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Sardinian Minestrone: The Longevity Soup Fueling Centenarians
17 Nov
Summary
- Sardinian minestrone soup linked to longevity in "blue zones"
- Researcher Dan Buettner shares recipe for nutrient-rich soup
- Diets rich in legumes, greens, and unrefined carbs boost health
As of November 17th, 2025, world-renowned researcher Dan Buettner has revealed that a simple Sardinian minestrone soup may be one of the most powerful longevity recipes. Buettner, a National Geographic fellow and best-selling author, has spent decades studying the dietary habits of the world's longest-living communities, known as "blue zones."
His latest discovery is that Sardinian minestrone, a rustic vegetable-packed soup, is a dietary staple in one of the first identified blue zones, where 10 times more people live to 100 than in the UK. Buettner has dubbed this dish the "longevity soup," as it is loaded with the exact nutrients that bodies crave during the cooler autumn months.
Buettner's extensive research has shown that diets rich in legumes, greens, and unrefined carbohydrates are strongly linked to reduced chronic disease, lower inflammation, and significantly longer lifespans. The Sardinian minestrone, with its four different types of beans, seasonal produce, and ancient grains, embodies these longevity-boosting principles.
As Western fast food culture continues to spread, Buettner warns that these traditional eating habits are at risk of disappearing. By sharing his own recipe and the science behind it, he hopes to inspire people to preserve the meals that have helped entire populations thrive for generations.
