The secret of Okinawa’s centenarians

Okinawa is a small Japanese island in the Pacific Ocean. It has a population of about 1 million people. It is known because of the worldwide biggest society of centenarians living there. Learn the secrets of people who have got the key to longevity.

For many years longevity of the Japanese has often been a subject of research on life expectancy. The studies included the lifestyle, genes and diet of the oldest inhabitants of the island. The results of research turned out to be quite surprising. It was proved that the key to longevity is not determined by the genes themselves, but by the lifestyle. The secret of Okinawans is their mostly plant-based, low-calorie diet and the active way of life.

DIET

The majority of Okinawan people are vegetarians. The main component of their diet is a sweet potato, that contains a lot of kalium, magnesium and dietary fibre. Although the diet of the Okinawans is low in calories, it consists of many nutrients such as vegetables, algae, waterweeds or shiitake mushrooms. It is important that the Okinawa’s centenarians never overeat. Their motto is „Hara hachi bu”, which means: „Eat until you are eighty percent full”. Thanks to not overeating the Okinawans do not overload their digestive system. A key to good health of the Okinawans, apart from their lifestyle that is different than ours (more calmly, more slowly and in peace with nature), is surely a great variety of their diet. They consume over 200 products, including 35 basic products and the rest to choose from. That is why the Okinawans do not have problems with deficient nutrients – explains Katarzyna Błażejewska-Stuhr, clinical dietician and psycho-dietician, author of blog www.kachblazejewska.pl.
What is interesting, the Okinawans neither drink milk nor eat cheese, but in spite of that they do not lack calcium. Besides, their diet includes only little sugar and fats. They do not finish their meal with a dessert, but with a cup of green tea. The Japanese from Okinawa regularly consume spices such as ginger, curcuma and mugwort.

AIR AND SUN

Okinawan people spend most of time outside, being exposed to the sun, that stimulates the production of vitamin D in the body. That is why their bones are strong, circulatory system works effectively and they permanently stay in an excellent mood.

SEVEN

The Japanese from Okinawa eat minimum 7 portions of vegetables and/or fruit. Additionally, they consume 7 portions of wholemeal products (brown rice). And they sleep at least 7 hours a day.

PEACE AND QUIET

Apart from the diet, a lack of haste is probably one of the key secrets of longevity of the Okinawans. They attach great importance to celebrating daily rituals. They eat their meals in peace, not “in a hurry”, which positively impacts the digestive process.

ACTIVITY, MEDITATION AND IKIGAI

Every day the Okinawans do some easy physical activities, such as gardening, walking or dancing. Seikichi Ueahara, famous karate champion from Okinawa, was still doing that sport at the age of 97! The Okinawans are keen on meditation, which helps them lower the level of cholesterol and reduce stress. Ikigai, which means “having objectives”, plays an important part in their life. It has been proved that people who have objectives are better motivated to get out of bed every morning.

Is the diet and lifestyle of the Okinawans their secret of longevity? Everything seems to confirm this thesis. Unfortunately, not everyone can live like the Okinawans. We very often do not pay enough attention to what we eat, we live in a constant hurry and work so hard that we have no time for really important things. And maybe we should stop for a while and implement some of the secrets of Okinawa’s centenarians in our lives?