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The small city of Loma Linda, Calif. (23% Latino) is one of the world’s five best areas for a long lifespan.
Why? Avocados.
Loma Linda is a “Blue Zone,” a geographic region where the population lives longer, has fewer instances of dementia and disease, and has the world’s largest percentages of people ages 100 and older. These zones were identified by author Dan Buettner in 2005 for National Geographic, who examined inhabitants’ daily lives, social structures, and diets.
Many people in Loma Linda displayed rich familial ties, participated in regular, moderate physical activity, didn’t smoke, and rarely drank alcohol.
Superfoods, like avocados, emerged as a top reason for their long lifespans, The Daily Meal reports.
Avocados are one of the dietary staples found in Loma Linda and other Blue Zones that could be working to extend lifespans.
Avocados have exploded in popularity in the U.S., not just because of their taste, but also because of their numerous health benefits.
In just a 3.5-ounce serving, this fruit has more than 10% of the daily recommended allowances of vitamins K, C, B5, B6, and E.
Avocados are also high in oleic acid, a monounsaturated fat that has been found to reduce inflammation and improve cholesterol levels and lipid profiles.
Other foods that have been identified for their health properties include brown rice, lentils, potatoes, fennel, green tea, and shiitake mushrooms.
So, keep eating guacamole; it’s good for you!
By The Numbers
1
Supermarket
for every Latino neighborhood, compared to 3 for every non-Latino neighborhood
