A researcher has revealed that inhabitants of Earth’s exceptional ‘Blue Zones’ may frequently adhere to a straightforward principle for longer lifespans – and it’s encouraging news for those who enjoy a drink.
Costa Rica, Greece, and Japan are home to three of the six distinctive areas where locals are reportedly 10 times more likely to reach 100 years old than those in the United States.
Whilst tactics such as caloric limitation, plant-focused diets, and prioritising family connections are widespread in these areas, the reference to wine might surprise you.
Remarkably, it’s reported that ‘regular’ alcohol intake is especially prominent in Blue Zones, with certain inhabitants consuming one or two glasses each day.
« People in all Blue Zones (except Adventists) drink alcohol moderately and regularly, » Blue Zones explorer Dan Buettner previously wrote, according to a past Mirror report.
« Moderate drinkers outlive non-drinkers. The trick is to drink 1-2 glasses per day (preferably Sardinian Cannonau wine), with friends and/or with food. And no, you can’t save up all week and have 14 drinks on Saturday. »
Given that NHS England is amongst various health authorities warning of alcohol’s long-term risks, including elevated blood pressure, liver complications, strokes and multiple cancers, this ‘strategy’ may appear confusing.
However, Dr Gareth Nye (@dr.gareth.nye), Biomedical Science lecturer at the University of Salford, told the Mirror last year that red wine, especially, may offer certain benefits when consumed in moderation.
At the time, he said: « Red wine contains a chemical called resveratrol. It is a plant compound that has been suggested to have antioxidant properties. Antioxidants help protect cells from damage and in older people their ability to protect cells is diminished.
« Some studies have suggested antioxidants can protect cells by reducing inflammation which therefore can help people live longer. [Research has] also suggested resveratrol can lower blood pressure and control cholesterol by increasing HDL or ‘good’ cholesterol.
« But alcohol is not a requirement in the diet and the same impact can be had through intake of fruit and vegetables and the risks of damage from alcohol intake far exceed the potential benefits. »
To reap wine’s potential benefits without compromising your health, it’s crucial to recognise what constitutes dangerous overconsumption. UK recommendations suggest limiting intake to no more than 14 ‘units’ per week, spread across a minimum of three days.
Put in context, that’s around six pints of average-strength beer or 10 small glasses of lower-strength wine, according to the NHS. In 2024, nutritionist Helen Bell, at Help & Advice, also told the Mirror: « Exceeding these limits can lead to a host of health issues, including liver disease, increased risk of cancer, and cardiovascular problems.
« I’ve had cases where individuals believed they were drinking moderately, only to realise their consumption was higher than recommended, leading to adverse health effects. I always recommend keeping track of your alcohol intake by knowing what constitutes a unit of alcohol. For example, a standard glass of wine (175ml) is about two units.
« Spreading your consumption over the week and including several alcohol-free days can help keep your intake within healthy limits. » Meanwhile, Dr Nye added: « No one should be drinking alcohol for health benefits, moderation is always key.
« Ideally, as little alcohol as possible is best for health, but if you feel your alcohol intake has increased over time or you feel like you are relying on alcohol, then you should ideally seek help for this. »
Aside from alcohol consumption, residents of Blue Zones also reportedly employ the ‘80% trick’ or ‘Hara Hachi Bu’, which may contribute to their longevity. Typically, this involves having a small meal in the late afternoon or early evening and eating until only about 80% full.
Although this approach definitely helps locals prevent uncomfortable ‘food coma’ feelings, Helen isn’t convinced it’s suitable for everyone. She continued: « This method can help prevent overeating and support weight management, reducing the risk of obesity-related diseases.
« However, eating one meal per day might not be suitable for everyone, as nutritional needs vary. I always advise individuals to tailor their eating patterns to their own body’s requirements while maintaining a balanced diet. »
Similarly, Dr Nye added: « There is a lot of literature around calorie restrictions and its potential benefits. Taken in isolation, this may not be healthy long term, however, many of these Blue Zones have a full well-rounded approach to healthy lifestyles for which eating one meal is one.
« There is an issue with overeating, which is ultimately driving global obesity levels higher and higher, and knowing when to stop eating is a big part of this. The less excess fat tissue you carry, the longer your chance of living is. »
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