What Is The Japanese Secret To Living Longer?
Did you realize that over 50,000 people in Japan live to be over 100 years of age based on a study conducted by La Trobe University in Melbourne, Australia? So, wouldn’t it be nice to know their secret? Well now you can learn some valuable tips that the people from the “land of the rising sun” have known for many years. This article will explore three main components of the Japanese culture regarding diet, emotional health, and exercise.
I. Japanese Diet
The typical Japanese person consumes around 25% fewer calories when compared to societies in the western part of the globe. This is very interesting due to a study conducted at the University of Florida Medicine College which found that reducing the caloric intake of rats by only 8% extended their lifespan and helped to deter the negative effects on their liver function and overall health. Thus, here is a list of some of the common foods and drinks that the Japanese include in their diets:
Fish
Fish-wallpaperawesome.com
Although western societies are familiar with the slogan “eat more chicken”, the people of Japan tend to enjoy a lot more fish. In fact, although the Japanese make up only 2% of the world’s population, they actually consume 10% of the world’s fish supply. In fact, eating fish actually lowers one’s risk of dying from heart disease by a whopping 36%. Diets high in fatty fish are shown to improve your mood and prevent certain types of inflammation and cancer. Accordingly, scientists suggest that you should eat two servings of salmon, tuna, or other
Seaweed
Seaweed – 123dentist.com
According to reports by the U.N., the people of Japan ingest around 100,000 seaweed tons on a yearly basis. Even more astounding is the fact that they use more than 20 different types of seaweed species in their cuisine. In addition, Okinawa residents, who live on the island in the southwest part of the country, eat more seaweed than any other Japanese location, which is fascinating since there are more centenarians that live there than anywhere else in the entire world. Seaweed contains 2-9 protein grams per cup and some types even have more potassium than a banana. Since seaweed has iodine, it is also helpful to regulate the thyroid gland. Moreover, it is believed by Harvard researchers that the ability of seaweed to control estriadol and estrogen levels could explain why the island has such lower rates of breast cancer. If you happen to be a person who really does not care for the taste of seaweed, then you can opt for some seaweed pasta. It is important to keep in mind that since seaweed is power packed with nutrients, you might want to limit your intake on certain types to two tablespoons weekly.
Tea
Tea – cuisineandhealth.com
Tea drinking is part of the normal lifestyle in Japan. The citizens of the Nihon country typically meet in a place that looks like a hermit’s hut. The idea behind this concept is to meet in a different place in order to get your mind off of the problems of day-to-day life. In fact, the country is in the top ten nations for tea consumption, which puts them ahead of China. Most of the tea that is enjoyed in “the land of the rising sun” is green. Accordingly, various studies have shown that green tea can lower the risk of cancer and heart disease and can improve cognitive function. In addition, a study showed that people who drank five cups of green tea daily had 26% lower death rates.
Plant-based diet
Plant-based diet – nomeatathlete.com
In addition to seaweed, the older population of Okinawa has consumed a diet based mainly on plants for the majority of their lives. In fact, the country tends to eat six times the rice and have over four vegetables per meal when compared to countries in the western hemisphere. Some of the common food choices include: Sweet potatoes, vegetables that are stir-fried, and tofu which have a low caloric value and a high nutrient value. In addition, Goya is known for lower blood sugar and being packed with antioxidants. Likewise, pork is hardly ever consumed unless it is a special occasion and then it is only eaten in very miniscule amounts.
Herbal Garden
Herbal Garden – greatdreams.com
Turmeric, ginger, and mugworth are normal staples for gardens in Okinawa, Japan and for good reason: These items offer terrific health benefits to protect against illnesses. For additional details regarding the role that these herbs and others can play in regard to maintaining your health, please consult the greekmedicine.net web site.
II. Emotional Well-Being: The mind, body, and emotions are all connected, and this is something that the Japanese culture realizes. In order to live a life of balance, health, and longevity, there are certain time-honored traditions, beliefs, and philosophies that they hold dear including the following:
Have A Sense Of Purpose
Have A Sense Of Purpose – bdnews24.com
Many people who live in Okinawa hold to a philosophy known as “ikigai” which means to have a life that is meaningful and worth living. The most essential part of ikigai is to care for another person or a living item such as a petunia or a pet. The belief is that by being concerned with the welfare of a person or thing, you will actually decrease the stress that goes along with focusing on your own issues.
Sing Your Blues Away
Sing Your Blues Away – sandivand.blogspot.hu
Believe it or not, karaoke is just as popular in Japan as it is everywhere else. The karaoke industry in the country of Nippon is estimated to take in over $10 billion yearly. In fact, Big Echo, the largest karaoke chain in the area, has some 229 locations across the country. Based on a study of nearly 20,000 men, singing and socializing with friends can improve your cardiovascular health as reported by Osaka University and the Ehime University Graduate School of Medicine.Since singing involves deep breathing, it is good for the nervous system. In addition, you get an extra bonus after the singing is completed due to the applause that is received, which is a good source of support socially and also helps during stressful times.
Respect Your Elders
Respect Your Elders – wikihow.com
The Japanese believe in a term known as “moai” which means that friends are a source of emotional encouragement during tough times. Accordingly, the people of Nippon believe that when the elderly are dearly valued and respected, they tend to live much longer.
Don’t Dwell On Bad Memories Of The Past
Don’t Dwell On Bad Memories Of The Past – businessinsider.com
The people of Japan have learned to leave memories of difficult years where they belong–in the past. Instead, they choose to enjoy life today and all of the simple amusements that it offers. In addition, they have likable personalities and engage with younger people even into their later years of life.
Add Some Laughter
Add Some Laughter – pureheart.org
Research backs up the belief that having a good chuckle will decrease your blood sugar, enhance your blood flow and immunity, and burn more calories. In addition to this, many people who live to be over 100 years of age will say that laughter simply helps to keep them youthful.
III. Physical Exercise. We all know that physical exercise is important to be healthy and to have a longer lifespan. So, here are some tips concerning how the Japanese stay in shape:
They Keep On Moving
They Keep On Moving – fittish.deadspin.com
Okinawans are active gardeners and walkers. In fact, you will find very little furniture in their homes. They eat their meals and sit on Tatami floor mats. Since they are constantly getting up and down at least twelve times a day or more, they maintain good balance and have built up strength in their lower bodies. This is essential in helping to protect them from dangerous falls in the later years of their lives. In addition, enjoying time outdoors even allows the senior population to have peak levels of Vitamin D all year long. When Vitamin D is produced on a regular basis in the body as a result of being exposed to sunlight, it makes for a healthier body and for stronger bones.
As you can see, there are some good tips that we can learn from the Japanese that can help us live longer, happier, and more productive lives. May you be happy and stay well now and in the future years ahead.
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