Japanese people have simple lifestyles and a very healthy cuisine. These are the main reason for their ageless beauty, wellness and longevity. Japanese people have been recorded to have the highest proportion living more than 100 years around the world. They believe that food is the source of most health benefits and not just to satisfy one's craving.
Here are 10 reasons why Japanese women stay slim, with clear skin and always looking young:
1. Drinking Green Tea
Japanese love their green tea.The green tea is made from the highest quality tea leaves, dried and grounded into a very fine powder, it is named "MATCHA". The matcha powder is then mixed with hot water to create the green tea. This tea is also used in most Japanese cultural activity such as in a tea ceremony. It is an act of how matcha is prepared and presented.
Green tea is beneficial to your health and is delicious as well. It is one of the best teas in the world, healthy and rich in antioxidants that help fight free radicals in you body and delay your aging process. It is also attributed to be helping in weight loss.
Another benefit of consuming green tea is it reduces the risk of heart disease and some cancer types. According to a 2006 study published in JAMA, adults in Japan who consumed higher quantities of green tea had a lower risk of death due to natural causes and cardiovascular diseases. The same study also showed that Japanese people who drank three to five cups of green tea per day had 26 percent lower rate of mortality.
2. Consuming Fermented Foods
Fermented foods like kefir, kombucha, sauerkraut, miso, tempeh and kimchi are what most Japanese people eat.
Fermentation is the process of preserving the natural nutrient in food, creating beneficial enzymes, Vitamin B, Omega-3 Fatty Acids and various strains of probiotics.Foods that are fermented have gone through the process of lacto fermentation, in which natural bacteria feeds on the sugar and starch on the food and creates lactic acid. It produces friendly intestinal bacteria that breaks down food, thus helping in digestion. Proper digestion promotes natural weight retainment and sometimes weight loss. Additionally, harmful toxins are expelled from cell tissues.
A report from a study published in 2014 in the Journal of Physiological Anthropology suggests that there is a connection between the growth of beneficial intestinal microbes and fermented dairy products.
The importance of the findings that non dairy fermented foods can have intestinal microbes in a positive influence, as a longer term gut-brain communication, is also noted in the study.
3. Popularity of Seafood
Unlike Western cultures, Japanese people prefer to eat seafood rather than red meat. As most meat are associated with many health problems, such as obesity, high cholesterol and inflammatory diseases, the Japanese people reduces its consumption.Meals in Japan normally consists of rice or noodles together with different types of seafoods. Fishes like tuna, salmon and mackerel, are really popular in Japan. Fresh Shrimps and some shellfishes and clams are also in demand in the country.
Our brain, heart and other organs needs essential omega-3 fatty acids and other nutrients found in fishes. Thus, it is an excellent ingredient to have a healthy diet.
Body fat, specifically abdominal fat, can be reduced particularly with omega-3 fatty acids. It also creates smoother skin and helps prevent any skin disorder such as psoriasis, atopic dermatitis, acne, melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancer. It also helps in reducing inflammation in the body and much benefit to our nervous system.
Do you know why the Japanese serves seafoods in many different ways? They prepare them raw, poached, grilled, baked and steamed, because for them, they believe that the healthier seafood is, the better it is for your health.
4. Eating Smaller Portions
A part of Japanese culture is serving small portions of food. It does make you eat less in the long run as you feel full faster than having bigger portions. This technique promotes eating less or preventing unintentional overeating and high calorie intake. It truly helps in weight management, thus making you healthier. Below are the basic foundation of food presentation and preparation, it includes:- Plates are not completely filled;
- Serving in small portions;
- Fresh is the best;
- Garnishing and arrangement in its natural beauty.
5. Walking is a Ritual
Walking is the basic form of exercise that all of us can do to remain fit and slim. In Japan, walking is done by most people, both men and women, young and old. It improves cardiovascular health, boost mood and energy and most of all it helps relieve stress.
The population in Japan is heavily concentrated in cities. Most people ride trains in subways, but normally walk to and fro to the station. Aside from walking, they are also fond of using bicycles as a means of transportation which is also a good form of exercise.
6. Eating Meals At Proper Place and Time
Japanese upholds the importance of meal times. For them, it is a sacred form of revitalizing one's body and mind. You cannot see them eating while walking or riding in a public transport. It is also considered impolite if you are seen eating on the go.In Japan, it is a custom during meal time to not do anything else beside eating. It means no Television or work during this time.
They also eat at a slower pace, giving their stomach much time to process food and creates a feeling of being full faster than normal. Chopsticks also play a significant role in hindering the amount and speed at which people eat their food.
7. Healthy Cooking Methods
Healthy cooking methods and healthy ingredients are commonly used in Japanese cuisine. Raw, simmered and grilled are predominantly used technique in food preparation, which help avoid excessive oil usage. These technique in cooking also preserves the excellent taste and healthy nutrients of all the ingredients.
A combination of food is also normal in Japan. They also have deep fried food such as tempura but in small portions together with other healthy varieties. In this preparation the balance of the overall meal is still very much healthy.
8. Practicing Martial Arts
Japan is popular with its martial arts. There are different types of martial arts and both men and women practice them.The overall fitness level and health of Japanese women are maintained through various martial arts technique like karate, judo, and aikido.
In a study published last 2013 by Clinical Medical Insights: Women's Health suggests that the improvement of body composition, increase in bone formation and reduction of inflammation in overweight or obese women can be obtained by martial arts exercise.
9. Hot Spring Baths
Another common practice in Japan is taking a bath in hot springs, which they say prolongs their life. "Onsen" or hot spring as it is locally known is widely popular in Japan. Since, Japan is a volcanically active country, there are a lot of hot springs throughout.It is said that hot springs have healing powers and mostly beneficial to health due to its temperature and water with mineral contents such as, calcium, magnesium, silica and niacin, especially since your body is soaked in it. Better oxygen and blood circulation is exhibited during hot spring baths throughout the whole body, which is very important to your heart, vital organs and cell tissues.
Hot spring bath also aids in reducing stress and giving you a better sleep, which in turn revitalizes your skin.
Soaking and bathing in a hot spring at least twice a month is one of the reasons why Japanese women are slim and look younger.
10. Healthy Desserts
Desserts are not one of the integral part of Japanese cuisine. Japanese women consume less sweets , and this is the most important secret as to why they stay slim.They prefer eating fresh fruits during snack times and at the end of their meal rather than indulge in sugar-laden desserts. Contrasting with western countries, where sugar is one of the main culprits behind the rise of obesity because of too much consumption.
Lastly, Sweet potatoes, buckwheat flour and fresh fruits are used in making sweets in Japan. Thus, they have lot less caramel and much healthier. In Western Countries, refined flours and all of those other frightfully fattening ingredients are commonly used.
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Reference: www.healthylifeidea.com
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