This Simple Blueberry Smoothie Is Loaded With Longevity-Promoting Ingredients

An explorer and journalist, Dan Buettner spends much of his time studying Blue Zones, regions in the world (including Sardinia, Italy, and Okinawa, Japan) where centenarians without health problems are commonplace. A key component of the Blue Zones diet is eating whole foods and mostly plant-based; the Blue Zones smoothie checks both boxes.

Buettner shared his Blue Zones smoothie recipe. It’s loaded with lots of fruits and vegetables, which both are food groups he says you should always have in your fridge and freezer. The only ingredients you need are blueberries, frozen spinach, oat milk, and cinnamon.

Blueberries are a smoothie staple for a reason. They have a laundry list of benefits including supporting gut health and digestion, and helping to reduce the risk of developing heart disease and type 2 diabetes. Spinach is also a nutritional powerhouse, containing a bunch of antioxidants along with fiber and calcium.

Instead of dairy Buettner uses oat milk (the darling of the alt-milk set). People in Blue Zones typically don’t eat a lot of dairy, and when they do it’s high-quality, so this swap makes sense. According to Buettner, cinnamon “enhances sweetness without sugar.” Cinnamon can also help reduce inflammation and blood sugar, and it supports your metabolism. Toss everything in the blender and you’ve got a tasty nutrient-dense smoothie that helps promote longevity.

Blue Zones blueberry smoothie

Ingredients
1 cup blueberriesHandful frozen spinach1 cup oat milkDash of cinnamon

1. Combine all ingredients in a blender.2. Blend until smooth.

Everything you’ve ever wanted to know about oat milk:

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