Chinese
The Netflix documentary series Live to 100: Secrets of the Blue Zones explores several regions around the world known for the health and longevity of their populations. These so-called “Blue Zones”are areas where people live significantly longer than the global average and experience lower rates of chronic disease. Apart from Singapore, the five regions commonly recognized as Blue Zones include:Okinawa (Japan),Sardinia (Italy),Ikaria (Greece), the Nicoya Peninsula (Costa Rica), and Loma Linda, a small town in California, USA.
Although Singapore isalso noted for its high life expectancy, Health Minister Ong Ye Kung highlighted key differences between Singapore and the traditional Blue Zones. He remarked，“Singapore is markedly different-we consume diets high in sugar and salt, with many fried foods; life here moves fast, and stress levels are high.”
Nevertheless, a study conducted by the Nanyang Academy of Life Sciences found that tea drinking is a widespread habit among Singaporeans. The uniquely local“Nanyang tea" culture thrives in the hawker centres scattered across the island. Since Singapore's founding in 1819, large waves of immigrants from Guangdong, Fujian, and Hainan brought their tea-drink-ing traditions with them. In the city's multicultural environment,Nanyang tea has evolved over the past 200 years, developing distinctcharacteristics in both flavor and preparation methods.
Research indicates that Nanyang tea's unique fermentation process releases a rich array of flavonoids-natural compounds known for their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which play an essential role in promoting health. To further explore its potential health benefits, the Nanyang Academy of Life Sciences partnered with the School of Life Sciences at Fudan University to decode the traditional production techniques of Nanyang tea. Together, they developed“Nanyang Yellow Tea,”which is rich in key flavonoids such as vitexin, quercetin, and kaempferol. Preliminary studies suggest that this tea offers significant benefits for cardiovascular and kidney health, as well as for slowing the aging process.