As far as we know, Okinawa has the healthiest people on earth. How do we know this? Well, to begin with, they have a higher number of centurions (100 years or older) per capita than any other country in the world - more than three times those in America. Plus, compared with the high U.S. incidence of heart disease, Okinawans have just a minimal risk. They also have 80% less breast and prostate cancer, 50% less colon and ovarian cancer and 40% fewer hip fractures.
What are their secrets to better health and longevity? It's very simple and relatively easy to follow.
Secret #1 is maintain a positive, optimistic attitude. Okinawans believe that everything in life works itself out in the long run. With this attitude, there's no need to worry. They intentionally live a calm, peaceful life with little stress. When they work, it's at their own pace, rather than putting pressure on themselves to get things done in a hurry. Experts believe this relaxed way of being is definitely good for health and longevity.
Secret #2 is cultivate strong relationships. Okinawans often get together with friends, family and in groups to just hang out, chat and laugh or to offer support to one another. Endless studies have shown that people are healthier when they have good relationships and an active, positive social life. They live longer and have less tendency to get sick.
Secret #3 is eat a very healthy diet. It's considered to be especially important that the traditional Okinawa diet is both simple and wholesome. It consists mainly of fish that's rich in protein and omega-3 oils and plant food that's high in vitamins, minerals and phytonutrients. Plus, they eat less food - between 500 and 1,000 fewer calories per day than the average American or people from other "modern" countries. Eating a healthy, low calorie diet greatly reduces their risk of health problems related to overweight and increases their chance of longevity.
Secret # 4 is lead an active life. Most of Okinawans get plenty of exercise. They walk a lot, work in their gardens and practice traditional martial arts like tai chi.
Secret # 5 is refrain from bad habits. There are very few older Okinawans who smoke cigarettes or drink alcohol.
However, sadly enough, good health and longevity is more than likely not in the future of the next Okinawa generation. Because of outside influences, most of the young people eat a much more "modern" commercial diet. This group already has the highest rate of obesity in Japan. Plus, many of the younger set have changed other essential health habits - for example, 60% of younger Okinawan men smoke.
It makes better sense to follow the example of the elders who have positive attitudes, strong relationships, good social lives, eat wholesome and light, exercise regularly, work at a relaxed pace and refrain from smoking and drinking. Simple as it is, those are the Okinawa health secrets to living a long, happy, healthy life.
1. They eat organic fruits and vegetables. The healthiest people in the world eat lots of fresh, organic, and raw fruits and vegetables. They also lightly steam their vegetables if they do not eat them raw. Eating four pieces of fresh, organic fruit and two big organic salads a day would be a good start for most people. Just doing these two things can help many medical conditions.
2. They use juice machines. As most people know, the food supply is not packed with vital vitamins and minerals anymore. While organic fruits and vegetables don't have all the necessary nutrients, they do have up to ten times the needed vitamins and minerals when compared to non-organic foods. Therefore, when organic fruits and vegetables are juiced, needed vitamins, minerals, and enzymes are consumed. Drinking three to four glasses a day is best.
3. They eat lots of organic nuts and seeds.
4. They get lots of sunlight. Sunlight has enormous health benefits for the body.
5. They eat organic fruit on a daily basis. Organic apples are some of the best fruit to eat.
6. They use natural vitamin E. It is important not to use synthetic vitamin E products, but instead purchase all natural, full spectrum brands. Everyone is nutritionally deficit. Taking vitamin e can prevent heart disease and alleviate depression. They also are many other benefits as well. The bottom line is supplementing with an all natural, full spectrum vitamin E product is a must.
7. They drink "miracle" juice. There are fruits from certain parts of the world that can help heal many diseases. The fruits are typically are bottled since it is difficult to buy them fresh and then juice them. These "miracle" juices are Noni, Mangosteen, Aloe Vera, and Acai Berry. These juices provide super nutrition as well as cleanse and detoxify the body.
8. They use whole food supplements. The healthiest people in the world know it is important to avoid cheap, synthetic vitamins and minerals. They realize concentrated real food has nutrients and living enzymes.
9. They use collodial daily. These supplements include spirulna, whole food herbs, dehydrated juices, chorella, and sprouts.
10. They use oxygen water coolers. Everyone's body is deficit in oxygen. The healthiest people in the world know that increasing the amounts of oxygen in their bodies alkalizes it and creates a healthy environment where disease can't reside. A good way for people to get their needed oxygen is through an oxygenated water cooler and not by purchasing it in a store. Using oxygenated water helps people feel full of energy and vitality.
Now, everyone can be privy to the same secrets the healthiest people in the world know and use. Begin to implement at least some of these top ten secrets and become one of the healthiest people in the world
Both Michael Byrd & Ian Williamson are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
Michael Byrd has sinced written about articles on various topics from Learn Hypnosis, Aquarium Fish and Omega 3. Michael Byrd has over 18 years of education and experience in the fields of physical therapy, health, fitness and nutrition. His pursuit of wellness has led him to research