There are many factors that go into determining the average life expectancy of a person, and location is one of those. In Japan, for example, more people there live to be 100 per capita than any other country on Earth.
While there are some genetic and geographical reasons, a lot of it has to do with a healthier lifestyle that anyone can adopt no matter where on the globe that they live.
Kingston Center for Rehabilitation and Nursing has five healthy habits to learn from the Japanese people and culture.
- Eat Seaweed
The Japanese diet is heavy in plants and seafood, so it’s only natural that lots of seaweed is consumed. In addition to seaweed that’s used to wrap sushi, there are also seaweed snacks available that are high in minerals like iron, antioxidants, protein, fiber, and healthy fats.
- Seafood
Expanding on the point above, with Japan being an island country and being isolated for so many centuries, the people there rely heavily on seafood. In fact, studies show that they consume about 68 pounds of fish per year. It’s believed that the seafood-rich diet is the reason that heart disease is at the lowest levels in the world in Japan and high cholesterol there is also far less common than it is in the Western world.
- Green Tea
While there are health benefits to coffee—Americans’ hot drink of choice—green tea provides far more nutritional value. Green tea is loaded with antioxidants that reduce overall inflammation, keeping your immune system healthy.
- Don’t Stuff Yourself
There’s a mindset in Japan to eat until you’re satisfied but not to stuff yourself. By doing so, you learn the amount of food that your body needs to sustain itself without overindulging, and that can help limit cravings and overeating.
- Stay Involved
This one doesn’t have to do with food or drink, but Japanese people are known for their social inclusiveness. Multigenerational households are very common, and elders are held in high regard. Families and circles of close friends have unspoken bonds to count on one another, so no one feels lonely, left out, or not taken care of.
To learn more about Kingston Center for Rehabilitation and Nursing and all of the services they offer, visit http://kingston-center.facilities.centershealthcare.org.
