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Brilio.net - Japan is one of the countries with the highest life expectancy in the world. It's not surprising that this country, which adopts a healthy lifestyle by walking, has become a role model for this lifestyle. The traditional healthy and balanced Japanese diet contributes greatly to the longevity of its people.
Japanese people are known to often consume fish, soybeans, vegetables and foods low in fat and sugar which have been proven to provide long-term health benefits, such as reducing the risk of heart disease and cancer. Reporting from the World Health Organization (WHO), it was recorded that life expectancy in Sakura Country from 2000 to 2019 increased significantly.
In 2000, life expectancy in Japan was 81.1 years. This figure rose 3.14 years until 2019 to 84.3 years. This data makes Japan the country with the highest life expectancy in the world. In addition, sources from the Japanese Ministry of Health noted that in 2022, there will be 90,526 people aged 100 years and over in Japan, a 5-fold increase from two decades ago.
According to nutritionist Asako Miyashita, she was taught from an early age to treat food like medicine. The nutrition expert also took samples from his 92 year old grandmother. His grandmother said that the secret to his long life was eating the right foods.
Nutritionist Asako Miyashita also said there are five foods that her family consumes every day to stay healthy and live longer. The following are five daily foods recommended by Japanese nutritionist, Azako Miyashita, as reported by brilio.net from cnbc.com on Wednesday (23/5).
1. Miso soup.
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Miso soup is a famous Japanese dish that is loved all over the world. Miso soup, which is made from basic stock or dashi, usually consists of kombu (dried seaweed) and dried bonito (skipjack tuna). This broth is then mixed with miso paste which is a fermented paste made from soybeans and salt. Miso paste gives the soup a rich, savory and slightly sweet taste.
Apart from its delicious and appetizing taste, miso soup contains probiotics, namely live bacteria in fermented foods that help balance intestinal health and improve the immune system. Research also reveals that men and women who consume the most fermented soybeans, such as miso, tofu and tempeh, have a 10% chance of living longer.
2. Daikon radish.
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Daikon radish is a type of large white radish often used in Japanese cooking. This radish is characterized by a long, cylindrical shape with a bright white color and crispy, juicy flesh. Daikon radish also has many health benefits.
Its high fiber content helps improve digestion and maintain a healthy digestive tract. Apart from that, daikon radish also contains important nutrients such as vitamin C, potassium, and antioxidants which are good for heart health and the immune system.
3. Japanese sweet potato.
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Sweet potatoes, known as satsumaimo, are a type of tuber originating from Japan. Japanese sweet potatoes have reddish brown skin with bright orange flesh. This sweet potato has a sweet taste and soft texture when cooked.
Besides being delicious, Japanese sweet potatoes are rich in healthy carbohydrates and anthocyanins, a group of antioxidants found in red and purple vegetables that contain anti-aging properties. Research also reveals that Japanese sweet potatoes can help increase blood sugar levels and reduce the risk of diseases such as cardiovascular disease.
4. Fish.
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Fish such as salmon and tuna are rich in high-quality protein, omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin D, B vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. With its rich and varied nutritional content, consuming tuna and salmon regularly can provide significant health benefits. These ingredients improve heart health, brain function and the immune system, and help reduce the risk of various chronic diseases such as heart disease, diabetes and cancer.
5. Seaweed.
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Seaweed contains a variety of important nutrients, including fiber, protein, vitamins and minerals. Several types of seaweed, such as nori, wakame, and hijiki are an important part of the traditional diet in some countries, especially in Asia. This content is able to make a significant contribution to human nutritional intake.
Several types of seaweed, such as spirulina and chlorella, contain omega-3 fatty acids which are important for heart, brain and immune system health. Additionally, eating seaweed daily helps add fiber to the diet.
Adequate fiber intake has been linked to a reduced risk of heart disease, stroke, hypertension and type 2 diabetes. Seaweed also contains antioxidants such as fucoxanthin and fucoidan which have anti-inflammatory, anti-aging and anti-cancer properties.
Nutritionist Asako Miyashita added that the Japanese tradition of often saying the words 'itadakimasu (I humbly accept)' before eating, shows respect for animals and farmers.
"I believe this practice of mindful eating contributes to health and quality of life," he said.
(brl/mal)
