Eating Like The Longest-Lived People on Earth Just Got A Whole Lot Easier

Is it possible to eat for longevity? Are we really no more than what we eat? These are the questions that float through my head as I wander the grocery store aisles in search of “superfoods” that aren’t just hype, picking up root vegetables and green powders alike. Let’s be real: It can be hard to wade through all the hype around healthy eating these days. But if you’re looking to model your diet after something tried and true, start with the blue zones—home to the world’s longest-lived cultures.

Blue zones are parts of the world with the highest number of centenarians, a.k.a people over the age of 100. There are five places that officially qualify: Sardinia, Italy; Okinawa, Japan; Costa Rica’s Nicoya Peninsula; the Greek island of Ikaria; and the city of Loma Linda in Southern California. At first glance, it might be hard to spot the similarities between these diverse geographic and cultural regions. But looking at lifestyles unlocks the secrets. Blue zone residents eat a “plant-slant” diet that prioritizes vegetables over meat, gather together for meals, and naturally exercise with activities like walking and gardening. Most interestingly, they all eat beans.

Blue zone residents eat one half to a full cup of beans every day—at least four times as much as the average American eats. From black beans in Costa Rica to garbanzo beans in Greece and soybeans in Japan, legumes are a cornerstone of their plant-based diets. Cooking preparations vary as widely as geography, from simmering garbanzo beans with lemon juice and cilantro like the Greeks to transforming soybeans into miso and tofu like the Japanese. But regardless of region or flavor profile, the benefits of eating beans are seriously significant.

After all, we know beans aren’t just delicious—they are truly wholesome! These versatile legumes contain protein and fiber, both of which slow digestion to contribute long-lasting energy that powers your body with less meat and dairy, plant-slant style. You don’t have to go vegetarian or vegan to start benefiting from eating plant-based like blue zone residents. Supplementing your diet with legumes and other whole foods like unprocessed grains, plus taking a few moments to enjoy your meal instead of eating in a rush, will go a long way. After all, beans are too delicious not to be savored. Check out the four “Always Foods” below that you can incorporate into your diet every day.

Bush’s Beans and Blue Zones LLC are teaming up with a new line of products that make it accessible for anyone to get a blue zone boost, no plane ticket required. There’s Curried Chickpeas Organic Bowl Topper, a savory, mild tomato curry with tender chickpeas; Zesty Black Beans Organic Bowl Topper, a zingy, Tex-Mex-style blend of black beans with corn and peppers; Hearty Vegetable Organic Soup, a cozy tomato basil soup with kidney and northern beans for a double dose of legume goodness; and White Bean Vegetable Organic Soup, a hearty white bean soup with fragrant rosemary.

Plus, the soups and bowl toppers are USDA Organic and naturally gluten-free. It’s not a shortcut to the fountain of youth, but it’s a wholesome meal option you can feel good about eating on repeat. Who knew eating like the world’s longest-lived cultures was only a can opener away?

Learn more about Bush’s Blue Zones product line at bushbeans.com, and keep an eye out for its availability in select retailers nationwide this summer.