Longest living people swear by 'longevity stew' with little-known ingredient
The secrets to a long life have been unveiled by locals of the world-renowned 'Blue Zones', including an unexpected recipe. It's said those living in these regions are '10 times more likely to live to 100' compared to the average person in the United States.
They divulge a variety of lifestyle tips, such as eating less, opting for plant-based foods, and enjoying evening wine, but there's one dish they swear by on a 'rainy day'. The 'longevity stew', particularly popular in Icaria, a Greek Blue Zone, is both hearty and vegetarian-friendly.
In a step-by-step guide, Blue Zone researchers claim: "Great recipe from the blue zones region of Icaria for a rainy day (or any day). It’s also perfect for anyone following the Mediterranean diet."
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Raw produce - including red onion, garlic, a fennel bulb and tomatoes - is at heart of this stew, in addition to one cup of black-eyed peas. While some might snigger at their name, reminiscent of the famed US music group including Will.i.am and Fergie, they are simply just nutrient-rich beans.
This was emphasised by Helen Bell, a nutrition expert from Help & Advice, who commended their 'low glycemic index', which helps keep blood sugar levels in check. Speaking exclusively with the Mirror, she said: "Yes, this Icarian Longevity Stew is a healthy dish.
"It's rich in plant-based ingredients like black-eyed peas and a variety of vegetables, which are great sources of fibre and essential nutrients. For me, dishes like this that are high in fibre and low in saturated fats contribute positively to overall health.
"Black-eyed peas are great for nutrition [too]. They provide a good amount of protein and fibre, which are essential for maintaining a healthy digestive system and keeping you full for longer ... Plus, they're rich in important vitamins and minerals like folate and iron."
The recipe involves frying the onion, fennel bulb and garlic first 'until soft', then adding the black-eyed peas. Tomato paste, tomato and 'enough water to cover the beans by an inch', should then be added along with some bay leaves.
This mixture should be left to simmer for about 40 minutes to an hour, with seasonings like salt and chopped dill added towards the end. In addition to its health benefits, Helen noted that black-eyed peas can also aid weight loss. However, she cautioned that relying solely on this food won't guarantee lost pounds or longevity, as a 'broader lifestyle approach' is more effective.
She went on: "The high fibre content in black-eyed peas and vegetables helps promote satiety, reducing the likelihood of overeating. I've seen many people successfully incorporate similar meals into weight loss plans because they are full of nutrients yet low in calories.
"While I wouldn't say one dish alone can guarantee longevity, I do believe that a diet rich in plant-based, whole foods can contribute to a longer, healthier life. When I've looked into Blue Zones like Icaria, it's clear that their overall lifestyle, including diet, physical activity, and strong social connections, plays a significant role in their longevity.
"So, while eating this stew is a step in the right direction, it should be part of a broader lifestyle approach." Later, she also added: "It's worth noting that the simplicity and freshness of this dish reflect a lifestyle that values whole, unprocessed foods. In my view, embracing such dietary habits can significantly improve your quality of life.
"I also find that sharing meals like this with family and friends, as is often done in Blue Zones, adds a social and emotional benefit that goes beyond nutrition."
The full Blue Zone recipe is available here.
