The Okinawa diet is so named because of the traditional eating habits of the inhabitants of the Japanese island of Okinawa.
The diet is usually low in calories and high in carbohydrates, but modern versions contain more protein and fat. Okinawa is home to some of the oldest people in the world, and their longevity is due to genetic, environmental and lifestyle factors. Experts believe that one of the strongest influences is nutrition.
But what is the Okinawa diet and why is it so beneficial to human health? You will find the answers to these questions below.
Okinawa is one of the world's five "Blue Zones" - regions with the highest concentration of people who live to be 100 or older. In addition to Okinawa, there are four other blue zones in the world - Ikaria (Greece), Loma Linda (USA), Sardinia (Italy) and Nicoya (Costa Rica).
The Mediterranean diet is often considered one of the healthiest diets on the planet, but the Okinawan diet, which is rich in antioxidants and phytochemicals, is often overlooked.
Okinawan culture follows a "food as medicine" approach, incorporating practices from traditional Chinese medicine, including herbs and spices known for their beneficial properties, such as turmeric and sumac. Although rice is one of the most important grains consumed in Japan, Okinawans consume very little of it. Vegetables make up 58 to 60 percent of the diet in Okinawa. Sweet potatoes, seaweed, kelp, bamboo shoots, and daikon radish are commonly consumed. Most of the calories in the Okinawan diet come from sweet potatoes, which are considered one of the healthiest foods due to their low glycemic index and rich nutrient content. Meat and seafood make up 1 to 2% of the Okinawan diet. White fish, seafood and occasionally pork are consumed.
Jasmine tea is drunk copiously on this diet. The tea can reduce the risk of heart disease, mental retardation and some cancers.
Because Okinawa is a relatively isolated island, various foods have not been available to its inhabitants throughout its history. Okinawa residents not only live longer, but also suffer from fewer chronic diseases, such as heart disease, cancer, and diabetes. Their diet is believed to play an important role in this, as it contains important nutrients and anti-inflammatory compounds. | BGNES
