Residents from the world-renowned ‘Blue Zones’ have revealed their secrets to a longer life, and it starts with breakfast. Greece, Costa Rica and Japan host three of the six extraordinary regions where locals are reportedly 10 times more likely to live to 100 than ‘average’ people in the United States.
While limiting calorie intake, focusing on plant-based products and prioritising family time are among numerous methods they swear by, it’s the one about breakfast that’s perhaps the simplest to implement. Remarkably, this involves eating a daily bowl of oatmeal, which is hailed as a ‘complete package of health benefits’.
In November, researchers delved into the routine of Marge Jetton, a centenarian from the Blue Zone of Loma Linda, California. They found that like many locals, she consumes oatmeal every day after rising early.
“[She is] waking up early, power walking, drinking six glasses of water before breakfast, eating oatmeal, and drinking prune juice ‘shooters’,” they claimed. “One of the most popular breakfast meals for Adventists in Loma Linda is oatmeal.
“By fuelling up with a hearty whole-grain breakfast, Adventists give themselves a complete package of health benefits, rich in nutrients and disease-preventing phytochemicals and antioxidants.”
These researchers aren’t alone in lauding oatmeal’s benefits either. Helen Bell, a nutritionist at Help & Advice, also praised their potential for bolstering heart health.
The benefits largely come from a component called ‘beta-gluten’ – a soluble fibre that may play a role in reducing the risk of heart disease. It does this by potentially preventing the ‘the body from absorbing cholesterol from food’, while stimulating ‘the immune system’ and preventing infections, according to WebMD.
However, the exact effects are still being researched. Helen said: “I’d say that oatmeal is an excellent choice for breakfast, especially for those aiming for longevity. It’s a whole grain packed with soluble fibre, which can help maintain healthy cholesterol levels and support heart health.
“I often recommend oatmeal because it’s versatile, [for example] you can add fruits, nuts, or seeds to enhance its nutritional profile.”
