Why DO the Japanese have the longest lifespan?
by Peter McGarry
A recent statistic in the World Bank Group states
that the Japanese have the longest lifespan in the world. Japanese
men live be 78 years old on average while the average lifespan of
a Japanese woman is 85. How do the Japanese do it?
After personally experiencing the Japanese lifestyle
in Tokyo for five years, I learned a little about why Japanese people
live so long and will share a few of their secrets.
This month will feature
Part 1: It's All in the Food.
Part 2: Live the Lifestyle
will appear in the April edition of eNews at
http://www.magneticrevolution.com
Part 1: It's All in the Food
The Japanese diet does not center on delicacies eaten
solely for taste. In fact, most dishes are consumed based on the health
benefits people gain from them. Conscious decisions are based on `What
would be good for me?' as opposed to `What do I feel like eating?'
This leads one to contemplate what is the diet for the average Japanese
person and what are their secrets?
Secret #1: Eating fish instead of
red meat lowers the risk of heart attacks. For a source of protein,
fish is a common staple in most meals. Red meat is significantly more
expensive and less frequently consumed. Fish is healthier and the
fresher it is the better. Keep in mind that not all fish in Japan
is consumed raw, there are many ways that fish is prepared (grilled,
baked, fried, poached, etc) and served. Furthermore, Japanese women
believe that the skin on fish helps bring out the natural beauty of
their skin and improves their complexion.
Secret #2: Soy products help reduce
heart disease and high blood pressure and are a great source of protein.
Tofu and soy products are also staples in the Japanese diet. Considering
that saturated fats from meat and dairy products increase cholesterol,
it is encouraging to know that foods derived from plants such as soy
actually have the opposite effect. Soybeans provide adequate protein
without the saturated fat and cholesterol of meats and high-fat dairy.
Soy sauce, tofu, and natto (soy beans mixed with raw egg served over
rice) are a few examples of soy products consumed daily.
Secret #3: Wheat and buckwheat flour
helps in the digestive process. The consumption of starches is at
a minimum and usually contains no white flour. Japanese noodles are
made from wheat flour or buckwheat flour. Both are significantly healthier
than enriched white flour. Rice is a staple in the diet but consists
of a small bowl at meals. The significance is to cleanse the mouth
when changing dishes. Rice will remove the flavor in one's mouth much
like cheese and crackers when sampling wines.
Secret #4: Smaller portions reduce
the opportunity for excessive eating. Traditional Japanese meals are
about half the regular portion of western dishes. Even though most
dishes are viewed as healthy, portions are still relatively small.
Secret #5: Oolong tea counter balances
some of the effects unhealthy food has on the body. Finally, the consumption
of Japanese green tea or Chinese oolong tea, served hot or cold, has
numerous health benefits. Tea has half the caffeine of coffee. Oolong
tea, in particular, helps to break up oil in the digestive system
and is usually consumed at mealtime, particularly when fried or breaded
foods are being served.
These five secrets help to explain why the Japanese
are so healthy and have the longest life expectancy.
Part 2: Live the Lifestyle will appear in next month's
edition of eNews at http://www.magneticrevolution.com,
and will describe daily life habits in Japan. If you have any comments
or questions please send them to: info@magneticrevolution.com
Here's to your health. Peter McGarry info@magneticrevolution.com
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