The Greek diet is well-known around the world for ensuring longevity and Buettner says that eating like an Ikarian is the purest form of the Mediterranean diet. “The local diet is unique from other Greek, Italian, and nearby islands because of its focus on beans and legumes—especially chickpeas and lentils—and wild greens,” he says.

Ikarian local fishing for fresh seafood Image courtesy of Blue Zones
There are nine healthy Greek foods considered staples in the Ikarian diet, and if your goal is to live a long life, below are the ingredients to add to your dishes that can help you reach that century!

WILD GREENS (XORTA)

Seasonal Xorta, which are grown in most Ikarian gardens, provides the purest form of the Mediterranean diet in the world, says Buettner. Wild greens are extremely high in antioxidants, with a study showing that they contain more antioxidants than blueberries. If you don’t live in Greece, you can still enjoy Xorta, as you can use almost any leafy green vegetable you can get your hands on, including endive, dandelion (Radikia), spinach, purslane, beetroot leaves, chicory or amaranth (Vlita).

All these leafy greens are packed with vitamins and minerals as they are high in vitamin K, vitamin A, vitamin C, fibre, and potassium, plus low in calories.

OLIVE OIL

Greek Olive oil is packed with essential vitamins and minerals, especially vitamin K and vitamin E.  It also contains calcium, iron, sodium, and potassium. Worldwide studies have linked the consumption of olive oil with health benefits, such as a heightened immune system, anti-inflammatory properties, and protection against Alzheimer’s. Specifically, Greek extra virgin olive oil, compared with other olive oils on the market, has the lowest acidity (approximately 0.5%), way below the minimum 0.9% set by the EU and US authorities. Consuming Greek olive oil is one of the best products you can add to your diet in order to gain major health benefits.

Ikarians use olive oil for dressing their salads and vegetables as well as for cooking.

Ikarians add potatoes to their salads and soups
POTATOES

Potatoes are high in fiber, potassium, vitamin C, and vitamin B6 content and coupled with its lack of cholesterol, all support heart health. Potatoes contain significant amounts of fiber. Fiber helps lower the total amount of cholesterol in the blood, thereby decreasing the risk of heart disease. Ikarians use potatoes for baking; they add them to their salads, and they are also great in soups.

BLACK-EYED PEAS

The flavonoids in beans may help reduce heart disease and cancer risk. Phytosterols, also in legumes, help reduce blood cholesterol levels. Black-eyed peas provide a number of nutrients, are a rich source of fiber and can be used in a number of recipes. For vegetarians, such beans can provide a needed source of iron. Black-eyed peas are made in soup and salad form.

Add some oregano to your dishes
MEDITERRANEAN HERBS

Most herb lovers agree Greek Oregano is the most flavoursome and, without a doubt, one of the best herbs in the world. Oregano grows practically everywhere in Greece, and whether fresh or dried, it adds beneficial properties along with its characteristic fragrance and flavours to many dishes. Oregano, rosemary, sage, thyme, basil, and parsley are linked to lowering inflammation. One that’s especially powerful is garlic, which Ikarians love and add to many of their cooked and raw dishes!

LEMONS

Whether you add slices to your water or use citrus fruit to brighten up your meals, lemon revs up your metabolism, helps with digestion and is high in calcium, potassium, and vitamin C.

CHICKPEAS

Chickpeas are a Greek staple and loaded with benefits, including being a fibre- and protein-rich alternative to meat. They are made in soup and salad forms.

A Greek coffee a day keeps the doctor away
GREEK COFFEE

Worldwide studies throughout the years have shown that Greek coffee has major health benefits, going as far as to say that drinking a cup of Elliniko kafe a day can increase your lifespan! Boiled Greek type of coffee, which is rich in polyphenols and antioxidants and contains only a moderate amount of caffeine, seems to gather benefits compared to other coffee beverages,” says University of Athens professor and study leader Gerasimos Siasos.

According to many studies, Greek coffee can reduce the risk of premature death. For instance, experts found that people on the island of Ikaria, who drink boiled Greek coffee at least once per day, have better cardiovascular health than others, with most locals living beyond 90 years of age.

HONEY

Greek honey is one of the most nutritional, natural foods, filled with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Honey contains anti-bacterial, anti-viral and anti-fungal substances and has been used for centuries as a treatment for sore throats, coughs, minor burns, cuts and other bacterial infections.

Studies show that honey is one of the easiest foods to digest and is known for its cancer-fighting properties (rich in phenolic compounds). It also aids in preventing osteoporosis.

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Five years ago, Vasiliki Theodorou felt a strong calling to stand by Alma Zois, a vital organisation committed to helping women with breast cancer. Since then, she has been designing exclusive limited edition pink bags every year, with each sale contributing significantly to the fight against breast cancer and the association’s tireless efforts to raise awareness about early prevention.

The 5th annual breast cancer awareness campaign is now in full swing with the introduction of the latest Limited Edition bag, called ‘Alma’ which means “soul” and symbolises the strong soul of each woman who fights against breast cancer and her strong will to live a healthy future.

Available for purchase online at www.misspolyplexi.com, Miss Polyplexi generously donates 50% of the proceeds from each ‘Alma’ bag sold to Alma Zois.

The ‘Alma Multicolour Pink’ bag is a unique and powerful symbol of the phases and challenges faced by women confronting breast cancer. Vasiliki Theodorou has skilfully incorporated crocheted ‘bubbles’ into the design, representing the various stages of treatment, emotional experiences, and physical changes. The bag is a tribute to the resilience and strength of women battling breast cancer, offering a message of hope and love for life.

The ‘Alma’ bag is meticulously crafted with a special yarn created exclusively for this design. It features a fuchsia satin strap with elegant gold accents, allowing for both shoulder and cross-body wear. The limited edition bag is a statement of support for a noble cause.

This year’s Limited Edition bag is called ‘Alma’ which means “soul” and symbolises the strong soul of each woman who fights against breast cancer and her strong will to live a healthy future.

Vasiliki Theodorou shared her motivation with Greek City Times, saying, “Every year around this time, I design a limited edition pink bag to support the Hellenic Association of Women with Breast Cancer, Alma Zois. This is the fifth year in a row that I have supported them, and I am very proud to say that over the years we have made a significant contribution to their fight against breast cancer and their efforts to raise awareness about the importance of prevention.”

The ‘ALMA’ Pink Bag is available for purchase exclusively on the Miss Polyplexi e-shop, and by doing so, you become a part of the breast cancer awareness campaign, united under the banner of “TOGETHER STRONGER than Breast Cancer.”

Act fast, as this limited-edition bag will only be available for a limited time. Join Miss Polyplexi and Alma Zois in their unwavering mission to make a difference in the fight against breast cancer.

Buy the Alma bag HERE and check out the full Miss Polyplexi collection on the Miss Polyplexi eshop.

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Although I wasn’t even born then, I imagine that 50s/60s Greek islands looked pretty much as Alonissos does today. The pine-clad and serene island with each beach very different from the other remains generally unaffected by tourism and all the modern, often sadly deriding infrastructure that goes with it. The island has a dreamy, innocent and natural ambiance that makes it ideal for couples, friends and even the whole family.

Eco-island

Known as the heart of Europe’s largest Marine Park (since 1992), which is home to Caretta Caretta sea turtles, the Mediterranean monk seal, various species of dolphins and exciting aquatic life, Alonissos in the Northern Sporades is a natural gem. The vast Marine Park (2260 km) is made up of seven islands: Alonissos, Peristera, Kyra Panagia (with it beautiful monastery), Gioura, Psathoura, Piperi and Skantzoura, and 22 small islets. The island is also home to the International Academy of Classic Homeopathy run by the ‘modern father of homeopathy’ Professor George Vithoulkas: medical doctors interested in introducing homeopathy into their practice visit there from around the world to follow his courses, and Vithoulkas has his home on land where he grows his own fruit and vegetables and is known to get around with his electric car. Overall, the island has developed an ecological character that was boosted further a few years ago when it became the first in Greece to ban plastic bags.

Exploring villages

The Old Town of Chora is a delight to walk around with its low-rise whitewashed houses with terracotta roofs built on a hill, abundant nature like climbing vines and magnificent wildflowers, narrow roads, simple yet interesting shops and low-key cafes and tavernas. The scenic, lush and hilly island is great for hiking and a local artist, Bente Keller, who has an art gallery in the Old Town sells her hiking guide at her store; also, consider Alonissos for a springtime visit as its hills and mountains like Kalovoulos, Megalo Chorafi and Kouvouli, the highest, become carpeted with beautiful varieties of flowers and herbs, olive groves and fruit trees. There are 14 marked hiking trails to explore; for a good trek go from the Old Village to Patitiri, then to Megalos Mourtias and back to Patitiri (two hours, medium difficulty), or from the Old Village to Yialia beach and then back to the Old Village (two hours, medium difficulty).

Another great village to visit is more contemporary Patitiri, the port town, where you’ll find a good choice of cafes, restaurants, and bars as well as the essential stores and where you can also visit the Alonissos Museum to discover the antique history and cultural heritage of the island.

Underwater adventures

You can also enjoy discovering the island by sea – rent a kayak or boat trip and go around the island to find wild beaches and coves, or go scuba diving to get acquainted with the big blue around the marine park, Spartina bay and the surrounding deserted islands such as Gioura. You could also visit the 1200 AD sunken Byzantine ship in the waters of Aghios Petros or go to Psathoura to explore the remnants of an ancient city.

Swimming

If you’re looking for one of those endless, organised beaches with water-sports head to popular Aghios Dimitrios. At Leftos Gialos you’ll also find umbrellas and sunbeds for rent as well as a (somewhat noisy) beach bar and restaurant, but the water is crystal clear. Kokkinokastro is known as the “red beach” as the rocks surrounding it have a deep ruddy shade. It is also organised but off-season can be enjoyed for its wild beauty, and the water is clean and clear here too. If you’re in the mood to discover a shard of ancient pottery, head to Tsoukalia beach, where an ancient ceramics factory once stood, and where legend has it that the sea-bed is strewn with pieces. For a more natural option – with fewer umbrellas and sunbeds but also a taverna so you can spend the day here, is Megali Ammos beach.

Food

One of the most magical experiences to enjoy in Alonissos is dinner in the small, natural harbour of Steni Valla, where sailors and yachters hop off their boats to have dinner at the unpretentious Tassia’s Taverna. Decorated with gardenias, basil, and bougainvillea, the taverna serves the best langoustine pasta, fresh seafood as well as rare-to-find salads like sea samphire. For home-cooked-style ‘mageirefta’ and seafood go to Meltemi in Megalos Mirtias. At Kastro in the Old Town, you’ll find a traditional grill and homemade specialties, and at Afrod in Rousoum Yialos you can enjoy a seaside dinner of refreshing, colourful salads and fresh fish. Also in the Old Town is Hayiati, which is a great place for breakfast as well as a sunset drink as it’s set on a balcony overlooking a scenic landscape.

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Hot Chip’s Joe Goddard has released a new track called “Lose Your Love.” The song is accompanied by a bizarre new video (directed by Fred Rowson) that takes place in a community center class. At first, it seems to be a kind of meditation or tai chi class, but then bizarre cult-like VHS tapes enter the mix, and ultimately, the participants find themselves convulsing on the ground. Watch it happen below. The single is out via Greco-Roman.

This year, Goddard released the white label 12” EP, Lasers. His lone solo LP, Harvest Festival, arrived in 2009. Hot Chip’s last record was 2015’s Why Make Sense?.

SLAPTOP – I TRY (FT. OLIVIA FLORENTINO)

San Francisco producer “Slaptop” released his latest single “I Try” featuring “Olivia Florentino“. “Slaptop” gives us a great track to chill out to, similar to his first single released titled “sunrise“. which got featured in FIFA 15.

Laura Mvula – Ready or Not

The post IT’S THE BEST DAY OF THE WEEK FOR NEW MUSIC appeared first on Travel My Day Blog.