- Summary Points
- The Melis family from Sardinia, Italy, known for their longevity, eats the same meal daily: a three-bean minestrone, sourdough bread, and a small glass of red wine.
- This meal exemplifies the Blue Zones diet, focusing on whole foods and plants.
- Dietitians highlight the meal’s health benefits, including gut health, protein content, and stress reduction.
The Melis family from Sardinia, Italy, recognized for their extraordinary longevity and holding the Guinness World Record for the highest combined age for nine living siblings, has a unique dietary practice. According to bestselling author Dan Buettner, who studies the habits of people in the Blue Zones where longevity is common, the family consumes the same meal every day, which includes a three-bean minestrone (garbanzo, pinto, and white bean), sourdough bread, and a small glass of red wine (2-3 ounces).
This meal is representative of the Blue Zones diet, emphasizing whole foods and plants. The three-bean minestrone, rich in vegetables and beans, is highlighted for its benefits in promoting longevity. Samantha Cassetty, a registered dietitian, notes the importance of beans in the diet of long-lived populations and the contribution of diverse plant foods to gut health. The gut regulates vital health functions, and a healthy gut is linked to a longer, healthier life.
Sourdough bread, a staple in the meal, is also beneficial for gut health. Despite the bad reputation of bread in some diets, naturally fermented sourdough doesn’t cause the same blood-sugar spikes as white bread, which is beneficial for maintaining healthier blood-sugar levels.
The small serving of red wine is another key component. While alcohol consumption has associated risks, the Melis family’s moderate intake could contribute to increased HDL cholesterol levels and may enhance meal enjoyment, which is often overlooked in healthy lifestyle discussions.
The meal also addresses concerns about adequate protein in plant-based diets. The minestrone soup and sourdough bread combined provide a substantial amount of plant-based protein, suitable for a balanced meal. For those with higher protein needs, adding more beans to the soup is recommended.
Dietitians point out that eating the same meal every day can be beneficial, especially if it is rich in plant diversity and reduces decision fatigue, thereby lowering stress levels. This consistency aligns with the Blue Zones philosophy of reducing stress for health benefits.
The Melis family’s daily meal offers insights into the dietary practices associated with longevity, emphasizing the importance of plant-based foods, moderate wine consumption, and the psychological benefits of enjoying meals with loved ones and reducing daily decision-making stress.