Okinawa, the secret of longevity diet

Japan holds the record for the country with the largest number of trees, and the inhabitants of Okinawa - one of his Islands, not only they are the longest human beings on the planet, they also enjoy an enviable State of health.
Scientists from around the world, who have studied the phenomenon, have proven that in Okinawa the incidence of cardiovascular disease and cancer, two of the leading causes of death in the world, is very low. And it seems that they have come to the conclusion that power supply has much to do in his long and healthy life.
And what you eat the okiwaneses? Craig Willcox, one of the authors of the book The Okinawa program, explains the main features of their diet, including fish - an average of three weekly rations-, vegetables, soy, cereals integrals, kombu seaweed - that are high in iodine-, tofu, squid and Octopus. Vegetables that most consumed among a species of purple sweet-potato - rich in carotenoids, flavonoids, lycopene and vitamin E - and sour cucumbers.
The Okinawa diet, as well as that of the rest of 'Blue zones' of the world, is low in calories, sugar and animal fat, and rich in vegetables
Many factors influence the Aging , but experts estimate that food is responsible for about 30% of longevity. When we have studied the habits of life in those places in the world where the highest percentage of centenarians - concentrates what is known as 'Blue zones' - found that they share certain aspects in their food, and in all cases their inhabitants have a diet low in calories, low in animal fat, lots of veggies, and little sugar.

The case of Ikaria

The Greek island of Ikaria is another stronghold of long-lived people in very good health. Experts from the University of Athens studied the inhabitants of more than 65 years of this beautiful island which takes its name from Icarus - the hero of Greek mythology who got to fly with wings of wax, and which is located off the coast of Turkey in the Aegean Sea, to try to discover his secret: its inhabitants have an average of ten years life superior to other Europeans.

These specialists have been able to observe that although the Islanders also suffer from cardiovascular disease and cancer, they develop them, on average, about ten years later than the majority of the population of the rest of Europe.
Among the factors that contribute to their health and longevity, feeding seems to play also an important role. They follow a Mediterranean diet, especially rich in fish and vegetables and little meat. They cooked with olive oil, and drink a typical wine of the island, without preservatives or additives.
They used wild herbs in the kitchen to prepare infusions, and indeed many elderly taken daily tea with herbs such as Sage, mint, thyme, and Chamomile, which added honey from local bees.
In terms of their lifestyle, it should be noted that on the premium Island tranquility and its inhabitants tend not to suffer stress, they are used to taking a NAP at noon, are physically active even at an advanced age, and maintain a good network of social relations. In addition, smoking rates are low.
Article contributed for educational purposes
Health and Wellness