| Why DO the Japanese have the longest lifespan? |  |
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
For additional free information on health issues
regarding fitness, nutrition, environment and
financial well-being please visit
http://www.magneticrevolution.com. This site
is a guide to improving your quality of life.
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