5 foods that could help you reach a healthier golden age.

Nicoya Peninsula is known worldwide due to the privilege of being a Blue Zone, one of the rare longevity hotspots around the world.

Factors like a strong sense of purpose, low intensity physical activity, the amount of calcium in the water, and traditional food, are key elements that help people to reach a healthier 90+ years old.

5 foods that could help you reach a healthier golden age.

1) Squash ( Boost your Immune System).

Due to the huge amount of vitamins, minerals and anti-inflammatory properties it contains, squash will help you Boost your Immune System.

It is mostly used in soups and picadillos (diced preparation) and it is a common ingredient in Nicoya’s traditional food.

Squash provides you with vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin E, vitamin B6, niacin and thiamin. In terms of minerals, squash contains magnesium, potassium, manganese, copper, phosphorus, calcium, and iron.

2) Papaya (Aid your Digestion).

This colorful fruit is recommended for a Healthy Digestive System. The presence of papain, a digestive enzyme Aids Digestion by breaking down proteins and also cleansing the digestive track.

Many families in Nicoya have papaya trees in their yard and you can also find them growing wild along rural roads. You can eat it fresh in fruit salads and smoothies.  When the papaya is green, it is very typical to make a picadillo of green papaya.

Papaya is rich in antioxidant nutrients such as carotenes and flavonoids, and vitamin C and vitamin B.  It is also a good source of fiber and minerals such as magnesium.  Together, these nutrients help improve cardiovascular health and protect against colon cancer.

3) Black beans (Improve your Heart Health).

The Black Bean is the king in terms of traditional food and daily Costa Rican diet.  Black beans contain high amounts of soluble fiber and have been proven to help Lower Blood Cholesterol Levels.   Therefore it helps to Improve your Heart Health.

It is very common in vegetarian diets  due to the need for acquiring proper amounts of protein.  Black beans contain vitamin A, and minerals such as calcium, iron and manganese.

Traditionally black beans are present in daily Costa Rican diet, indispensable in Gallo Pinto for a typical breakfast,  as a side dish for lunch,  or a black bean soup for a satisfying dinner.   Black beans are used in many different ways.

4) Bananas (Lower your Blood Pressure).

Bananas are one of the main export products in Costa Rica.   They are a rich source of potassium which helps to Lower Blood Pressure.

Bananas contain impressive nutritional properties such as vitamin B, vitamin C, riboflavin, folate, pantothenic acid and niacin.  Bananas also contain minerals like phosphorus, calcium, manganese, magnesium, and copper.

You can always find them in different sizes, shapes and varieties and you can eat them fresh or as a main ingredient in many different preparations.

5) Corn (Keep your Eyes Healthy).

Corn provides multiple benefits such as helping Keep Eyes Healthy and preventing anemia and hemorrhoids.  It is a good source of fiber, energy and is gluten free.

Corn is present on a daily basis in Nicoya’s food.  It is an essential ingredient in traditional food, such as Corn Tortillas, Arroz de Maiz, Masamorra.  It is also used in baking Tanelas and Rosquillas.

Many local families still harvest their own corn for cooking and the rest of the plant is used to feed the cattle.

In conclusion, a balanced diet alongside other regional factors helps Nicoyans to reach a healthier 90+ years of age.

Nicoya’s Peninsula features some special conditions that will help  Boost your Immune System, Aid your Digestion, Improve your Heart Health, Lower your Blood Pressure and Keep your Eyes Healthy, among many other benefits.

These same foods are common at the homestay while studying Spanish at our school.

We invite you to eat a balanced diet including fruits and vegetables, drink plenty of water,  and engage in low intensity physical activity.

**This Information is for education purpose only. Consult a medical practitioner for health problems.