“I forgot to die” | The impressive case of a man with terminal cancer who recovered after moving to a country included in the “Blue Zone”

Stamatis Moraitis lived another 30 years from the moment doctors diagnosed him with terminal lung cancer. He decided to tell his story thus raising the alarm about the impact that the areas we live in have on our health.

After spending most of his life in the suburbs of New York and Florida, Moraitis faced breathing difficulties and the inability to continue his daily life.

As soon as he found out that he was suffering from terminal cancer, Moraitis made a drastic decision. He moved back to his homeland on the isolated island of Ikaria in Greece, famous for the longevity of its inhabitants.

As he adjusted to the quiet and healthy life on the island, Moraitis began to enjoy life again. He explored the beautiful nature of the island, reconnected with old friends and started working in the garden. He planted vines for a future vineyard, even though he knew he would not live long enough to enjoy the wine harvest.

More than three decades on, Moraitis was still enjoying life on the island of Ikaria. He grows fruit and vegetables on his property, contributing to the healthy lifestyle of the area. When longevity expert Dan Buettner visited the island to investigate the secrets of longevity, Moraitis became the subject of the documentary “Live to 100: The Secret of the Blue Zones.” Asked what his secret is, Moraitis answered simply: “I forgot to die,” notes businessinsider.com.

Diet for longevity of the inhabitants of Ikaria, one of the “Blue Zones”

A third of Ikarians live over 90 years of age, and factors such as strong social and family ties, exercise integrated into daily life, and frequent sleep are thought to be why these islanders often live to the age of centenarians.

The Ikarian diet includes healthy fats, lots of fiber, and nutrient-dense whole foods. It is largely plant-based, with nuts, grains, potatoes, legumes, vegetables and seeds, and olive oil is the main source of added fat.

Yogurt and cheese, fish, poultry and red wine are consumed in moderation, while red meat is limited to just a few times a month.

Such a way of eating has been shown to reduce risk factors for conditions such as heart disease, stroke, diabetes, high cholesterol, obesity and high blood pressure.

In her new cookbook, The Ikaria Way, Diane Kochilas, a Greek-American chef, offers a “road map” for people who want to incorporate into their lives aspects inspired by the way the inhabitants of the Greek island of Ikaria eat, according to adevarul.ro.

The book highlights dishes for light meals, snacks, dinners and everything in between, with recipes such as Cucumber Soup with Walnut Yogurt; grilled peaches and arugula salad with feta; spicy fava beans braised in red wine; and orzo pilaf with pistachios and currants, among many others.

First, on the island, as in other parts of Greece, some people still observe the fasting calendar of the Greek Orthodox Church and therefore do not eat meat during certain times of the year, such as during Lent.

The ingredients in Diane Kochilas’ cookbook are also plentiful on Ikaria—including yogurt, dried fruit, honey, sea salt, olive oil, nuts, fresh herbs, grains, garlic, and a variety of legumes—but she note that similar products should be available in most supermarkets.

“Eat Beans and Live Longer”

Beans feature prominently in “The Ikaria Way,” and Diane Kochilas makes them the protagonist in dishes such as fresh fava beans with lemon, artichokes, tahini and yogurt; dried fava stew; red beans with chili flakes and fresh herbs; and caramelized giant beans with turmeric, fennel, and romaine, to name a few.

According to the author, “eat beans and live longer” has become a mantra for supporters of Blue Zone cuisine.

The phrase belongs to Dan Buettner, a colleague from National Geographic and longevity expert, who believes that people who consume a portion of beans a day, as much as would fit in a cup, can extend their lives by four years.

Moreover, the inhabitants of Ikaria observe Orthodox fasting periods. The plant foods found on Ikaria are not only healthy and filling, but also practical.

List of countries with Blue Zones

“Blue zone” countries are regions or communities where there is an unusually high concentration of people living to old ages, with a high rate of longevity and health. These places are so named because of the remarkable record of longevity among their inhabitants. These areas are of interest to researchers and scientists studying the secrets of longevity and a healthy lifestyle. Here are some notable examples of blue zones around the world:

1. Okinawa, Japan: The Okinawa island region of Japan is famous for the longevity of its residents. Okinawans have a diet based on low-calorie, nutrient-dense foods such as vegetables, fruits, and fish, which contribute to good health and longevity.

2. Sardinia, Italy: The Italian island of Sardinia is known for its concentration of centenarians. Sardinians often live long and engage in an active lifestyle that includes a Mediterranean diet rich in vegetables, olive oil, fresh fruit and dairy products.

3. Nicoya Peninsula, Costa Rica: Residents of Costa Rica’s Nicoya Peninsula have a higher rate of longevity, with some living to very old ages. Their diet is based on local foods such as fresh fruit, vegetables and lean meat, and their lifestyle is characterized by constant physical activity such as walking and gardening.

4. Ikaria, Greece: The island of Ikaria in Greece is known for its large number of centenarians and the general health of its inhabitants. Their diet is rich in vegetables, fruits, fish, olive oil and local herbs, and their lifestyle involves regular exercise and a relaxed lifestyle.

These communities provide unique opportunities for learning about the factors that contribute to longevity and health. These factors include a balanced diet, regular physical activity, stress management and social integration into the community.