to 30% healthier than the average American.
Many residents prioritize a plant-based diet, exercise regularly, support community involvement, and promote a stress-free lifestyle. Black beans, nuts, and avocados are staples in their diets. These superfoods are also key ingredients in other dishes from the Blue Zone. Researcher Dan Buettner has stated that in each Blue Zone, people consume about a cup of beans daily, and he believes that beans are the only superfood in the world.
Many people in Loma Linda adhere to a plant-rich diet.
For many people in this region, refined foods, shellfish, and red meat (especially pork) are taboo. In fact, a study of 81,000 people in the U.S. and Canada found that even consuming small amounts of red meat can double heart disease risks.
According to the Los Angeles Times, instead of meat, the local Loma Linda Market is filled with bins of beans and grains, and the local university cafeteria is a vegetarian eatery.
Additionally, the residents do not consume alcohol. Nicotine and caffeine are also prohibited for those who follow the faith.
Residents of Loma Linda, like those in other Blue Zones, are very community-oriented. They share potluck dinners featuring plant-based dishes and socialize at church. Moreover, the fitness center at Loma Linda University is open to all residents, including programs focused on diet and exercise. People are also encouraged to spend time outdoors to enjoy the fresh air. After potluck dinners, families often take walks in nature.
They view Saturday as a day for complete rest.
Furthermore, the people of Loma Linda always strive to reduce stress and enjoy life. For them, Saturday is the Sabbath – a day honored as a time for rest, taking a break from work and school to rejuvenate the body and refresh the spirit.
Experts recommend that in addition to diet and exercise, the factors that contribute to a Blue Zone include a green living environment, close proximity to nature, fresh air, and a community nurtured by nature.
