Diet Secrets Of The World’s Oldest Person

The world’s oldest person has revealed the secrets behind her long and healthy life, as she celebrated her 116th birthday in March. I find this story so inspiring, because it only goes to show that there’s so much more to a well-lived life than diet and exercise.

Misao Okawa from Japan celebrated her 116th birthday on 5 March 2014 and attributed her long life to two very basic things: sushi and sleep. She eats three meals a day and ensures she knocks down eight hours of sleep every night. How basic is that? No carb restriction, no adverse diets and no boot camps.

Mrs. Okawa has four grandchildren and six great-grandchildren, all in Japan, and she insists on eating her favourite sushi with oily-fish mackerel on vinegar-steamed rice, at least once a month, as reported by The Telegraph.

Mrs. Okawa became the world’s oldest person following the death of another 116-year-old Japanese man in June 2013, only proving how healthy and clean Japanese lifestyle is. Despite their food being heavy on white sushi rice and oily seafood, now there’s proof of Japanese descendants living longer than any other nationality in the world.

To take a leaf out of their anti-ageing secrets, here are five healthy habits we can steal from Japanese people and adapt into our lifestyle:

• Drink green tea: Replace your daily java with its healthier counterpart, that won’t just give you a kick of caffeine, but also induce your body with sufficient antioxidants. There are a plethora of studies out there that prove a cup of green tea-a-day lower incidences of bone marrow, cancer, lethargy, depression… and the list goes on.
• Eat your fish: Japanese love their tuna, mackerel and salmon – all oily fishes but very high in omega-3 fatty acids that help reduce the risk of heart diseases and breast cancer. Add more of these into your diet.
• Watch the portion size: There’s a reason why you’re given a small bowl at your favourite sushi restaurant; in Japan, you don’t eat in big bowls and plates. The portion sizes are much smaller, thanks to the smaller dinnerware, making you eat less.
• Eat slowly: If you want to learn the art of slowing down the pace of chewing, buy some chopsticks. Japanese know how to savour every bite, hence not mindlessly eating larger meals, too quickly. Start eating your meals with chopsticks and you’ll notice how you’ll get satisfied much sooner.
• Practice zen: Japanese basically invented martial arts and the art of relieving stress through meditation. As important as it is to break a sweat, it’s just as vital to find inner peace and connect with your spiritual self. Do it through a yoga class, a walk on the beach or just taking a peaceful bath.

Fun Fact: A Bolivian indigenous farmer claimed to be 123-years-old, in August last year, and he attributed his longevity to a diet of quinoa, mushrooms, raw cacao and lots of alcohol. Hmm, not sure about the last one, but the rest sounds promising.