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.
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.
healthypanda.neT
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