The secret to a long and healthy life might just lie in the diet of Okinawa, Japan, known for its remarkable longevity rates.
Okinawa is the largest of the Ryukyu Islands located off the coast of Japan between the East China and Philippine Seas.
Experts at William Russell have pinpointed the Japanese region as the location with the world’s healthiest diet, contributing to the country’s impressively low obesity rates and high life expectancy – the second longest of any developed nation.
A spokesperson from William Russell explained: “The Okinawan diet has numerous health benefits. So much so that Japan has the lowest obesity rates and second longest life expectancy of any developed country.”
Okinawa is one of the globe’s top Blue Zones, a region of the world where people are more likely to live longer and healthier lives than average, and may even live to be 100 or older.
Adding to its impressive title, the remote spot is also home to the world’s oldest women and an above-average number of centenarians. So, what’s the secret behind the celebrated Okinawan diet?
The William Russel spokesperson revealed: “The Okinawan diet is centred around fish, seafood, tofu and other nutrient-rich ingredients.”
This diet is rich in soy and fresh fish, leading to lower consumption of saturated fats. It incorporates antioxidants found in local foods like seaweed and sweet potatoes, which are key to maintaining stable blood sugar levels and promoting healthy digestion.
Moreover, the small portion sizes typical of the Okinawan diet mean that residents generally consume fewer calories than those on Western diets.
According to Healthline, the diet can be split into five main categories; vegetables which make up around 60 percent, grains (22 percent), soy foods (five percent), meat and seafood (around two percent), and alcohol, tea, spices and broth (one percent).
Okinawan culture also treats food as medicine and utilises many practices from traditional Chinese medicine; including using turmeric and mugwort as a natural remedy.
The active lifestyle of Okinawans, coupled with their regular exposure to sunlight, also plays a significant role in their longevity.
Okinawa has another renowned tradition; “moai”, which involves living within strong social networks. These networks are established from childhood, when groups of about five children are typically grouped, and they persist through adulthood as a sort of second family.
As for how the Japanese region compares to other Blue Zones, Okinawa is one of just five main global spots. It’s joined by Ikaria (Greece), Loma Linda (USA), Sardinia (Italy), and Nicoya (Costa Rica).
Research conducted by the National Institute of Health found that genetics only plays a 20–30 percent role in longevity.