What explains Japanese people’s long life expectancy? Not only is their culture and lifestyle key to their success, but so is their diet.
The longest-living people in Japan consciously avoid six foods that over 300 million Americans consume every day. In terms of living longer and healthier, avoiding these foods makes a great deal of sense.
Japanese people who live the longest avoid six foods found in an average American diet. Among these foods are sugary drinks, fast food, processed meats, sugary cereals, cream cheese, and candy.
The Japanese have discovered a way to minimize health risks by eliminating these foods from their diet.
Six foods to avoid and swap with healthy Japanese food
Hot dog
A hot dog is a beloved American go-to food for those who are pressed for time or need a quick lunch. In addition to being high in salt, preservatives, and saturated fats, processed meats like hot dogs can also increase the risk of certain cancers, like colorectal and breast cancers.
Furthermore, they don’t contain a lot of nutrients. In Japan, tofu and multigrain rice balls with tuna wrapped in seaweed are preferred instead of hot dogs, which are rich in nutrients.
Fast food hamburger
It is well known that hamburgers from fast food restaurants contain high amounts of sodium, trans fat, and saturated fat, which, together, increase LDL levels (the bad kind of cholesterol) in the body.
There are a number of health issues associated with such foods, including heart disease. As an alternative, tofu burgers on crispy brown rice balls are an excellent way to enhance health and protect the environment.
Sugary soda
A sugary soda, also known as a sweet beverage, is among the most harmful foods that Japanese people avoid at all costs. There are several conditions that can be caused by consuming them regularly, such as type 2 diabetes and hypertension.
It has been suggested by nutritionists that if you are fond of soda, you may want to try substituting it with iced matcha or hojicha green tea, both of which have significant health benefits, in place of soda.
Sugary breakfast cereal
There are some breakfast cereals out there that contain a significant amount of added sugar, which can cause inflammation, weight gain, diabetes, and high blood pressure, among other things.
There are many reasons why Japanese prefer to start their day with nutrient-rich foods like natto, a fermented soybean dish that is high in protein and provides essential nutrients to the body on a daily basis.
Cream cheese
There is a greater risk of weight gain in most cream cheese servings, as the total amount of protein contained in each serving is only five grams. In addition, one ounce of cream cheese can contain approximately 27 milligrams of cholesterol in it.
Among the alternatives to cream cheese that nutritionists recommend, there is kinako, a spread that is made from soy flour and sesame paste that can provide similar flavors and health benefits as cream cheese.
Candy
Sugar consumption too much has a detrimental effect on both the mind and the heart of an individual. It is wiser to choose healthier alternatives, such as chia seed pudding with natural sweeteners, frozen bananas or unsweetened dark chocolate, rather than eating processed foods.
Conclusion
When it comes to food, the Japanese culture values a healthier and more nutritious approach. As part of their diet, they consider food as medicine, and they believe that the key to long-term health is to avoid certain foods that are harmful to the body. This diet differs from the standard American diet in that it emphasizes eating minimally processed organic foods that are sourced locally or from farms that are organic.
The best way to maintain a high level of quality of life is to avoid processed foods, fast foods, and sugary drinks, and consume nutrient-dense meals, such as tofu, natto, green teas, and healthy spreads like kinako, on a regular basis.
Our chances of living healthier, longer, and more fulfilling lives can greatly be improved by embracing Japanese dietary practices.