Japan has some very interesting Statistics related to the health and fitness of its Country men. Japan has one of the lowest obesity rates in the world – a mere 3% of their adults are termed obese. This compares with 11% in France, 18% in Ireland, 22% in England and a huge 32% in the US.

The Japanese are also leading the way in terms of long life. Japanese women with an average life expectancy of 86 years, live longest among all nations. The most interesting feature of the body structure of Japanese ladies is their waistlines are generally very trim.

The Japanese island of Okinawa, for instance, is home to an exceptional number of centenarians. Not only are these residents living longer but they also tend to avoid chronic diseases associated with ageing.

Sushi- the combination of rice, raw fish and sea weeds is the favourite of Japanese. Swapping our roast dinner for a spot of sushi may be the secret to a healthier, longer life. That’s according to a book called The Japan Diet, which is based on the traditional Japanese style of preparing and eating food. While some may dismiss it as a fad diet, there is evidence to support claims made by the book’s author, Naomi Moriyama.

Sushi….

So what are the factors behind these healthier, longer lives? Experts dismiss claims that it’s all down to genes, as Japanese people who switch to Westernised diets can suffer health problems, i.e. their genes don’t protect them.

Experts say diet and lifestyle play a major role in it.

To get into specifics, it’s about eating plenty of fish (particularly oily fish), fruit and vegetables and wholegrain foods like brown rice. Food intake in small quantities, a reduction in saturated fats and lots of physical movement are the specialties of Japanese diet and life style.

Boiled vegitables salad….


Some of the health tips from Japan are,

* Eat plenty of fruit and vegetables – make them a major part of your meal.

* Use healthy methods to cook – steam vegetables, grill fish and use heart-healthy oils such as rapeseed.

* Eat more fish, particularly oily fish like sardines, herring, mackerel and salmon.

* Eat more wholegrain foods like brown rice, wholegrain breads and cereal.

* Cut back on salt, added sugars and saturated fats.

* Downsize your portions and use smaller plates to serve them up.

* Always eat breakfast.

* Keep physically fit – lots of Japanese people stay trim by factoring walks into their daily routine.

* Don’t keep eating until you’re stuffed. The Japanese practise a concept called ‘hara hachi bunme’, which means eating until you are 80% full.

Many Japanese insist that it can lead to gradual weight loss and long-term weight maintenance.

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