Blue Zones

On Empire's Stories, Gardeners, and Playing Tag

Oct 05, 2023

Our son put us onto Paul Saladino and my wife is consuming quite a bit of his content at the moment.

I think Empire is gradually gearing up to cancel him, as you can see from how Bing’s AI described him:

According to some critics, Paul Saladino is a cholesterol denialist, a conspiracy theorist, and a former carnivore diet advocate who now includes fruit, honey, and raw dairy in his diet. They argue that his diet is expensive, unsustainable, and harmful to human health and the environment.

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Anyway, yesterday she said, “turns out the Blue Zone story is a myth”.

“Says who?” I asked? “Saladino”.

Here is the 4-minute video below.

I watched it and the penny finally dropped. Blue Zones are part of the “plant-based diet” narrative.

My guess is that within 6 months Saladino will be scrubbed or severely shadow banned from YouTube. Look at what they just did to Dr Eric Berg.

But first, to anyone new to this; What is a Blue Zone?

A "Blue Zone" is a term used to describe specific geographic regions where people are observed to live longer, healthier lives compared to other parts of the world. The concept was popularised by Dan Buettner, an author and National Geographic Fellow, in collaboration with demographers and medical researchers. These areas are characterised not only by a high number of centenarians (people who live to be 100 or older) but also by low rates of chronic diseases such as heart disease, obesity, and diabetes.

Comprehensive Video Summary
The video titled "The BLUE ZONES are a MYTH!" challenges the popular notion of Blue Zones, areas around the world known for their exceptional longevity and healthy living. The speaker argues that the concept of Blue Zones is fundamentally flawed and misleading, serving as a form of cherry-picking data to support specific dietary and lifestyle narratives.
The Fallacy of Blue Zones
The speaker begins by stating that the idea of Blue Zones is nothing more than a fallacy. He compares the methodology used to identify these zones to that of Ancel Keys' Seven Countries Study, which has been criticized for its selective data collection. The Blue Zones were identified by Dan Buettner and his colleagues, who selected five regions around the world: the Acharya region of Greece, Sardinia, the Nicoya region of Costa Rica, Loma Linda in California, and Okinawa in Japan. The speaker argues that this selection was arbitrary and ignores other regions with high longevity, such as Hong Kong and Iceland.
Cherry-Picking Data
The speaker criticizes the Blue Zones concept for cherry-picking data to fit a preconceived narrative. He points out that there are many other regions in the world with a higher-than-average proportion of centenarians and supercentenarians who do not follow the so-called "Blue Zones diet."
The Meat Paradox
Contrary to popular belief, the speaker notes that the diets in most of these Blue Zones are not plant-based but include a substantial amount of meat. For instance, Okinawans consume more meat than the general Japanese population, and Sardinians have a dish called "Sarda pig," which is a pastured pig. The Nicoya region in Costa Rica is known for cooking their food in animal fats, and they outlive the general Costa Rican population.
The Loma Linda Exception
Loma Linda is unique among the Blue Zones because it is predominantly Seventh-day Adventist, a religious community that discourages meat consumption. However, the speaker argues that the longevity in Loma Linda can be attributed to other lifestyle factors like not smoking or drinking and focusing on family, rather than their plant-based diet.
Complexity of Diet and Lifestyle
The speaker concludes by emphasizing that diet and lifestyle are complex and cannot be reduced to simple narratives like the Blue Zones. He argues that Dan Buettner has done a disservice by promoting a misleading concept that oversimplifies the complexities of diet and longevity.
8 Standout Quotes
1.    The Blue Zones in my opinion are nothing less than a fallacy.
2.    Basically what Dan Buettner and his colleagues did was choose five regions of the world.
3.    There are many regions of the world where there is also a higher than average proportion of centenarians and supercentenarians who eat diets that are nothing like the Blue Zones.
4.    If you look at the diets of any one of those places except Loma Linda, they actually eat a pretty substantial amount of meat.
5.    In the Nicoya region of Costa Rica, they are known to eat more meat and to cook more of their meat and foods in animal fat than the general Costa Rican population.
6.    Loma Linda is a place where there are Seventh-day Adventists and the Seventh-day Adventist culture is to discourage people from eating meat.
7.    When people hold up Loma Linda as a blue zone, I bristle and I think that's inaccurate.
8.    Diet and lifestyle is a very complex conversation.

Where had I heard of Ancel Keys before?

In Kendrick’s The Great Cholesterol Con (free eBook summary below).

Turns out Keys laid the foundation of the flawed/fraud diet-heart disease hypothesis (now the fraudulent cholesterol heart disease hypothesis).

This from The Great Cholesterol Con:

Before getting pulled too far off track, let me summarise my main points:
It was not until some time in the early 1950s that coronary heart disease (CHD) was seen as a massive health problem. Recognition first occurred in the USA, almost certainly because the USA did have by far the highest rate of heart disease at that time…
At this point panic ensued. Stung into action, the medical profession needed some answers - fast. Mainly the answers to two rather important questions.
What causes heart disease?
How do we prevent it, or cure it?
Suddenly the earlier work of Virchow and Anitschkov became relevant. A Russian researcher called Kritchevsky carried out experiments on rabbits, published his work and was hailed as a hero. Cometh the hour, cometh the research study.
But the main man was Ancel Keys, and his famous Seven Countries Study. Keys looked at saturated-fat consumption in seven countries and found a straight-line relationship between heart disease, cholesterol levels and saturated-fat intake. The seven countries were:
Italy
Greece
Former Yugoslavia
Netherlands
Finland
USA
Japan
Why these particular seven countries? He could have chosen another seven and demonstrated the exact opposite. Here are my seven countries:
Finland
Israel
Netherlands
Germany
Switzerland
France
Sweden
What do you mean I can’t choose my own countries? That’s not fair. Keys did.
Despite the crippling flaws of his study. Most people believed that Keys had proven the diet-heart hypothesis beyond doubt. At which point the evidence seemed to flood in from all over the place.

So really the Blue Zone narrative is built on the same location/country cherry picking sleight of hand as the Seven Countries Study.

But why?

Who has what to gain from this “Official Story”.

The answer can be found at minute 5.57 of the Ted Talk (one of Empire’s main narrative building platforms) from the man himself, Dan Buettner, who coined the term Blue Zones.

“their diet is mostly plant-based”

And there you have it.

No matter what the truthiness of the rest of the story is, for example, that connection with community matters, that regular walking and “use it or lose it” matters etc. Embedded within all these useful truths, is the planet-based myth; an untruth.

Is there any evidence that Empire prefers a planet-based diet?

Let’s look at the World Economic Forum (an Empire organizing and project management instrument) and see what they have to say about the subject:

Report: We urgently need to move to plant-based diets | World Economic Forum (weforum.org)

Plant-based diets can reduce our impact on the planet | World Economic Forum (weforum.org)

This is how to persuade people to eat less meat | World Economic Forum (weforum.org)

The 5 main takeaways from reading these three Empire “memos” are:

1. The Climate and Environmental Imperative
Meat and dairy production contribute significantly to global greenhouse gas emissions, making up approximately 14.5% of the total. The environmental toll extends to land use and biodiversity loss, as farming practices to produce cheap food often lead to unsustainable land management and endanger wildlife.
2. The Power of Behavioral Interventions
Behavioral science techniques, specifically "nudges," have been shown to effectively encourage meat-eaters to opt for more sustainable and healthier food choices. These nudges can be as simple as environmental messages on menus and have been proven to double the selection of non-meat options in some cases.
3. Health and Dietary Alternatives
Reducing meat consumption is not only beneficial for the environment but also offers various health advantages, including a lower risk of several chronic diseases. Multiple diet options, such as vegan, vegetarian, flexitarian, and plant-forward diets, are available for those looking to make the switch.
4. Economic and Market Trends
The plant-based food market is experiencing rapid growth, with sales reaching billions of dollars, indicating a consumer shift towards more sustainable eating habits. This trend presents an opportunity for both consumers and producers to make environmentally responsible choices.
5. Recommendations for Sustainable Change
For meaningful impact, a multi-pronged approach is needed. This includes a mass shift towards plant-based diets, protecting more land for natural habitats, and adopting sustainable farming practices. These changes can lead to significant reductions in environmental impact and contribute to a more sustainable food system globally.

So, now let’s ask about Empire’s publicly stated vision for the future and are there any specific goals that form part of that vision?

The United Nations' 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are primarily associated with the Agenda 2030, which aims to achieve these goals by the year 2030.

The United Nations is an instrument of Empire. If you have any doubts about that, just look up where their head office is.

So, now I can ask, how does a plant-based diet connect with the 17 goals? Turns out is has something to do with each one of them.

A "planet-based diet" aligns closely with the United Nations' 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by addressing multiple facets of sustainability, from environmental conservation to social equity. Here's how:
1. No Poverty (SDG 1)
A planet-based diet often requires less land and fewer resources, potentially reducing food prices and making nutritious food more accessible to impoverished communities.
2. Zero Hunger (SDG 2)
Plant-based diets can be more efficient in terms of calorie production per acre, potentially contributing to global food security.
3. Good Health and Well-being (SDG 3)
Plant-based diets are associated with lower risks of chronic diseases, aligning with the goal of promoting well-being at all ages.
4. Quality Education (SDG 4)
Educating people about the benefits of a planet-based diet can be a part of broader educational programs that teach sustainable living.
5. Gender Equality (SDG 5)
Sustainable agriculture practices often empower women in rural communities, who are typically responsible for food production at the household level.
6. Clean Water and Sanitation (SDG 6)
Plant-based diets generally require less water than diets rich in animal products, contributing to water conservation efforts.
7. Affordable and Clean Energy (SDG 7)
Sustainable farming methods for plant-based foods can be less energy-intensive compared to conventional livestock farming.
8. Decent Work and Economic Growth (SDG 8)
The growing plant-based food market can create new job opportunities in sustainable agriculture and food production sectors.
9. Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure (SDG 9)
The plant-based food industry is ripe for innovation, from meat substitutes to new methods of food production.
10. Reduced Inequality (SDG 10)
Making plant-based foods more accessible can contribute to reducing inequalities within and among countries.
11. Sustainable Cities and Communities (SDG 11)
Urban agriculture initiatives can be optimized for plant-based foods, contributing to more sustainable cities.
12. Responsible Consumption and Production (SDG 12)
A planet-based diet encourages responsible consumption by reducing waste and promoting the use of sustainable products.
13. Climate Action (SDG 13)
Plant-based diets have a lower carbon footprint, directly contributing to efforts to combat climate change.
14. Life Below Water (SDG 14)
Reducing the demand for fish and other marine animals can help to alleviate the pressures on aquatic ecosystems.
15. Life on Land (SDG 15)
Sustainable agriculture practices for plant-based foods can contribute to land health, biodiversity, and reduced deforestation.
16. Peace and Justice (SDG 16)
Sustainable agriculture can contribute to peaceful societies by reducing competition for land and water resources.
17. Partnerships for the Goals (SDG 17)
The promotion of planet-based diets can foster partnerships between governments, the private sector, and civil society to achieve these interconnected goals.

Obviously, the vegetarians will be happy in this utopia.

So, it’s pretty clear that a plant-based diet is a big deal for Empire and all the instruments at its disposal are going to be used to warp reality to its will.

There will be plenty of peer reviewed “research” produced on this. Here is but one example:

Plant-Based Diets for Personal, Population, and Planetary Health - PubMed (nih.gov)

The Gardener

I like to think of Empire as an observant gardener with a very specific vision. When he notices something in his garden that doesn't fit that vision, he weeds it out or starves it of sunlight, nutrients, and water. On the flip side, anything that does catch his eye and supports his vision, even partially, he nurtures, waters, and lets grow.

Sometimes, a plant will sprout spontaneously in his garden and align with his vision; when that happens, he ensures it stays healthy and thrives. At other times, he'll take the initiative to plant the exact species he wants in his garden. The gardener is patient, operating on a different timeframe than his plants.

Eventually, the garden comes to reflect his vision, appearing to the untrained eye as if it all happened naturally. Any talk of social engineering or nudging from some of the more observant plants is usually brushed off as conspiracy.

While we are neck deep in Empire narrative, let’s have a look at ALL the Characteristics of Blue Zone.

Blue Zones are unique in various ways, but they share some common characteristics, often referred to as the "Power 9" principles:

Move Naturally: People in Blue Zones are generally more physically active in their daily lives, engaging in natural movements rather than structured exercise routines.
Purpose: Residents often have a strong sense of purpose, which contributes to their overall well-being.
Down Shift: Stress-reducing practices like meditation, naps, or social gatherings are common.
80% Rule: Eating until you are 80% full to avoid overeating.
Plant Slant: Diets are primarily plant-based, although not strictly vegetarian.
Wine at 5: Moderate consumption of alcohol, particularly wine, is common.
Belong: A sense of community and belonging, often involving active participation in religious or spiritual practices.
Loved Ones First: Strong family bonds and emphasis on spending time with loved ones.
Right Tribe: Social circles that support healthy behaviours.

Point 5 is the one we have been focusing on so far.

But I can read much more into this “power” list. It reads like a sales brochure for a 15-minute city, including the promotion of “natural movement” (don’t own a car) and the 80% rule (eat less).

I am predicting that we will hear more about Blue Zones but the tie-in they were hoping for with 15-minute cities is going to be harder to create as that idea becomes harder to sell and increasingly associated with poisonous globalism, because of our growing freedom movement.

Why?

I can hear you asking, because I have asked it myself; Why does Empire want this? Why does it want me to believe all these things? Why is it going to such great lengths to force down ideas that don’t actually make sense?

I will refer to Rancourt who I feel has come the closest to answering this question in his 2019 geo-politics study. This from page 66.

The said new paradigms of global concern are siloed and sanitized concerns, in-effect devoid of social-class, development-disparity, exploitation-structure and nation-sovereignty practical dimensions. They became global and state “religions” to pacify, hypnotize, and align populations for continued globalization, including the first steps towards a global carbon economy (with carbon traded in US dollars).

If I was explaining Rancourt’s paragraph to a 12-year-old, it would go something like this:

Playing Tag
Let's imagine the world is like a big school playground, okay? Some kids, who are like countries or big companies, want to make up rules for a game they say is fun for everyone. But it's like they're playing tag and only letting a few kids decide how the game is played.
Siloed and Sanitized Concerns
This is like saying, "We're only going to talk about tag and forget about other games like hide-and-seek or soccer." They're not thinking about how their tag rules could mess up other games or make them less fun.
Ignoring Real Issues
These rule-making kids aren't thinking about kids who might be too tired to play tag or those who don't like tag at all. They're only worried about their own game.
Devoid of Social Class
This is like making a game that only kids with the newest sneakers can play. What about the kids who don't have new sneakers? They're left out.
Development Disparity
Imagine if the playground had a super cool slide on one side but nothing on the other side. The kids near the cool slide would have more fun, while others would feel left out.
Exploitation-Structure
This is like if some kids collected all the playground balls and then made other kids do chores to get a turn. That's not fair, right?
Nation-Sovereignty Practical Dimensions
Imagine if kids from another school came over and told everyone at your school how to play. That wouldn't be cool because every school should make its own rules.
Global and State "Religions"
This is like saying, "Tag is the best game ever, and you have to play it our way!" They want everyone to play tag their way and not question if it's actually the best game.
To Pacify, Hypnotize, and Align
Pacify: This is like giving out free candy so kids won't complain about the new tag rules.
Hypnotize: Imagine if they brought in a magician to do cool tricks, so everyone forgets they don't like the new tag rules.
Align: This means getting everyone to agree that their version of tag is the best, even if it's not.
Continued Globalisation
They want everyone to play their version of tag, even in far-off corners of the playground where kids like to play different games.
Global Carbon Economy
What if these kids said, "You can only play our game if you use these special tokens, and you have to buy the tokens from us"? That wouldn't be fair to everyone, would it?

Lastly, we are in the midst of Empire’s full spectrum dominance propaganda (“marketing”) Global Government campaign.

It would be useful to continuously develop our propaganda spotting capabilities.

Characteristics of Propaganda

Emotional Appeals: Propaganda often uses emotional language to sway opinion rather than relying on logical or factual reasoning.
Simplification: Complex issues are often reduced to simple terms that are easy to understand but may not fully represent the situation.
Us vs. Them: Propaganda frequently creates a divide between different groups, portraying one as good and the other as bad.
Repetition: Messages are repeated frequently to reinforce the idea and make it memorable.
Omission of Information: Not all relevant facts are presented, or some are distorted to fit the narrative.
Appeal to Authority: Citing figures or institutions of authority to lend credibility to the message, even if those authorities are not experts in the relevant field.
Bandwagon Effect: The message may suggest that "everyone is doing it" so you should too.
Fear Tactics: Using fear to motivate the audience to take a particular action or adopt a particular viewpoint.
Selective Storytelling: Using anecdotes or isolated examples as representative of a larger issue.
Visual Cues: Use of impactful images, symbols, or colours to convey a message more powerfully.

I am a greek from a blue zone, mountain region of Crete and also coast, it's very close to each other. We eat exactly like the girl says. On mainland Greece they eat more pork than lamb and goat but we have all one in common: We take our calories from fat. Olive oil, dairy, fatty meat and sardines. The people in my place are mostly herders and eat almost only fatty meat and they are the leanest people you have seen. We eat fruits but only to a small amount. A traditional breakfast is a cigarette and a coffee so we practice intermittent fasting hahaha. - @georgeborb2848

Lies are Unbekoming

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