Mahkatop — A nutritious diet combined with a healthy lifestyle is believed to be the ‘key’ behind the longevity of many Japanese people, with numerous reports indicating that many live healthily beyond the age of 100. Michiko Tomioka, a prominent nutritionist in Japan, revealed six foods that are widely avoided by many Japanese people to maintain their health and longevity.
According to CNBC, Michiko explained that Japanese people are very cautious with their food choices. Michiko’s mother, who is now 86 years old and a cancer survivor, and her aunt, who remains healthy at 98 years old, are living proofs of this healthy lifestyle.
Here are six foods that Michiko never touches to achieve a long life like many Japanese people:
- Processed Meats like Hot Dogs Processed meats contain high levels of salt and saturated fats, which can increase the risk of colorectal and breast cancer. Instead, Michiko opts for tofu as a protein source.
- Fast Food like Hamburgers Fast food can cause bloating, fatigue, and increase bad cholesterol levels in the blood due to its high content of salt, trans fats, and saturated fats. Michiko prefers consuming tofu patties with crispy red rice balls and edamame.
- Soda Drinking soda can increase the risk of type 2 diabetes and cause concentration issues and migraines. Michiko opts for refreshing, low-calorie drinks like green tea, such as iced matcha or hojicha, which contain less caffeine.
- Sugary Cereals Sugary cereals can lead to blood pressure issues, weight gain, inflammation, and a higher risk of diabetes. Michiko prefers a healthy breakfast like natto with multigrain rice.
- Cream Cheese While dairy products are a good source of calcium and protein, not all cheeses offer health benefits. Michiko avoids cream cheese to reduce the risk of high cholesterol. Instead, she enjoys kinako made from soy flour and sesame paste.
- Candy Some types of candy contain a lot of sugar. When craving something sweet, Michiko opts for chia seed pudding with honey and syrup, frozen bananas, or unsweetened dark chocolate.
By avoiding these six foods, Michiko believes that many Japanese people can maintain their health and extend their lifespan. This practice aligns with the high life expectancy in Japan, making it one of the leading countries in terms of longevity and health.(*)