The Greek island of Ikaria is home to some of the world’s longest-living people, with remarkably low rates of dementia among its residents. According to longevity expert Dan Buettner, who studied the island’s inhabitants in his book “The Blue Zones – Secrets for Living Longer,” their unusual diet and lifestyle may hold the key to understanding their exceptional health.
Ikaria’s residents drink two staple beverages: herbal tea and coffee. Herbal tea, brewed with wild herbs picked from the island, has anti-inflammatory properties that may contribute to low rates of cardiovascular disease and dementia. Coffee is another popular beverage among Ikarians, and research suggests it could reduce the risk of dementia.
A 2021 study found that individuals who consumed two to three cups of coffee and two to three cups of tea daily had a 30% lower risk of dementia or stroke compared to non-drinkers. This supports Dan’s assertion that these beverages may be part of the secret to Ikaria’s low dementia rates, which are significantly lower than those in the US.
The island’s residents also enjoy other health-promoting habits, such as consuming copious amounts of coffee and drinking herbal tea daily. By studying the habits of longevity hotspots like Ikaria, researchers hope to uncover new insights into maintaining healthy aging and preventing age-related diseases.
Source: https://www.the-express.com/news/health/163828/dementia-unusually-rare-island-where-locals-drink-two-things