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It definitely runs contrary to what was written up about the Nicoya people in "The Blue Zones." In that book, their diet was characterized as primarily vegetarian. The daily breakfast consists of gallo pinto (rice and beans) with a basket of homemade corn tortillas and hot coffee. 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. Opinions expressed by Forbes Contributors are their own. Would you like to visit the Nicoya Peninsula? Nicoyan water has the countrys highest calcium content, perhaps explaining the lower rates of heart disease, as well as stronger bones and fewer hip fractures. We hope you love the Blue Zone Costa Rica stays we recommend. For many the hope is that the lessons that these centenarians can teach us and the secrets of well-being and longevity that live in this extraordinary part of the world, will be able benefit all of humanity in the future. When Dan Buettner introduced the concept of Blue Zones, he formed the Blue Zones Project. It helps them remain positive. This Blue Zone is in the mountains of the Nicoyan Peninsula in western Costa Rica. I also suggest watching his TED Talk. 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. Learn more about typical diet with our Guide to Costa Rican Food. Eco-tourism is a natural must in this out-of-this-world scenario, where everything that happens is in a quiet, lovely pace. The Tortuga Islands are offshore and are a frequent destination for snorkeling trips, even from other parts of the peninsula. The expat community in Coco is generally older retirees, however, there are some younger expats running around. Check out all of our favorite travel companies. Speaking of work, finding work/life balance is a constant challenge for many. Soltara Healing Center is located on the calm and pristine Gulf of Nicoya in the mountainous jungle of Costa Rica's Nicoya Peninsula. 3 International Psychedelic Retreats Poised To Take Wellness Travel Into the Future, The Most Romantic Couples Massages in Las Vegas, The 20 Happiest Countries in the World, 2022, What Its Like To Stay at Hilton Head Health, One of Americas Most Renowned Wellness Resorts, 5 Types of Meditation That Will Relieve Your Travel Stress, long-life characteristics of the Nicoya Peninsula, How To Move To Costa Rica and Live There on the Cheap, These Stunning Cabins Are the Ultimate Zion National Park Basecamps, 8 of the Coolest Airbnbs Near Disney World, Orlando, 8 La Condesa Airbnbs To Settle Into Mexico Citys Coolest Neighborhood, The 11 Absolute Best Beaches in Costa Rica, This Luxury Hotel Has Transformed a Plane Into a Suite in the Costa Rican Jungle, A Guide To Feeling Your Best as a Plus-Size SpaGuest, The Best Airbnbs in Venice, From a Rialto Flat To a San Marco Studio, Download the Many Nicoyans choose to walk from one destination to another instead of driving. Nicoyans regularly take in the sunshine, which helps their bodies produce vitamin D for strong bones and healthy body function. Specifically, the rural landscapes of the Nicoya Peninsula, where people have some of the longest lifespans in the world. Now is the time for cities like Chicago to learn from the five Blue Zones throughout the world like Nicoya, Costa Rica. The Blue Zone of the Nicoya Peninsula stands out for the beauty of its landscapes, its tourist attractions, and its conservation areas, but above all, for the stories told by the long-lived inhabitants of the region, who have exceeded the life expectancy in Costa Rica and continue to be lucid and active, and who enjoy long, healthy lives. Throughout the world, the average life expectancy is 71 years of age (70 for males and 72 for females). Ed #2798 Oficina #8 Throughout Costa Rica, youll find vegetarian gallo pinto (rice and beans) served at breakfast, lunch, and dinner the name means spotted rooster because the black beans dot the rice. Costa Ricans called Ticos say pura vida instead of hello, how are you, fine, thanks, and see you later and youll quickly find yourself saying it too. At the southern tip of the peninsula is Cabo Blanco Nature Reserve. The Nicoya Peninsula is on Costa Ricas north Pacific coast. For more information read our privacy policy. We met in Virginia, moved to Germany, and now live in sunny Costa Rica. I will be visiting Costa Rica next week to meet with Jorge who founded a local organization that helps the small Blue Zone villages. ", For Belgian researcher Michel Poulain, one of the most important message of the World Meeting of Blue Zones is to tell the world that "Costa Rica has a treasure of longevity in the Nicoya Peninsula, that comes from the past generations, which has been built year by year. By comparison, a person in the United States can reasonably expect to live to just 77, according to federal census data. 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. Successful centenarians have a strong sense of purpose. Cala Luna won most innovative wellness hotel from the Global Beauty & Wellness Awards thanks to daily complimentary wellness activities like hatha yoga, bikes to borrow, farm-to-table cuisine (from La Sendas farm) with organic and biodynamic wines, and the innovative treatments at its Lahari Wellness Center spa. Nicoyans regularly take in the sunshine, which helps their bodies produce vitamin D for strong bones and healthy body function. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. Black bean starter To a small pot over medium-low heat, add one can of rinsed black beans. Nicoya. 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. March 2nd, 2023. Scarlet macaws are bred in Tambor and youll have a chance of seeing them, even on the beach. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. Its also easy to eat healthy in Costa Rica, with its abundance of local foods grown in its fertile volcanic soil. The information and example set by the inhabitants of the Blue Zone of Nicoya are highly valuable, and some of the life habits can be emulated, planting a blue seed throughout the country. Loma Linda, California. 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. You may opt-out by. 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. This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged. Because of this, they enjoy extremely low rates of heart disease. A three-course farm-to-table dinner with a tour of the organic garden is available Mondays and Thursdays. The peninsula is one of the worlds five Blue Zones where many people live exceptionally long and healthy lives. Water sports are on offer pretty much everywhere along Nicoyas coast, whether you prefer surfing, kayaking, standup paddleboarding, snorkeling, scuba diving, or just checking out whats happening in the tide pools. They have been able to exceed their life expectancy and serve as an example for the entire world. Despite that, the area has many of the same ideals that the rest of Costa Ricans have. January 18, 2022 . Due to the Nicoya Peninsula's location in Central America, the area has an abundance of warm days with tons of sunlight. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. In one of Buettner's most recent visits to Costa Rica, he defined Blue Zones as "a kind of lifestyle and environment that creates longevity. The quality of Nicoyas water might be one of the reasons residents live long enough to become centenarians and almost-centenarians. Santa Teresa is great for surfing and enjoying a small but vibrant town with a backpacker vibe. 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. Sign up for theBLUE ZONES free weekly email where webring youexclusive interviews, cutting edge longevity news, and fresh tips for living longer, better. 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. The Nicoya Peninsula, a Blue Zone in Costa Rica, is renowned for its tranquil, laid-back ambiance. 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. The most southerly point is Cabo Blanco Reserve and the south coast also has the town of Tambor. Nicoya, Costa Rica is one of those unique locations where lifestyle, diet, and low stress have dramatically bettered the lives of Ticos and expats alike. 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. There are two trails for visitors and a pristine white sand beach. The forest here is more tropical than further north and is home to deer, pacas, monkeys, armadillos, laughing gulls, pelicans, frigates, and brown boobies. It includes the five cantons of the Nicoya Peninsula: Hojancha, Nandayure, Carrillo, Santa Cruz and Nicoya. So, Nicoya is another blue zone in the world alongside Okinawa (Japan), Cerdea (Italia), Icaria (Greece) and Loma Linda (California). Tamarindo is the most popular destination for international visitors with its golden beaches, many with consistent and gentle surfing waves, and nearby national parks and wildlife refuges. I feel lucky to have found this information, though the credit doesn't belong to me, but rather to the older residents. Poor communities are notorious for living in food deserts. Do you ever wish you could know the secrets to a long and happy life? Feel free to leave them in the comment section below. American researcher, Dan Buettner, discovered that people in these areas shared several lifestyle characteristics: They don't smoke; They eat a plant-based diet Its very interesting, and I mean, who doesnt love a good TED Talk? Read more below about the lessons that Nicoya, Costa Rica can teach you about longevity. 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. All Rights Reserved. Each region has its own diet, types of exercise, and community structure, but each has specific elements in common - all starting with a sense of purpose. 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. We know that the diet here is different than that of the rest of the country, and that the character of the people here is unique in the world. Physical activity, diet, good mineral-rich water, friends, a satisfying job, eating light in the evening, and a "plan de vida" are the other aspects. Not only do they live longer, their metabolism is better, the levels of cognitive impairment are lower, and they function at a higher level. These regions are considered Blue Zones. You can hike along trails, go horseback riding, kayak through the mangroves, and swim off the beach. Dan Buettner is really the man behind Blue Zones, so I suggest you start your interest with him. The 9 Secrets Boosting a Long Life in Nicoya, Costa Rica: They have a strong sense of purpose No matter how old they are, Nicoyans have a strong sense of purpose, a reason to live longer. Tamarindo is also a great place for solo travelers. They find joy in everyday physical chores. Ministry of Health data indicate that life expectancy is nearly 80 years, which is the highest in Central America, according to the World Bank. The Nicoya Peninsula is in many ways isolated from the rest of Costa Rica due to geography. The best way we can mourn those lives lost is to honor them by creating a better future for our children, their children, and their childrens children by making healthier choices now. This provides the nutrition they need to work hard during the day. Nearby is the Barra Honda National Park with its caves, the Monte Alto Nature Reserve where a variety of orchids grow, and other natural reserves where you can see wildlife. Actually, it is home. He has written numerous books on the topic, but I suggest starting with: Blue Zones of Happiness and The Blue Zones Kitchen (a cookbook). All rights reserved. A research team is currently researching the . Wildlife is abundant. If youre eating a standard American diet, its probably shaving about six to 10 years off of your life expectancy, Buettner says. Moderate alcohol intake, especially wine. They begin each meal with a prayer. Technology permeates everyday life and Nicoya is the perfect place to go for a digital detox. For just over 15 years he has been monitoring and accompanying the long-lived people that . By clicking Accept, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. Heres how to plan a trip to the Blue Zone in Costa Rica. "Looking beyond Costa Ricas Blue Zone in Nicoya, elements that make our population stand out and that describe our focus on well-being can be found in every corner of our territory. People who have diabetes, heart conditions, or are overweight tend to have a more difficult time if they are infected by COVID-19. They are eye-opening and heart-tugging. Nicoya is located far off in Northeastern Costa Rica. Many of us in Western countries know we need to eat less junk and add more natural food to our diets. These Blue Zones have a direct link to the promotion of tourism in the country, since it fits in well wellness tourism. They feel needed and want to contribute to a greater good. The most amazing part about people who live in Nicoya, Costa Rica is that many of them live without medication or disability. Genetics and Costa Ricas natural environment certainly play a large part, but lifestyle is a major factor in why Blue Zone residents live so long. Also, calcium is important for bones. The Nicoya Peninsula has several on offer, including near Tamarindo, outside the Cabo Blanco Reserve near Playa Mal Pais, and above the Montezuma waterfall. Nicoya is a small, rural beach community located on the Guanacaste peninsula on the northwest coast of Costa Rica. Near the fishing village of Tambor (reached by a 20-minute flight from San Jos or a drive down from the Paquera ferry) is Costa Ricas first all-inclusive. A blue zone is a geographical area in which the population is the longest-lived. On today's podcast, Gina does some serious myth-busting about what has kept the centenarians so well, for so long. 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. Look for howler and capuchin monkeys, parrots and parakeets, and bigger birds like herons and hawks. 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. Nicoyan centenarians have been the focus of many articles. In other words, people in these zones to live longer than any other areas in the world. What they generally don't know, however, is that a part of Costa Rica tourists rarely visit (the rural Nicoya Peninsula towns of Nicoya, Santa Cruz and environs) contains the largest. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. 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. They also practice good physical and mental health. Research shows that 30% of longevity comes from genes, and the remaining 70% from lifestyle.