Self Growth And Development | Five Keys To Living A Longer And Healthier Life

Five Keys To Living A Longer And Healthier Life

The key to living a longer and healthier life can be found by studying the people that live in Okinawa, Japan. They live the longest and are among the healthiest people in the world. They have much less cancer, bone fractures and heart disease than people in other countries.

So what are the secrets that make them healthier? The following are the most important factors :

Okinawans have a much slower paced life style. We live in a rush – rush society which is generally fast paced, hectic and stressful. We need to learn to slow down and reduce stress. Stress causes your body to secrete cortisol and other stress hormones that damage the heart and blood vessels and also causes bone loss. Deep breathing and meditation are very helpful and should be practiced on a daily basis.

Okinawans eat a low calorie diet. They consume about 1900 calories a day. Their diet is mainly plant based and consists of sweet potatoes, soy based foods, fruits, grains and vegetables. A plant based diet is high in fiber, which reduces cholesterol and lowers the risk of diabetes, breast cancer and heart disease. They also eat a small amount of fish and infrequently they may eat pork. Their food is normally cooked in a wok with a small amount of canola oil. Since their diet is low in fat and calories, they maintain a healthy weight. Obesity is rare, although the younger generation of Okinawans who are eating a more Westernized diet are starting to become more obese.

They drink about three cups of jasmine tea every day. Jasmine tea has more antioxidants than black tea. This may reduce the risk for heart disease and some cancers.

The Okinawans combine aerobic, strength and flexibility exercises. They practice martial arts and a traditional dance that is like tai chi. All three types of exercise are important to your health.

Socializing and spirituality is an important part of their lifestyle. People who have active social and spiritual networks live longer and are less likely to get sick. They look out for one another and help their neighbors.

These findings apply to the elderly generation of Okinawans; the younger generation is becoming more Westernized and less healthy.

If we can make just a few changes in our lifestyle, we can also live a longer, healthier and a more balanced life.

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