[Huffpoo] South of mainland Japan lies Okinawa, a group of islands known as the "land of the immortals." Residents here have among the longest life spans and the islands have the highest rates of centenarians in the world. Two-thirds of those who reached 100 were still living independently at the age of 97, according to one study. Okinawans have also been found to have low rates of heart disease, stroke, cancer and diabetes.
As researchers try to understand the reasons for the unusually long and healthy lives of these island residents, they have become convinced that their diet is a key component.
The traditional local diet ― rich in vegetables, soy products and seafood ― was highlighted by scientists from the Eat-Lancet Commission in January as one that closely resembled their "planetary health diet": guidelines for a diet that works well for human health and for reducing the environmental impact of our food choices.
Widely used foods in Okinawa include sweet potatoes, green leafy or yellow root vegetables, tofu, bitter melon and modest amounts of seafood, lean meat, fruit and tea. A typical meal might be miso soup, vegetable stir-fry with a side dish of seaweed and an accompaniment of freshly brewed jasmine tea.
Overall, it is a low-calorie, high-carbohydrate ― mainly due to the sweet potatoes ― moderate-protein and nutrient-rich diet, with sparse amounts of meat, refined grains, sugar and dairy. And one that has made Okinawans typically shorter and leaner, with one study finding that the ratio of protein to carbohydrates in the Okinawan diet (1:10) is nearly identical to the ratios in diets found to optimize life span. |