People on this Japanese island live to be 90, rarely suffering from cardiovascular diseases, obesity, and certain types of cancer.
Most diets help to quickly shed excess kilograms, but far from all of them extend our lives and slow down the aging process. The Okinawan diet is aimed precisely at this. People on this Japanese island live to be 90, rarely suffering from cardiovascular diseases, obesity, and certain types of cancer.
The locals are active, smiling, and radiate happiness. Scientists from all over the world, studying this phenomenon, have concluded that this effect is the result of a healthy lifestyle, positive thinking, and nutrition. What is included in this unique diet?
What is the longevity diet and why the “hara hachi bu” rule of Okinawa residents should become golden for every woman
Low-calorie foods
“Eat until you are 8/10 full, and then stop” – this is the golden rule of Okinawa residents. The main law of their diet is “hara hachi bu”. It dictates to always remain slightly hungry and not to turn food into a cult. The islanders’ diet lacks refined products, salt, sugar, foods containing trans fats, and fatty dairy products.
Healthy carbohydrates
The basis of the long-livers’ diet is sweet potato and buckwheat soba noodles. These provide the body with the necessary energy.
Antioxidants
They fight free radicals and slow down the destruction of cell structure (and thus the aging process). They are abundant in vegetables, fruits, and greens. Make sure your menu includes parsley, basil, spinach, cloves, and cinnamon.
Fermented foods
They help the body digest food and deliver more nutrients to the cells. Look for them in soy sauce, miso, tempeh, and tofu.
Seafood
Okinawa residents eat fish, squid, octopus, and mussels three times a week. Their diet also always includes seaweed. They are low in calories but contain a lot of iron, iodine, and calcium. Of the meats, the islanders eat only pork. A rich broth made from pig trotters is one of their favorite dishes.
Food culture
Okinawa residents treat food with great respect. Each individual meal is a true feast. Here, time is devoted to beautiful table setting and waiting for all family members to gather at the table. It is also not customary to rush during meals. Food should be enjoyed slowly and with pleasure. The Okinawan diet assumes that you will eat with chopsticks and in small portions three times a day (without snacks).