Live Longer with The Ikarian Diet
LIFESTYLE
11/19/2025
A1–A2 Level
Vocabulary
island (noun) — a piece of land with water all around it.
Example: Ikaria is a small island in Greece.
healthy (adjective) — good for your body or mind.
Example: Eating vegetables is healthy.
diet (noun) — the food someone usually eats.
Example: My diet has a lot of fruit.
beans (noun) — small, oval foods that people cook and eat.
Example: She likes eating beans with rice.
tea (noun) — a hot drink made from plants.
Example: I drink tea every morning.
Article: The Ikarian Diet
There is a small Greek island called Ikaria where many people live a very long time — some even past 90 years old! People say the island is peaceful, the food is simple, and the lifestyle is relaxed.
One reason people might live so long is their diet. Ikarians eat a lot of vegetables, fruit, beans, nuts and olive oil. They do not eat much meat or fish — only sometimes.
Beans are an important part of their meals. They give people protein and vitamins and help the stomach work well.
People on Ikaria also drink herbal tea every day. They make tea with plants like sage, oregano and rosemary. Many think these teas help keep the body strong.
Another reason Ikarians stay healthy is because the island is very hilly. People walk up and down hills every day, which gives them a lot of exercise without even trying!
Comprehension Questions (A1–A2)
What foods do Ikarians eat a lot of?
What drink do Ikarians have every day?
Why do Ikarians get lots of exercise?
Personal Questions — 15 Questions
Do you like vegetables?
What healthy foods do you eat often?
Do you enjoy eating beans?
What is your favourite kind of tea?
Do people in your country eat a lot of meat?
Do you think you have a healthy diet?
What foods do you try to avoid?
Do you like trying foods from other countries?
Do you walk a lot during the day?
Do you think walking is good exercise?
Would you like to visit a Greek island?
What foods make you feel strong or full of energy?
Does anyone you know live to an old age?
Do you think herbal tea is healthy?
What is one healthy habit you would like to start?
Answer Key (A1–A2)
Vegetables, fruit, beans, nuts and olive oil.
Herbal tea.
Because the island is very hilly, so they walk a lot.
B1–B2 Level
Vocabulary
longevity (noun) — long life or long existence.
Example: Scientists study places with high longevity.
lifestyle (noun) — the way a person lives.
Example: A relaxed lifestyle can reduce stress.
herbal (adjective) — made from plants used for health or flavour.
Example: She drinks herbal tea before bed.
nutrients (noun) — substances in food that help you stay healthy.
Example: Vegetables provide many important nutrients.
moderation (noun) — the quality of not doing something too much.
Example: Eating sweets in moderation is fine.
Article: The Ikarian Diet
Ikaria, a small Greek island in the Aegean Sea, has become famous for the unusually long lives of its residents. Many people there live well into their 90s, and serious illnesses such as heart disease and dementia are uncommon.
Researchers believe that diet plays a major role in this longevity. The Ikarian diet is similar to the Mediterranean diet, but with even less meat and fish. Instead, meals focus heavily on vegetables, whole grains, beans, nuts and olive oil — foods rich in nutrients and naturally low in processed ingredients.
Beans are especially important, offering protein, minerals and plenty of fibre. This combination supports digestion and helps keep cholesterol levels low.
Ikarians also drink herbal teas made from local plants, which are believed to have anti-inflammatory and relaxing properties. These teas are consumed daily and are considered part of their natural health routine.
Finally, Ikaria’s steep landscape means that everyday life includes physical activity. Walking uphill to shops, friends’ houses or farms provides regular exercise without the need for structured workouts.
Comprehension Questions (B1–B2)
What makes the Ikarian diet different from the typical Mediterranean diet?
Why are beans considered important in the Ikarian diet?
How does the island’s geography contribute to people’s health?
Personal Questions — 15 Questions
How does the Ikarian diet compare to the way you normally eat?
Do you think low-meat diets are healthier? Why or why not?
Do you eat beans often? Which kinds do you prefer?
Are herbal remedies or teas popular where you live?
What do you think helps people live longer: food, lifestyle, or genetics?
Would you enjoy living somewhere with a very relaxed pace of life?
What parts of your diet would you like to improve?
Do you think walking every day is enough exercise?
How does your environment influence your health habits?
Are there foods you avoid for health reasons?
Do you think long life is more about quality or quantity?
What healthy traditions does your country have?
What unhealthy habits do people struggle with most?
If you lived on Ikaria, what part of the lifestyle would be easiest for you?
What would be the hardest part of living with the Ikarian diet?
Answer Key (B1–B2)
Ikarians eat even less meat and fish and rely more on vegetables, beans and herbs.
They provide protein, fibre and important nutrients.
The steep hills force people to walk regularly, giving them daily exercise.
C1–C2 Level
Vocabulary
demographic (noun) — a group of people with shared characteristics.
Example: Older demographics in blue zones often show exceptional longevity.
anti-inflammatory (adjective) — reducing swelling or inflammation in the body.
Example: Many herbs have anti-inflammatory effects.
cardiovascular (adjective) — relating to the heart and blood vessels.
Example: Their diet protects against cardiovascular disease.
sustainability (noun) — the ability to maintain something over time.
Example: The Ikarian lifestyle shows long-term sustainability.
holistic (adjective) — considering the whole system, not just individual parts.
Example: Health researchers take a holistic view of diet and lifestyle.
Article: The Ikarian Diet
Ikaria, one of the world’s recognised “blue zones,” has captured global interest for its exceptional longevity rates. Residents frequently live past 90, with remarkably low levels of cardiovascular disease, cancer and dementia.
Researchers attribute this phenomenon to a combination of lifestyle factors, particularly diet. The Ikarian diet prioritises plant-based foods and minimises animal products. Meat is eaten sparingly, often only a few times a month, while meals are dominated by beans, leafy vegetables, herbs, nuts and whole grains. These foods offer a powerful mix of fibre, antioxidants and healthy fats.
Herbal infusions made from local plants — such as sage, rosemary and dandelion — are consumed daily and may provide anti-inflammatory and immune-supporting benefits. Many Ikarians treat these teas not as a trend but as a natural extension of their cultural traditions.
The island’s rugged, mountainous terrain also shapes daily routines. Walking uphill is simply part of life, naturally integrating physical activity into every day. Combined with strong community ties and a slower pace of life, this creates a holistic environment that supports long-term physical and mental health.
Comprehension Questions (C1–C2)
How does the Ikarian diet contribute to low rates of chronic illness?
In what ways do lifestyle and environment enhance the effects of the diet?
Why is Ikaria considered a holistic health environment?
Personal Questions — 15 Questions
To what extent do you think diet can influence lifespan?
How convincing do you find the research on blue zones?
Could modern societies realistically adopt aspects of the Ikarian diet?
Does plant-based eating appeal to you? Why or why not?
How important is cultural heritage in shaping healthy habits?
Do you think modern lifestyles are compatible with natural longevity?
How does physical environment influence public health?
Are herbal or traditional remedies undervalued in modern medicine?
What obstacles prevent people from eating healthier today?
How might stress reduction contribute to long life?
Could strong community connections replace some medical interventions?
How can cities learn from blue zones like Ikaria?
What dangers come from oversimplifying diet-based research?
Do you believe longevity is more biological, environmental or behavioural?
Would you adopt this lifestyle if it meant living longer? Why or why not?
Answer Key (C1–C2)
It’s rich in fibre, antioxidants and healthy fats, and low in processed foods and animal products.
Regular physical activity, social connection and low stress enhance the diet’s benefits.
Because it combines diet, environment, community and lifestyle into one supportive system.
