For the month of July I will be dedicating my blog reading and discussing the book, "The Blue Zones: Lessons For Living Longer From the People Who’ve Lived the Longest" by Dan Buettner. We are now reading Chapter 3: The Blue Zone in Okinawa Sunshine, Spirituality, and Sweet Potatoes. I am about one third of the way through the book, thoroughly enjoying it as I read. The book is written in a conversational style while being filled with insights about how to create a healthy and long life. I am finding it to be an easy read and I want to share what I have learned with you, my friends and family. Learning about the centenarians' stories help me to think about how to practically apply their principles in my own life. This chapter focuses on talking with the Okinawa women over the age of 100. I loved the stories about Kamada and Gozei. Kamada, who is a 102-year-old woman who considers herself the priestess and spiritual advisor for the community. Gozei who was also 102, was the warrior and protector of her family as well.
The older women in this chapter have grown up in poor circumstance and have a wonderful sense of resiliency. They all had jobs or circumstances that required them to be outside exposed to sun on a daily basis for most of their lives. This sun exposure helped them to create good levels of vitamin D during their lives. Vitamin D levels have been the subject of much medical studies in the last 10 years. I thought it was interesting that these researchers observed the tanned skin of the Okinawan women and understood this might be one of the keys to their longevity. Vitamin D has important health benefits related many to age related illnesses like cancer, high blood pressure, diabetes, autoimmune diseases and bone health. I thought it was also important that the researchers explained the difference between the sun being helpful and sun being harmful.
I stress eating a plant-based diet with my patients and older Okinawans, due to the hardships and poverty, had the habit of eating mostly vegetables. As a result they have always had a great diet. Many of the centenarians also grew gardens during their life. They are really connected to their land and their food. It seems Okinawans have turned their hardship into longevity. Amazing, truly amazing. What sparked your interest in this chapter?
Live Vibrantly,
Dr. Dae
Dr. Dae's website: www.healthydaes.com
Dr. Dae's book: Daelicious! Recipes for Vibrant Living can be purchased @ www.healthydaes.com
Dr. Dae's Bio:
“Dr. Dae" (pronounced Dr. Day) Daemon Jones is a Naturopathic Physician who completed her training at the University of Bridgeport College of Naturopathic Medicine. She is certified as a General Practitioner by the North American Board of Naturopathic Examiners (NABNE). Dr. Dae provides tailored treatment to meet the unique needs of every individual she sees in her practice. She also provides specialized support for persons challenged by nutritional deficiencies, weight problems, hormonal and reproductive system disorders, attention deficit disorder and those experiencing chronic diseases. Dr. Dae is an adjunct faculty member for Smith Farm Center for Healing and the Arts. She is the author of Daelicious! Recipes for Vibrant Living. Dr. Dae is a featured chef with www.myfoodmyhealth.com. Dr. Dae is a regularly featured writer for the Elite GoogleNews Website empowher.com where she shares her personal and professional vision for living whole and living well. To learn more about Dr. Dae, her products and services, please visit her on the Web at www.Healthydaes.com.