Nestled in the Aegean Sea, the Greek island of Ikaria is one of the world's rare Blue Zones—regions where people not only live longer but also live healthier. Here, daily life flows in harmony with nature, rituals are rich with meaning, and food is more than sustenance: it’s medicine, connection, and joy.
At IKKARI, we draw deeply from this living heritage. Inspired by the Ikarian way of life, we craft formulations that sustain energy at a cellular level, we support your inner and outer vitality. Grounded in evidence and guided by nature, our approach reflects a singular truth: true longevity begins with daily rituals that restore vitality.
Embracing Siga: Living in a Slower Rhythm
Ikarians embrace a slower way of living (Siga Siga). Mealtime rituals unfold slowly, often shared among family or friends, prepared with care, and consumed with intention. This unrushed rhythm mirrors the island’s pace, fostering deep nourishment, relaxation, and alignment between body and mind.
Eating Slower
Science confirms what Ikarians have long practised: the speed at which we eat impacts digestion, hormonal balance, and nervous system health. Research shows that eating slowly can improve satiety and glucose regulation, reduce cortisol levels, and enhance the gut-brain axis (R). This gentle, intentional style of nourishment supports long-term wellbeing and mental clarity.
On the island, vitality comes from food without thought of restriction or excess. Instead, food is simple, abundant in nutrients, and deeply satisfying.
The Core of the Ikarian Plate
Vitality begins within—and it begins on the plate. The Ikarian diet is built around nutrient-dense plants, seasonal variety, and a reliance on naturally derived ingredients that are as functional as they are flavourful. It is not a trend. It is a timeless expression of how nature sustains us.
Wild Greens & Herbal Wisdom
Ikarians forage dandelion, purslane, sage, wild fennel—botanicals rich in polyphenols, flavonoids, and minerals. These herbs, once steeped in traditional teas, are now validated by science for their role in reducing inflammation and supporting detoxification pathways. For example, purslane is rich in omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants that protect against oxidative stress, which contributes to premature ageing and chronic disease (R).
At IKKARI, we harness this heritage through botanicals—formulations steeped in the same wisdom and refined with scientific rigour.
Legumes & Lentils
A staple of Ikarian cooking, legumes—like lentils, chickpeas, and black-eyed peas—are slow-cooked with olive oil and herbs. They provide plant-based protein, fibre, and resistant starches that feed beneficial gut bacteria and support microbiome balance. Clinical research links legume consumption to improved glycaemic control, reduced inflammation, and lowered cardiovascular risk (R).
Olive Oil & Healthy Fats
Ikarians pour olive oil liberally, honouring its role as both nourishment and healing agent. Rich in monounsaturated fats and phenolic compounds, extra virgin olive oil has been shown to protect against cardiovascular disease, improve lipid profiles, and even support cognitive function as we age (R).
This is not about vanity—it’s about vitality and at IKKARI, this philosophy underpins our commitment to products that support healthy ageing.
Seasonal Vegetables & Low Sugar
Ikarians eat what’s in season, grown close to home, and prepared simply. Zucchini, tomatoes, eggplant, leafy greens—each meal is abundant in fibre, phytonutrients, and colour. Refined sugar is rare. Instead, sweetness comes from figs, raw honey, and sun-ripened fruit.
A low-glycaemic, plant-rich approach like this helps support insulin sensitivity, hormone balance, and mood stability—critical foundations for cellular longevity and radiant vitality (R).
Red Wine in Ritual
Ikarian red wine is consumed modestly, and never in excess. Sipped at sunset, shared in community, it is a symbol of connection as much as it is a source of resveratrol—a compound studied for its cardiovascular and anti-inflammatory properties (R).
This ritual reflects a broader Ikarian truth: vitality is not individual; it is collective. At IKKARI, we believe wellness thrives when shared.
From Island to Everyday
You don’t need to move to the Aegean to experience the benefits of Ikarian living. But you can embody its rhythm through modern rituals that restore, align, and sustain.
At IKKARI, every product we create is shaped by the Ikarian ethos: the belief that longevity is lived, not achieved. That the truest radiance begins from within. That vitality, when sustained daily, becomes a life force that endures.