A Healthy Cyprus Lifestyle - The Med Diet And Relaxation

Billions are poured into how we can all live longer and healthier lives and official statistics show that life expectancy has increased in various countries around the world, while showing drastic declines in some areas like parts of Africa. The term 'life expectancy' refers to the number of years remaining in an individual's life at a particular age.

The standard for measuring life expectancy is associated with a number of factors related to the group in question. Culture, diets, social upheaval, war and health issues can all impact life expectancy. Not surprisingly, developed countries generally have a greater life expectancy than developing countries.

Countries with an average life expectancy of 80 and over include Japan, Switzerland and Spain. Britain, Finland, Germany and Cyprus all fall into the high 70s range, with the average life expectancy in Cyprus being 79. The countries with the lowest life expectancies include Sierra Leone, Namibia and Zambia.

While conditions in the EU seem to increase the possibility of longer life, Cyprus stands out as a good example. In 1955 life expectancy in Cyprus was measured at 67. The current figure is expected to rise to 82.2 by 2050. It should be noted that the average life expectancy for women in Cyprus is 80.

So what is it that makes Cyprus so special? Well, like other countries in the EU, the diet has been shown to promote better health. The diet in Cyprus is very close to that of Greece. A lot of emphasis is placed on fruits, vegetables and healthy fats. Red meats, wine and poultry are consumed moderately, while fish is consumed regularly. Most of the fat in this diet comes from olive oil.

This diet is so popular, it has been used worldwide as a means of encouraging healthier lifestyles. An American doctor Ancel Keys first brought the diet to the public's notice, but it wasn't widely recognised until the 1990s. The diet is said to be heart healthy, possibly due to the amount of olive oil consumed.

Cyprus is an island in the eastern Mediterranean. It is situated east of Greece and is the third largest Mediterranean island. The island draws as many as 2.4 million tourists every year. It has been a part of the EU since May 1, 2004.

Not surprisingly, the cuisine in Cyprus uses a lot of vegetables, in particular cucumber and tomato. Red Mullet and sea bass are very popular in seafood dishes. Traditional vegetable servings include pickled beets and cauliflower, and potatoes served in olive oil and parsley.

The diet in Cyprus also incorporates whole grains and nuts. Halloumi, a cheese made from goat and sheep milk, originated in Cyprus. Cuisine is clearly a major factor in the quality of the island's tourism product. But does this go far enough to explain the high life expectancy in the country?

Studies on air quality and worries about the number of Cyprus flights have shown no marked difference between Cyprus and European cities. In fact Cyprus is plagued by many of the same problems. These include water pollution, preservation of wildlife and soil erosion. While it is said that 100 percent of the population has access to safe water, it is being threatened by pollution.

When looked at in this context, the diet consumed in Cyprus is clearly beneficial to the health. A study published in the British Medical Journal claimed that the Mediterranean diet reduced the risk of cancer and heart disease. It also lessened the risk of getting Parkinson's and Alzheimer's disease, but this is all dependent on following the diet strictly.

Some segments of the weight loss industry have used the Mediterranean diet with great results. If you visit Cyprus, you can see firsthand what keeps their population so healthy. This is more than a fad diet: it is a way of life. Given that the life expectancy is expected to rise over the next few decades, more people can be expected to follow this healthy lifestyle as time goes by.

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