The Okinawa Diet, the secret to Japanese longevity & bull; hello healthy

Have you ever heard of the Okinawa diet? This diet method originates from the country of the rising sun. Located in Japan, to be precise in Okinawa, Ryukyu Island.

This diet method is believed to be able to support a longer life expectancy of the population. No doubt, many of them can live above 100 years.

Get to know the Okinawa diet method

Interestingly, Okinawa is on the list of the world's blue zones. The blue zone in question is the area with the healthiest population over 100 years of age.

The longevity of the people of Okinawa may be influenced by genetic, environmental and lifestyle factors. Launching from the Healthline page, many researchers believe that the most supportive thing is their diet, aka their diet.

The diet method refers to the traditional diet of the Okinawa people. They have unique diets and lifestyles, thus supporting the longer life expectancy of people.

The traditional Okinawa diet consists of a low consumption of calories and fat. They also include vegetables and soy-based foods.

Along with the times, there are various interesting food menus. These foods contain different macronutrients than the previous Okinawa diet.

The Okinawa diet previously prioritized a low-calorie diet and prioritized carbohydrates. While the current version contains more protein and fat.

The macro nutrients contained in the Okinawa diet are described as follows.

1. The original Okinawa diet

Carbohydrates: 85%
Protein: 9%
Fat: 6%, including 2% saturated fat

2. Modern diet

Carbohydrates: 58%
Protein: 15%
Fat: 28%, including 7% saturated fat

Explore the food consumed by the people of Okinawa

Getting interested in the Okinawa diet? Well, this diet doesn't have a lot of complicated rules. The food consumed is simple. In essence, this diet method prioritizes solid foods, high nutrition, and high in antioxidants.

Okinawans eat very little rice. They usually get their calories from sweet potatoes, whole grains, nuts, and vegetables.

The following is an example of an Okinawa diet diet that you can cheat on.

Vegetables (58-60%): purple or orange yams, seaweed, bamboo shoots, daikon radishes, bitter melon, cabbage, carrots, Chinese okra, pumpkin, and green papaya.
Whole grains (33%): millet, wheat, rice, and noodles
Soy products (5%): tofu, miso, natto, edamame
Meat and seafood (1-2%): mostly white fish and seafood
Others (1%): alcohol, tea, spices and broth

For added antioxidants, you can drink jasmine flower tea or other spices, such as turmeric.

Benefits of the Okinawa diet

After knowing the Okinawa diet food recommendations, now you must know the benefits that can be obtained while living it.

Most of these foods are high in nutrients and antioxidants, along with health benefits that can be felt.

1. Long life

This diet supports a person to have a longer life. This can be seen from the age of the Okinawa residents who can reach up to hundreds of years.

The content of antioxidants stored in food can slow down the aging process and ward off free radicals that cause inflammation.

In general, the Okinawa diet includes a variety of plant-based foods. There are many antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

The food consumed is usually low in calories, high in carbohydrates and protein, compared to a western-style diet. Therefore, consumption of these foods can support a longer life expectancy.

2. Reducing the risk of chronic pain

Those who follow the Okinawa diet can reduce the risk of chronic diseases, such as heart problems, cancer, and diabetes. This traditional diet also includes sweet potato foods.

Launching the Healthline page, according to a study, sweet potatoes are one of the healthiest foods. In addition to having lots of fiber, sweet potatoes are able to complement the needs of micronutrients, such as calcium, potassium, magnesium, and vitamins A and C.

Just like other vegetables, sweet potatoes also contain antioxidants called carotenoids. This content is able to prevent type 2 diabetes and heart problems.