Why do Japanese centenarians eat this “miracle” vegetable every week?

It’s no secret that aging well and good health requires a healthy lifestyle, regular physical activity, but also healthy eating and varied. However, it seems that certain foods have powerful properties positioning them as the allies of choice for anyone whose dream is to become a centenarian. Some places in the world have a fairly high number of centenarians and Japan is one of them. Indeed, the country is characterized by its exceptional longevityparticularly observed on the island of Okinawa. A tuber vegetable in particular is one of the secrets of population longevity.

Japan: this food constitutes 70% of the diet in Okinawa

Longevity in Japan

For good life expectancy and good health, opt for a rich diet, balanced and varied is the best solution. Indeed, certain bad habits prevent you from living a long life, the Japanese understand this very well. In fact, hope of life in Japan is one of the best in the world, 81 for women and 87 for men. For the 54^e consecutive year, Japan has the highest number of centenarians, with 95,000 people currently aged over 100 years old. It is on the island of Okinawa that these centenarians are concentrated. It is also called the blue zone.

The list of foods consumed

Dan Buettner, researcher longevity analyzed the eating habits of the inhabitants of this island to find out how they manage to live so long. “When we look at the list of foods consumed, we realize that the Japanese diet is mainly plant-based, with little meat, eggs and fish”he reveals in his documentary series 100 years of plenitude, the secret of the blue zonesbroadcast on Netflix. The demographer was also marked by something else. The secret to the longevity and good health of Japanese centenarians is known.

70% of daily intake

In his research, the specialist noticed that the Japanese consume, every week, a aliment very precise. In his documentary series, he specifies “On the Japanese island of Okinawa, this tuber vegetable even represents 70% of daily food intake, it’s enormous”. According to the specialist, if the Japanese regularly consume this food, it is probably because it resists typhoons, because underground, these tubers are sheltered from bad weather.

Beni imo: a food low in calories, but rich in nutrients

Beni imo, this miracle food

Also known as purple sweet potato from Okinawa, the said vegetable owes its strong color to an intense concentration of anthocyanins which are natural pigments with powerful antioxidant properties. For its properties, beni imo or Okinawan purple sweet potato has become an almost essential ingredient in many preparations in Japan, whether for savory dishes or desserts, reports Top Health. The main ones benefits of beni imo are related to a high intake of vitamins Aof fibersof complex carbohydratesminerals and 150% active antioxidants.

A perfect ally to control your weight

Low in calories and having a fairly moderate glycemic index, this food is an ideal ally for providing energy to the body, maintaining a stable weight and promote a healthy intestinal microbiota. Certain proteins can also protect you from bloating and stomach aches. The purple sweet potato is an essential part of traditional diet of the island. This diet is characterized by a high consumption of fish, soy and vegetables, with less processed products or red meat.

Available in France

Integrating beni imo into their diet allows Okinawan residents to benefit from its remarkable nutritional properties. By the same means, residents adopt a healthy, active and community-focused lifestyle. The beni imo is the perfect illustration of the importance of diet adapted to its environment and above all rich in plants. This food is available in some stores in our country, it can be cooked by steam or in the oven. To add a colorful and sweet touch, you can mix it with smoothies or take inspiration from desserts from the Japanese cuisine. Enjoy your food !