Longevity in Ikaria is one of the first things that comes to mind when we talk about the beautiful island of the northern Aegean. But what is the locals’ secret?
OR Ikaria it is among the five places in the world where people have exceptionally long life expectancies, often living up to 100 or more and scientists call these places “Blue Zones».
So, what’s their secret? According to one local resident, it’s all about the honey. In an article on CNBC, a journalist Diane Cochilla wrote: “The raw, thick, delicious honey produced by local beekeepers on the island is intertwined with my fondest memories. I love to smell its delicate, soft fragrance. Honey has antibacterial properties, contains plenty of antioxidants and helps the body regulate sugar levels. In Ikaria, it is considered one of the island’s secret ingredients for longevity, and many Ikarians start their day with a spoonful.»
“It is consumed as folk medicine for cough and sore throat. A friend in his 90s told me that the combination of honey, sage or mountain tea, ginger and garlic was the “penicillin” of his generation. The elders of the island humorously call it nature’s Viagra,” it says Surrey Live.
“When I’m in the US, I shop for Greek honey either at local Greek and Middle Eastern grocery stores or online. I even started selling Ikarian honey on my own site” he emphasizes and points out that for those who of course do not prefer it plain, there are a number of ways in which you can enjoy it in your everyday life. Specifically:
Honey with yogurt and oats
Honey in tea or other beverages
Honey as a spread on various snacks
Dressings and vinaigrettes with honey
Cheese with honey
Honey in the marinade
Honey in soup, in stews
Honey in sweets such as donuts
