why is nicoya, costa rica a blue zone
- On Mar, 12, 2023
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In these areas people have low rates of chronic diseases, so they tend to live longer than in other places. Try opting to walk places instead of driving. The Nicoya Peninsula, a Blue Zone in Costa Rica, is renowned for its tranquil, laid-back ambiance. "The sense of community, shared purpose and celebration and appreciation for life in all its forms allows for a way of thriving that can even be seen today to have a connection to vitality and mitochondrial health." The term first emerged in 2005 in a Nation Geographic magazine cover, "The Secrets of a Long Life.". 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. Here are some of the factors that make Costa Rica's Nicoya Peninsula a blue zone worth visiting. When you book through our trusted partners we earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Just note, you might have trouble finding a place to stay. Technology permeates everyday life and Nicoya is the perfect place to go for a digital detox. Located in northwestern Costa Rica, near the border with Nicaragua, Playas del Coco which is more commonly called Cocois a beach town, popular with both expats and Costa Ricans. There are several theories about why the Blue Zone of Costa Rica exists, but the most likely explanation is that it is due to a combination of factors. Along with starting every morning with a healthy breakfast, Nicoyans also eat nutritious food throughout the day. Black beans contain high doses of antioxidants and they are eaten for almost every meal among Nicoyans (and most Costa Ricans). What we can incorporate about Nicoya into our culture is the sense of purpose Nicoyans enjoy. Directions: Toss the cabbage with the orange juice, season with salt and pepper and let sit 30 minutes. Nantipa means blue in the language of the Chorotega people, some of the first known people to live in the Nicoya region. He has written numerous books on the topic, but I suggest starting with: Blue Zones of Happiness and The Blue Zones Kitchen (a cookbook). The Nicoya Peninsula has several on offer, including near Tamarindo, outside the Cabo Blanco Reserve near Playa Mal Pais, and above the Montezuma waterfall. Eco-tourism is a natural must in this out-of-this-world scenario, where everything that happens is in a quiet, lovely pace. Barra Honda is on the peninsulas northeast about a half hours drive from the town of Nicoya. Thanks to the peninsula's reputation as one of these Blue Zones, Nicoya has become a haven for digital detox. The reason why they are called "blue zones" is a curious story The expat community in Coco is generally older retirees, however, there are some younger expats running around. Blessed with sandy beaches and tropical forest, it's something of a backpackers' paradise. Within Nosaras lush forest and a three-minute walk to Guiones Beach, this small hotel has a daily yoga class plus private yoga instruction, surf lessons, a large pool, hammocks, and a juice and coffee bar. The sustainable and equitable promotion of the long-living population of seniors and the establishment of a cultural agenda aimed at strengthening sustainable, rural, community tourism stood out among the commitments made. In Nicoya, Costa Rica, where average incomes are among the nation's lowest, the average lifespan is 85 among the world's highest. Also, we would love to hear your thoughts on Blue Zones and what constitutes a long lifestyle. 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. The forest here is more tropical than further north and is home to deer, pacas, monkeys, armadillos, laughing gulls, pelicans, frigates, and brown boobies. Located on the Guanacaste Peninsula in northwestern Costa Rica, Nicoya is a rural, beachside, blue-zone community. If coming from San Jose, the easiest way to get to the Nicoya Peninsula is to take the ferry from Puntarenas. The heart is a muscle, and all muscle contractions depend on calcium. Arising from this need, one of the results of the meeting was the establishment of an International Network on Healthy Aging, which will be led from Costa Rica in order to "build knowledge collaboratively", said Montero. Face-to-Face Conversations. For more information read our privacy policy. Oftentimes, this helps maintain healthy and supportive relationships within their communities, and develop a strong sense of faith and purpose along the way. Buettner approached National Geograhic with his idea and they agreed to help fund his research. These include Nicoya, Costa Rica; Loma Linda, California; Ikaria, Greece . Having worked with the pioneers in mind-body research and psychoneuroimmunology. Also, calcium is important for bones. Dan discovered five places where residents have low rates of chronic disease and live longer than anywhere else. That means family ties are the backbone for most peoples existence. For one, Costa Rica is a small country and most people never move away from the area they were born in. On the peninsulas southeast coast is Tambor, with Nicoyas most southerly airport. Alternatively, Blue. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. This healthy breakfast gives them the nutrients they need for a day of tending crops and livestock. 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. Your best bet might be finding a VRBO instead of a hotel. In the south between the Paquera ferry and the village of Tambor, youll have an excellent chance of seeing wildlife within the privately-owned Cur Wildlife Reserve. My fourth investigation into exactly what our Blue Zone folks eat has left this dietitian, well, intrigued. LIKED THIS? Moderate alcohol intake, especially wine. The climate in the Blue Zone is very mild, which may help to protect against diseases. Reporter Dan Buettner closed by saying "it is a great honor to see the results of the idea of researching the issue of longevity that emerged fifteen years ago is coming to fruition in the meeting of the major scientific researchers on the subject of Blue Zones." Calles 27 & 29, Ave 2, Swimming holes dot the peninsula too, including beneath the Montezuma waterfall. WED LOVE IF YOUD ADD IT ON PINTEREST! Tamarindo is also a great place for solo travelers. There are five regions around the world called the Blue Zones: Okinawa, Japan; Sardinia, Italy; Nicoya, Costa Rica; Ikaria, Greece, and Loma Linda, California. Were Thomas (the German) and Sarah (the US-er). Down on the Nicoya Peninsula in Costa Rica's Blue Zone, visitors can book into a yoga retreat, eat freshly caught fish, go surfing and ride horses along the beach. There will be a lot to learn and a lot to do to get back to a healthier normal. The Today Show's Cynthia McFadden accompanied Blue Zones founder Dan Buettner to Costa Rica and Singapore to learn why they these two different places have such happy residents. Thomas Ramsauer / Shutterstock. Now I was excited to roam off the beaten path into a world-famous Nicoya Peninsula blue zone. In the southern part of the peninsula, Santa Teresa is a popular surf area that sprawls for miles along the coast. It's also one of the happiest places in Central America: Costa Ricans report a high level of life satisfaction and the country has the highest literacy rate in Latin America. The gateway to the Nicoya Peninsula is the beach town of Tamarindo on the west coast, which is very popular with international travelers. The agreement was signed by the Vice President of Costa Rica, Ana Helena Chacn, as well as ministries and institutions of the government and the mayors of the cantons of Nicoya Peninsula: Nandayure, Hojancha, Carrillo, Santa Cruz and Nicoya. Nicoya, Costa Rica A Latin American Blue Zone. Results were also shared from the research carried out by the demographer Luis Rosero and Dr. Elizabeth Lopez, both from Costa Rica, who made significant contributions on the subject of healthy longevity. Costa Rica is home to one of the five original blue zones regions, the Nicoya peninsula, with a high number of centenarians in excellent health. The world has 5 recognized Blue Zones (as determined by the authority of National Geographic ). 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. Making the smart choice in traditional Blue Zones is often the only choice available, not really a choice at all. These geographical areas are considered special, because most people live at least 90 and often over 100 years of age. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. We have obtained information from Nicoya, Costa Rica on ways to live longer and be happier. Your email address will not be published. Nicoya, Costa Rica. Theyre focused on sick care, and so the actual healthcare is often neglected, says Chaves. . The Nicoya Peninsula is in many ways isolated from the rest of Costa Rica due to geography. Contents1 Is Costa Rica considered [] They wake up. Blue Zones, those special places on earth where people live longer and healthier lives, first came to prominence in the ground-breaking book by Dan Buettner, Blue Zones. The world has a number of 'Blue Zones', areas where the locals live healthier and longer lives. Adapting our lifestyles wherever we live to healthier practices such as intermittent fasting, walkability, exploring plant-based gastronomy, and low glycemic index food intake sound like your everyday doctors recipe for a healthy life, says Cedeno-Molinari. Also, the environment just exudes joy. 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 World Meeting of Blue Zones laid the groundwork, in a spirit of s se puede (yes we can), envisioning a blue Costa Rica, following the example of healthy habits set by more than 900 inhabitants aged 90 or older, and the centenarians of Nicoya Peninsula. The traditional diet in the area is also notable. The world has a number of Blue Zones, areas where the locals live healthier and longer lives. For most of their lives, Nicoyan centenarians ate a traditional Mesoamerican diet highlighted with the three sisters of agriculture: squash, corn, and beans. I'm a Chief Metaverse Officer and a web3 luxury and fashion innovator. O que so Zonas Azuis? While starting the day off with rice and beans may not be an ideal breakfast for most people, the key to a healthy breakfast is one rich with protein, complex carbs, and antioxidants (minus the preservatives). Dinner is typically a light meal, consumed early in the evening which allows plenty of time for digestion before bed. Nicoyan centenarians have been the focus of many articles. Residents of this 80-mile peninsula found south of the Nicaraguan border have the world's lowest middle-age mortality rates, and the second highest number of male centenarians in the world. Over the last several months, the world has mourned the loss of hundreds of thousands of lives. "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. The Tortuga Islands are offshore and are a frequent destination for snorkeling trips, even from other parts of the peninsula. Its one of our favorite places in Costa Rica and most likely where we would move if we ever moved to the beach. One of the world's Blue Zones is in Nicoya, Costa Rica. 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 international attendees also included Dan Buettner, a reporter and researcher for National Geographic, who has been responsible for popularizing the concept of Blue Zones through the publication of various articles and best-selling books that explore the direct connection between this issue and diet, spirituality, purpose in life and physical exercise, with happiness as a cross-cutting element. Join 19k+ subscribers in receiving FREE travel advice, news & promotions! 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. Getting up in the air on tree canopy tours via ziplines and rope bridges is popular throughout Costa Rica. The people of Nicoya value their families a lot, and you can often see them joking with their neighbors, working hard for long hours, and enjoying the sunshine. This treasure includes the atmosphere around you." 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. These factors are present, to some degree, in the other four Blue Zones in the world, according to world experts who participated in the World Meeting in Nicoya in mid-November. It's also an area identified as a "Blue Zone . 4. That sense of purpose drives them in all aspects of their lives. If you want to really embrace the Nicoya Peninsula blue zone vibe, head to any small village in the area. 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Nicoya, Costa Rica - And then there's Nicoya, where Ricardo and his family live, a notable exception to the rule that people in developing countries have shorter life spans than those in developed ones. It was a spontaneous decision to move here, but it was the best decision! They also practice good physical and mental health. Nicoyans regularly take in the sunshine, which helps their bodies produce vitamin D for strong bones and healthy body function. "This meeting commits us to preserve this Blue Zone, but most importantly, it should have a multiplier effect and serve as an example for the other cantons of the country" said Ana Monge, Commissioner of the Presidential Social Council of the Government of Costa Rica. Staples of the traditional Nicoya diet include homemade corn tortillas, black beans, white rice, a variety of squash, yams, papaya, bananas, and pejibayes. First . The Peninsula is covered by spectacular beaches that host nature's best. A Blue Zone is the name given to one of the areas in the world where a majority of people have a life expectancy of at least 100 years old. First and foremost, the competition to get ahead isnt the same here as it is in some other western countries. Its difficult to maintain family bonds and friendships when school and work take us far from home, into strange communities. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. While Nicoyans start their day by eating a healthy breakfast, their diet is not the only secret to living long lives. You may opt-out by. People often consider the impact of global decisions on future generations through legislation. This is an excerpt fromBlue Zones: Lessons For Living Longer From The People Whove Lived The Longestby Dan Buettner, copyright 2008, all rights reserved. So, what's the secret behind our region's long life? Its name is due to the tribe that reigned prior to the arrival of the Spanish in 1520, it is said to come from the Nahuatlas words Nica, Necoclau or Necocyanh, which means surrounded by water. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. 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. I suggest visiting Cabuya (a small town between Montezuma and Santa Teresa) or San Francisco de Coyote (a remote beach town). Ed #2798 Oficina #8 All Rights Reserved. People who have diabetes, heart conditions, or are overweight tend to have a more difficult time if they are infected by COVID-19.