If you have traveled to Japan, you surely have noticed how beautiful the country is. However, have you noticed that Japanese women are very young looking and slim? The reason for that is the Japanese cuisine and their lifestyle. Japanese people also have the highest life expectancy. The Japanese people don’t want their food to be just tasty, they also want it to contribute to their health.
These are the 10 main reasons why Japanese women are slim and younger looking.
1.They drink green tea
Powdered green tea is rich in antioxidants which prevent the damage that free radicals cause and they also delay the aging process. Green tea even promotes weight loss and reduces the risk of cancer and heart disease.
One study published in JAMA in 2006 discovered that Japanese adults that consumed larger quantities of green tea had a significantly lower risk of dying due to a cardiovascular disease. In fact, according to the study, the mortality rate was 26% lower in those who drank 5 cups of green tea daily.
2.They consume fermented foods
Sauerkraut, miso, tempeh, kombucha and kefir are very common foods in Japanese cuisine.
Fermented foods go through lacto fermentation which preserves their nutrients as well as creates beneficial enzymes, omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins and other beneficial probiotics.
Fermented foods are rich in friendly bacteria which are excellent for digestion that results in weight loss. They also help the body get rid of the harmful toxins.
One study from 2014 showed the link between consuming fermented dairy products and the increase of friendly intestinal bacteria.
3.They consume seafood
Japanese people consume more seafood than red meat. Red meat has been proven to cause various health issues such as high cholesterol, obesity and inflammatory diseases.
Japanese people usually consume seafood with rice and the most common types of seafood are salmon, tuna, mackerel and shrimp.
Fish is very healthy because it contains omega-3 fatty acids that are beneficial for the heart, brain and other vital organs.
These fatty acids can also reduce the fat accumulation particularly in the abdominal area. They can also prevent various skin disorders such as acne vulgaris, non-melanoma and melanoma skin cancer, psoriasis and atopic dermatitis.
4.They eat smaller portions
The Japanese people practice eating smaller portions because that way you eat less thus you are less likely to gain weight. Smaller portions are much more important than the food you are eating.
Japanese people follow these rules when it comes to presentation of food:
- They don’t full up the entire plate
- They never serve a big portion of a food item
- They always prefer fresh foods
- They tend to present the food by arranging it in a way to show its natural beauty
5.They walk often
Japanese people, both men and women, walk a lot. This activity is particularly beneficial if you want to lose weight, however it is also excellent for improving your cardiovascular health, it relieves stress and also boosts your energy levels and mood.
Besides walking a lot, Japanese people also ride bicycles which is another excellent form of exercise.
6.They never eat on the go
Japanese people consider meal times a sacred time. They find it eating on the go very rude and inappropriate.
Japanese people don’t do anything else while they are eating. This includes working and even watching TV. They also tend to eat slowly in order to allow the stomach to signal the brain that you have had enough food.
7.They use healthy methods for cooking
Besides using healthy ingredients, Japanese people also use healthy cooking methods. They avoid using too much oil by grilling, simmering their food or eating it raw in order to preserve as many nutrients as possible.
8.They practice martial arts
Many Japanese people practice various forms of martial arts such as judo, aikido, karate and others which are excellent way of improving the fitness and overall health.
Martial arts are excellent for the cardiovascular health, they also improve muscle flexibility and help build muscle mass. Another benefit of practicing martial arts is weight loss as well as delayed aging process.
9.They enjoy hot spring baths
This is a very common practice among Japanese people. Hot springs have the ability to heal and improve the health because of their mineral content.
Relaxing in a hot spring bath helps your body absorb beneficial nutrients such as calcium, silica, magnesium and niacin which improve the blood and oxygen flow in the body. This is particularly helpful for the heart as well as other vital organs.
Taking a hot spring bath at least twice a month can also help you sleep better and reduce stress.
10.They eat healthy desserts
Japanese women rarely eat sweets. Deserts are not a common practice among Japanese people which is also another reason why Japanese women are able to stay slim. At the end of a meal they prefer eating fresh fruits, and they also avoid refined flours, caramel and other foods that contribute to weight gain. They consume sweets which are made from buckwheat flour, fresh fruits and sweet potatoes.
Even if they consume Western-style desserts, Japanese women eat significantly small portions of them.