The Secrets of Longevity in Ikaria, Greece

Ikarians drink herbal teas every day, made from plants grown around their homes and in the wild

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Ikaria islanders live longer eating wild greens and drinking tea

You might have heard about the so-called “blue zones” — five areas in the world that longevity expert Dan Buettner has identified as having residents who routinely live to be over 100. They are Okinawa, Japan; Sardinia, Italy; Nicoya, Costa Rica; Loma Linda, California, and Ikaria, Greece. A new secret about the Ikaria diet is revealed.

A breathtaking drone view of Ikaria, Greece, showcases its pristine sandy beaches and crystal-clear waters. This picturesque island is one of the world’s five “Blue Zones,” as identified by longevity expert Dan Buettner—places where people live significantly longer, healthier lives.

“[People from] Ikaria, Greece, live about eight years longer than the average American, largely without dementia—no discernible dementia,” Buettner revealed.

In contrast, the US faces a growing dementia crisis. An estimated 6.7 million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s today, a number projected to rise to 13.8 million by 2060, according to the NIH. Meanwhile, in Ikaria, researchers found only three mild cases of dementia among all residents over 65.

The Ikarian Diet: A Mediterranean Marvel

What’s their secret? According to Buettner, diet plays a key role. On his Blue Zones blog, he explained that Ikarians follow the strictest version of the Mediterranean diet, relying on:

Fresh fruits and vegetables
Whole grains, beans, and legumes
Olive oil
Moderate amounts of red wine

However, unlike other Mediterranean regions, Ikarians consume far less fish and meat, instead focusing on an impressive variety of wild and garden greens. “They regularly eat a hundred or so foraged wild greens like mustard, chicory, and fennel—plants we’d weed-whack in the U.S.,” Buettner noted. These greens are packed with antioxidants, boasting 10 times the artery-cleansing power of red win