the Longevity Secrets of Smilyan Village

Summary of the Longevity Secrets of Smilyan Village (from EBS Documentary Perspective)

> Summarized by Grok AI.
> Photo idea: Seok Woo, Yang.
> Photo creation by Grok.

Yogurt, Cheese, Bread, Onion, Salt

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One but representative case of simple healthy food, Smilyan village of Bulgaria:
1. Carbohydrates (bread).
2. Protein & fat (cheese, yogurt).
3. Vegetable with minerals, vitamins and phytonutrition (onion; quercetin-rich)
4. Salt (necessary electrolytes).
[Seok Woo, Yang, 2026.01.11.]

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The EBS coverage of Smilyan (a small village known for having an unusually high number of people over 100 years old) highlighted the following key factors contributing to longevity:

1. Regular, natural physical activity throughout the day
→ Farming, taking care of livestock, walking, household chores — the lifestyle involves constant gentle movement without sitting still for long (not structured "exercise," but daily life itself).

2. Clean natural environment + pure mountain air and water
→ Pristine air and natural spring water in the Rhodope Mountains.
→ A remote mountain village far from air pollution and urban stress.

3. Simple, traditional diet centered on fermented foods
> Daily consumption of yogurt, cheese, and other fermented products made from the local specialty Smilyan beans.
> Mostly vegetables and grains, with very little meat.
> Rich in beneficial gut bacteria, which greatly supports immunity and long life.

4. Strong community bonds, family-centered life, and social connections
→ Villagers help each other, gather frequently to talk and laugh together.
→ Almost no loneliness — living with the mindset of "never being alone" provides strong mental stability.

5. Low stress and a relaxed attitude toward life
→ Living in harmony with nature's rhythm, without being rushed by time.
→ An optimistic, laid-back mindset: "Tomorrow's worries are for tomorrow."