The Japanese over 90’s population is now over 2 million for the first time according to government data. This is having such a huge impact that they are considering redefining the term “old age” to refer to over 75’s instead of over 65’s.
What is it that the Japanese, or some of the Japanese are doing to keep themselves healthy into old age?
We are going to explore some powerful Japanese Health secrets which will help you boost your energy and live a healthier life!
JAPANESE HEALTH SECRET NUMBER ONE
= Replace dessert with fruit or green tea
In Japan many people just don’t eat dessert, it’s not a thing for them like it is here. Dinner just isn’t finished in the UK without some kind of dessert, right. Weather its coconut macaroons, a slice of cake or something more traditional like rice pudding. Whatever it is your family enjoys eating after dinner, if it has high sugar content then it could be wise to replace it with fruit or a green tea instead.
Fruit contains natural sugars which aren’t damaging to your health, we all need sugar in our diet, it’s the un-natural sugar that comes from a packet which causes our body the harm.
Photo by Hans Reniers on Unsplash
Japanese people consume an average of 48.8g of sugar per day, whereas the average person in the UK consumes 100.4g of sugar per day according to statistics from the UN.
If your family really likes their dessert then start small. Why not try a fruit replacement for one day a week first and see how it goes! A healthy fruit salad can make a fantastic dessert.
Check out these fruit salad recipes:
Pina Colada Fruit Salad (maybe not for the kids this one!)
JAPANESE HEALTH SECRET NUMBER TWO
= Replace car with feet
Most Japanese people prefer to walk to work and throughout their day rather than travel by car. This isn’t just a health choice but a financial one as it is very expensive to drive in Japan. This has resulted in a much healthier lifestyle for many people as they regularly walk 30 – 60 minutes per day or more.
Photo by Ivana Cajina on Unsplash
Walking is one of the best forms of low impact exercise you can have. Many people assume that because it is not overly intense that it doesn’t do anything but that is a myth! Recent statistics from the UK have shown that four in ten middle-aged men don’t manage to walk for 10 minutes PER MONTH.
If you are within walking distance to work then take that as a really fantastic opportunity for starting a healthier lifestyle & saving money at the same time. If you are spending 100 GBP on petrol per month, you could easily reduce this by half & use the money on a monthly massage or holistic health therapy instead.
JAPANESE HEALTH SECRET NUMBER THREE
= Replace bed with Tatami Mat
Tatami Mats are designed to provide a sleeping surface off the floor. Traditionally, they are made from rice straw which gives off a lovely scent when walked over or slept on. The mat has been around since the Nara Period around 710 AD.
The Tatami mat can be slept on directly, or with a futon laid on top. This provides a harder surface for the body & many people report that it gives them a much better nights sleep.
Although the Tatami mat has been in decline in Japan over the last 20 years, many Japanese still use this method for sleeping. Statistics reveal that two-thirds of UK adults suffer from disrupted sleep and a quarter don’t get more than 5 hours of sleep per night.
Sleep is vital for our health & as Japanese scientists have been studying a lack of sleep over a long period of time ends up becoming a cycle which is more difficult to break. Continuous lack of sleep can turn into sleep pressure which builds up over time.
Focusing on getting a good night’s sleep could be the best thing you can do for your health & wellbeing. Not sure whether a Tatami mat & futon is right for you? Trial one in your spare room & sleep on it for a week and see what you think.
Photo by Anna Sullivan on Unsplash
Visitors can also try this new way of sleeping for themselves and test it out too.
These Japanese health secrets might seem basic, maybe you were expecting some kind of potion or elixir? It’s the same health advice we have been given over and over, reduce our sugar, walk more & get better sleep! One day, maybe we will listen & take action for a healthier, longer life.
PLEASE NOTE: This article was not written by a health practitioner or doctor, all health advice you receive over the internet must be acted & tested by yourself slowly & with mindfulness about your unique situation.
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