sardinia, italy

Sardinia (/sɑːrˈdɪniə/ sar-DIN-ee-ə; Sardinian: Sardigna [saɾˈdiɲːa]; Italian: Sardegna [sarˈdeɲɲa]) is the second-largest island in the Mediterranean Sea, after Sicily, and one of the twenty regions of Italy. It is located west of the Italian Peninsula, north of Tunisia and 16.45 km south of the French island of Corsica. It has over 1.5 million inhabitants as of 2025.

It is one of the five Italian regions with some degree of domestic autonomy being granted by a special statute. Its official name, Autonomous Region of Sardinia, is bilingual in Italian and Sardinian: Regione Autonoma della Sardegna / Regione Autònoma de Sardigna.[8] It is divided into four provinces and a metropolitan city. Its capital (and largest city) is Cagliari.

what makes sardinia, italy a blue zone area?

Sardinia is a Blue Zone because of a combination of factors that contribute to its unusually high number of centenarians. These factors include a unique diet rich in local, healthy foods, a strong sense of community and social connection, and a relatively low-stress, active lifestyle. Additionally, some researchers believe that genetic factors, particularly the M26 marker, may also play a role in the island's longevity.

Key Factors Contributing to sardinia's Blue Zone Status:

diet

Sardinians consume a diet rich in locally grown fruits, vegetables, legumes, and grains, with moderate amounts of meat and cheese. They also rely heavily on olive oil, which is a healthy source of fat.

social connections

Sardinia has strong community bonds, where people value family, friendship, and social interaction. This sense of belonging and social support is believed to contribute to well-being and longevity.

active lifestyle

Sardinians often maintain a physically active lifestyle, incorporating movement into daily life through tasks like farming, herding, and walking.

geographic location

Sardinia's historical isolation has helped to preserve traditional lifestyles and cultural practices.

the m26 marker

Some researchers have identified the M26 marker in the island's population, which has been linked to exceptional longevity.

in conclusion

A cluster of villages in a kidney-shaped region on this island make up the first blue zones region that was ever identified. In 2004, a research team set off to investigate a rare genetic quirk carried by its inhabitants. The M26 marker is linked to exceptional longevity, and due to geographic isolation, the genes of the residents in this area of Sardinia have remained mostly undiluted. The result: nearly 10 times more centenarians per capita than the U.S.

But even more importantly, residents of this area are also culturally isolated, and they have kept to a very traditional, healthy lifestyle. Sardinians still hunt, fish and harvest the food they eat. They remain close with friends and family throughout their lives.

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