A friend at my mothers church gave me this book blitty about blue zones, it studies some of the longest life spans around the world.
There are five blue zones, greece, costa rica ,japan ,italy (sardinia) and some religious groups in america.
http://www.amazon.com/The-Blue-Zones-Lessons-Longest/dp/1426207557. fascinating book and study.
You are right to cut down on alot of meat and the traditional western diet, some of these western diets high in animal fat and dairy are as bad as smoking
http://www.cbsnews.com/news/meat-dairy-may-be-as-detrimental-to-your-health-as-smoking-cigarettes/
"Large studies in England and Germany showed that vegetarians were about 40 percent less likely to develop cancer compared to meat eaters. In the United States, researchers studied Seventh-day Adventists, a religious group that is remarkable because, although nearly all members avoid tobacco and alcohol and follow generally healthful lifestyles, about half of the Adventist population is vegetarian, while the other half consumes modest amounts of meat.
"This fact allowed scientists to separate the effects of eating meat from other factors. Overall, these studies showed significant reductions in cancer risk among those who avoided meat."
In contrast, Harvard studies showed that daily meat eaters have approximately three times the colon cancer risk, compared to those who rarely eat meat."
This is from the blue zone books. these diets tend to be high in vegetables, fish. Lots of vegetables, Mediterranean diets, Asian diets and all low in red meat
some of the main factors int these blue zones for long lives. I noticed a few glasses of wine and beer in most of these lifestyles
"Family and friends and social connections – put ahead of other concerns
Less smoking
Semi-vegetarianism – except for the Sardinian diet, the majority of food consumed is derived from plants
Constant moderate physical activity – an inseparable part of life
Social engagement – people of all ages are socially active and integrated into their communities"
Sense of purpose These regions also hold strong spiritual beliefs. These beliefs not only influence how they live, but also give the people a sense of purpose"
blue zone diet
Loma Linda California
Loma Linda differs from the other Blue Zones which are found in remote areas. Loma Linda has a high Seventh Day Adventist population. Their longevity is attributed to a strong faith and a vegetarian diet which includes large amounts of:
Fruit
Vegetables
Oatmeal
Nuts
Water
Okinawan Diet
Along with what they eat, the Okinawan people diet is also influenced by the belief that they should only eat until 80 percent full. This naturally restricts calorie intake which has also been linked to longevity.
The Okinawan diet includes:
Brown rice
Soy products including miso and tofu
Vegetables
Sweet potatoes
Fish
Nicoya Peninsula of Costa Rica
Orange
Mango
Papaya
Corn
Beans
Rice
Squash
Eggs
Sardinian Diet
For the most part, the Sardinian people eat a Mediterranean diet which includes:
Fava beans
Fruits
Meat is eaten on Sundays and special occasions
Red wine
Sheep and goat milk products
Vegetables
Whole grains