Order Online via our APP

Order Online via our APP

Healthy Japanese Food

Healthy Japanese Food

For more than 20 years, Japan has been at the top of the World Health Organisation’s rankings for the longest average lifespan worldwide. The secret behind the longevity of Japanese people is no secret at all – it’s all down to a combination of healthy Japanese food and sensible lifestyle choices.

Traditional Japanese cuisine is low in fat, high in protein and packed with key nutrients. Some types of Japanese dishes are healthier than others, but the most basic staples of Japanese cuisine are so much healthier than those of most comparable western nations.

The result – a culture where the food not only tastes fantastic, but can also help you live longer as a bonus!

What is the healthiest Japanese food?

Is Japanese food the healthiest in the world?

Japanese food is considered by many to be the healthiest in the world. With an average life expectancy of 71 – or as highly as 83 in Okinawa – the Japanese are definitely doing something right with their dietary choices.

But it isn’t just Japanese cuisine by nature that makes Japan one of the world’s healthiest countries.  Research suggests that not only do Japanese people eat on average six times more rice than in comparable countries worldwide, they also consume 25% fewer daily calories.

Portion sizes are also significantly smaller in Japan, where it is customary to only eat until you are around 80% full. Coupled with the predominant use of fresh ingredients and exclusion of synthetic additives, Japanese food continues to be a contender for the healthiest food in the world.

What food do Japanese like to eat?

 

As is the case worldwide, the food Japanese people like to eat at home differs from their preferred menu choices when dining out. But as far as unofficial national dishes are concerned, there are several staples of Japanese cuisine that are particularly popular across the entire country.

The most prominent examples of which include:

  • Sushi & Sashimi
  • Ramen
  • Tempura
  • Kare-Raisu (Curry Rice)
  • Okonomiyaki
  • Shabu Shabu
  • Miso Soup
  • Yakitori
  • Onigiri
  •  

There are countless variations of each of the above Japanese dishes, which often differ from one region to the next. They can also vary significantly in terms of sophistication and costs, ranging from ultra-affordable street food to world-class Michelin Star dining.

Why do Japanese age so well?

It’s no secret that the Japanese people have the highest life expectancy of any of the G7 countries.  As for why it is that the Japanese age so well, experts have attributed it to a significantly lower death rate from ischemic heart disease, including myocardial infarction, and cancer (especially breast and prostate).

This is the result of numerous factors, though is primarily credited to Japan’s unique diet and a subsequent low rate of obesity. The country’s consumption of red meat is much lower than in most comparable nations, replaced with elevated consumption of fish and plant-based ingredients.

In addition, regular physical activity and long working lives are the norm in Japan, helping adults and seniors of all ages stay healthy for longer. 

What do Japanese eat to stay thin?

What is the healthiest sushi?