When most people think of the Okinawa diet, they think of only one thing: the inhabitants of the island of Okinawa live long, healthy lives and rarely suffer from disease and chronic illnesses associated with ageing. Why? Because of their secret diet and exercise routine. Up to 81% of the population in Okinawa, Japan, is said to be 100 years old or older! Let's find out how we can emulate this traditional Okinawan way of life to increase our lifespan and reduce our risk of age-related illnesses and diseases.
What is the Okinawa diet?
The Okinawa diet is a way of eating based on the traditional foods of the people of Okinawa, Japan. These foods include sweet potatoes, rice, fish, vegetables, and fruits. The Okinawa diet help people live longer, healthier lives.
Protein is the bulk of your diet in the Okinawan diet
Protein is the bulk of your diet in the Okinawan diet. It's important for a healthy body because it helps build and repair tissue, produces enzymes and hormones, and provides energy. Proteins can be found in meat, fish, eggs, dairy products like cheese or yogurt; nuts such as peanuts or almonds; seeds like sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds (you'll want to avoid corn syrup here); soybeans/tofu; beans/peas (kidney beans are great). If you are strength training, you can boost your protein intake with LA Whey Gold.
The Okinawa diet improves heart health, lowers cholesterol and blood pressure, reduces inflammation, and improves cognitive function. In addition, this way of eating reduces the risk of cancer, diabetes, and other chronic diseases.
Improves heart health
The Okinawa diet improves heart health in many ways. For one, it decreases harmful cholesterol levels and inflammation, major risk factors for heart disease. Furthermore, the diet increases good cholesterol levels and helps to check blood pressure. These effects combine to reduce the overall risk of developing heart disease.
Anti-inflammatory properties
The Okinawa diet has anti-inflammatory properties, which is one of the reasons it's believed to be so effective in promoting longevity. Inflammation causes chronic diseases, so by reducing inflammation, the Okinawa diet may help reduce your risk of developing these conditions. The diet is also rich in antioxidants and other essential nutrients for good health.
Prevents cancer
The Okinawa diet reduces the risk of cancer due to its high levels of antioxidants. Antioxidants help protect cells from damage caused by free radicals, which can lead to cancer. The diet is also rich in fibre, reducing colon cancer risk. Some people avoid grains in this diet because they contain phytic acid, which prevents the absorption of minerals like calcium and zinc. But some nutritionists say that we don't need a lot of grains and that they're not always harmful. For example, a 2009 study showed that while reducing consumption exposure to phytic acid, it didn't affect mineral status. That said, those who are vegetarian or vegan can still include a variety of plant-based proteins such as beans or quinoa in their diet.
Healthy weight management
These foods are typically plant-based, with small amounts of fish and lean meat. In addition, the diet is rich in fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and healthy fats. This combination of nutrients promotes weight loss and maintains a healthy weight.
When most people think of the Okinawa diet, they think of only one thing: the inhabitants of the island of Okinawa live long, healthy lives and rarely suffer from disease and chronic illnesses associated with ageing. Why? Because of their secret diet and exercise routine. Up to 81% of the population in Okinawa, Japan, is said to be 100 years old or older! Let's find out how we can emulate this traditional Okinawan way of life to increase our lifespan and reduce our risk of age-related illnesses and diseases.
