The Blue Zones are five regions worldwide—Okinawa (Japan), Sardinia (Italy), Nicoya (Costa Rica), Ikaria (Greece), and Loma Linda (California, USA) – identified by Dan Buettner and researchers for their high concentration of centenarians and low rates of chronic diseases. These populations exhibit exceptional longevity and healthspan, attributed to shared dietary, lifestyle, and cultural practices. Given […]
The Okinawa Diet, as a longevity-focused framework within the Blue Zones, is deeply intertwined with cultural practices that contribute to the exceptional health and lifespan of Okinawans. Three key practices—Hara Hachi Bu, Moai, and Ikigai—are central to this lifestyle, promoting mindful eating, social connection, and a sense of purpose. Below, I explain each practice in […]
The Okinawa Diet is a nutritional and lifestyle framework inspired by the traditional eating patterns and cultural practices of the people of Okinawa, Japan, one of the five Blue Zones known for exceptional longevity and low rates of chronic diseases. Okinawans have historically exhibited some of the highest life expectancies and health spans globally, with […]
This longevity hybrid meal plan, combining Dr. William W. Li’s 5x5x5 framework from “Eat to Beat Disease” with elements from Dr. Jingduan Yang’s ACES model and Dr. Michael Greger’s Daily Dozen, will explore additional pairings by integrating Dr. Li’s 5x5x5 with the Mediterranean Diet and the Blue Zones Diet. These frameworks were previously introduced as […]
This one-week meal plan pairs Dr. William W. Li’s 5x5x5 framework from Eat to Beat Disease with elements from Dr. Jingduan Yang’s ACES longevity model and Dr. Michael Greger’s Daily Dozen. This plan will integrate Dr. Li’s focus on bioactives to support the five defense systems (Angiogenesis, Regeneration, Microbiome, DNA Protection, Immunity), Dr. Yang’s holistic […]
Menopausal women experience a natural decline in estrogen production due to ovarian senescence. This reduces the synthesis of steroid hormones like Estradiol (E2), one of the three major estrogens produced in the body. While saturated fat intake can support the availability of cholesterol—a precursor for estrogen—it cannot fully counteract the physiological drop in estrogen during […]
Saturated fat is found in animal fat and certain plant fats, such as coconut, coconut oil, palm, and palm kernel oil. It plays a key role in producing steroid hormones because cholesterol, a precursor to steroid hormones, is derived partly from dietary fats, including saturated fats. Cholesterol as a Building Block: Steroid hormones (e.g., testosterone, estrogen, […]
Herbs that prevent osteoporosis and strengthen the bones are: Stinging nettle leaf Horsetail herb Alfalfa herb Dandelion leaf Oat straw Tip: Add black pepper to your food to enhance the absorption of nutrients. These herbs help remineralize bones in osteoporosis and help heal bone fractures. Any degeneration in the joints, hips, or vertebrae and, in general, […]