Healthy Diets and Lifestyles in the World: Mediterranean and Blue Zone People Live Longer. Special Focus on Gut Microbiota and Some Food Components

Title:Healthy Diets and Lifestyles in the World: Mediterranean and Blue Zone People Live Longer. Special Focus on Gut Microbiota and Some Food Components

Volume: 24 Issue: 15

Author(s): Luigi Santacroce*, Lucrezia Bottalico*, Ioannis Alexandros Charitos, Kastriot Haxhirexha, Skender Topi and Emilio Jirillo

Affiliation:

• Interdisciplinary Department of Medicine, Microbiology and Virology Unit, University of Bari ''Aldo Moro'', 70124 Bari, Italy

• Department of Clinical Disciplines, School of Technical Medical Sciences, 'Alexander Xhuvani' University of Elbasan, 3001-3006 Elbasan, Albania

Abstract: Longevity has been associated with healthy lifestyles, including some dietary regimens, such as the Mediterranean diet (MedDiet) and the Blue Zone (BZ) diets. MedDiet relies on a large consumption of fruit, vegetables, cereals, and extra-virgin olive oil, with less red meat and fat intake. Four major BZ have been recognized in the world, namely, Ogliastra in Sardinia (Italy), Ikaria (Greece), the Peninsula of Nicoya (Costa Rica), and Okinawa (Japan). Extreme longevity in these areas has been associated with correct lifestyles and dietary regimens. Fibers, polyphenols, beta-glucans, and unsaturated fatty acids represent the major constituents of both MedDiet and BZ diets, given their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities. Particularly, inhibition of the NF-kB pathway, with a reduced release of pro-inflammatory cytokines, and induction of T regulatory cells, with the production of the anti-inflammatory cytokine, interleukin- 10, are the main mechanisms that prevent or attenuate the “inflammaging.” Notably, consistent physical activity, intense social interactions, and an optimistic attitude contribute to longevity in BZD areas. Commonalities and differences between MedDIet and BZ diets will be outlined, with special reference to microbiota and food components, which may contribute to longevity.

Cite this article as:

Santacroce Luigi*, Bottalico Lucrezia*, Charitos Alexandros Ioannis, Haxhirexha Kastriot, Topi Skender and Jirillo Emilio, Healthy Diets and Lifestyles in the World: Mediterranean and Blue Zone People Live Longer. Special Focus on Gut Microbiota and Some Food Components, Endocrine, Metabolic & Immune Disorders - Drug Targets 2024; 24 (15) . https://dx.doi.org/10.2174/0118715303271634240319054728