Diane Kochilas is the host and producer of the television show “My Greek Table .” She is also the author of 18 books on Greek cuisine and runs a cooking school on her home island of Ikaria, Greece. Ikaria is known as the island of longevity and is one of the famous Blue Zones, home to the world’s longest-living people.

According to statistics, 1 in 3 people on the island of Ikaria live to the age of 90. In addition, the rate of dementia and other chronic diseases such as cancer and cardiovascular disease in this land is always low.

Root vegetables are the secret to longevity of the Ikarians

Diane revealed that people in her hometown follow the Mediterranean diet. In this diet, garlic is an indispensable ingredient. They use garlic in daily meals such as making salad dressing, spreading garlic on bread, stewing garlic with cereals or beans, stir-frying garlic with pasta, cooking garlic with goat meat, etc. Diane believes that garlic is no longer a normal cooking ingredient but also the secret to longevity of the people of Ikaria.

“Garlic makes food more appealing. It is in most of the recipes in my latest cookbook. I can’t imagine my life without it,” Diane shared.

In addition, according to Diane, for the Ikarians, garlic is also a medicine with many valuable effects on health. They use garlic in many folk remedies to treat or prevent colds. This tuber is also used by them as a natural antibiotic.

In fact, modern scientific research has proven that garlic has many benefits for health and longevity, such as boosting immunity, fighting inflammation, and regulating blood pressure. A study in Japan showed that garlic has the effect of improving intestinal health, thereby helping to prolong life.

In Vietnam, garlic is also used very commonly not only in dishes but also in traditional medicine.

Other Ikarian secrets to longevity

Adopt the Mediterranean diet

Ikarians follow a Mediterranean diet, which focuses on fruits, vegetables, and whole grains and limits meat, processed foods, and foods high in sugar. The island's long-lived inhabitants tend to eat a lot of potatoes, beans, olive oil, and fish.

Drink herbal tea every day

Ikarians drink herbal teas such as marjoram, sage or rosemary every day. These teas are high in antioxidants and low in calories. In traditional Ikarian medicine, these teas are also used to treat gout, certain digestive problems or high blood pressure.

Exercise through daily activities

Ikarians are very active. They get their exercise through everyday activities, such as gardening, walking to a neighbor’s house, or visiting friends. Ikaria is mountainous. According to the Blue Zones website (a scientific group that studies the lifestyles of the world’s longest-lived people), Ikaria’s longest-living people tend to live at the highest elevations of the island.

Spend more time with family and friends

Ikarians spend a lot of time with family and friends. They also regularly celebrate religious and cultural holidays where they get to socialize, talk and share everything in life.

Ikarians also often end the day by sipping a cup of tea or a glass of red wine with friends and family.

Nap

Napping is a daily habit of most Ikarians. This may be a factor in increasing the longevity of the islanders. Business Insider cites a study that shows that napping helps slow down the aging of the brain. Accordingly, people who regularly nap have brains that are 2-6 years "younger" than those who do not nap. Another study in Spain showed that people who nap for less than 15 minutes have a 42% lower risk of developing atrial fibrillation (a type of heart rhythm disorder), while those who nap for 15-30 minutes have a 56% lower risk of developing atrial fibrillation.