World Diets: Choosing a Healthier Cuisine
The United States is not known for its health, that’s for sure. As nearly three-quarters of our citizens are overweight or obese, it’s fair to say that there is certainly something in our shared eating habits that is making us fat. Just as you can look around the world and see different languages, dress, and other customs, you can see a variety of diets, some of which have been scientifically linked to better health and a lower mortality rate. Here are some of those world diets, and why they can make you live longer.
Greece
While you might not be able to afford to head to Greece for a Mediterranean vacation, your body will certainly be happy if you remake your cupboard in their image. What’s the science behind the healthiness of the Greek diet? Instead of Big Macs, Greek food is dominated by fruits, veggies, and olive oil. These plant-based food groups are full of antioxidants, chemicals that scavenge free radicals. Free radicals are dangerous molecules that can weaken cells and lead to aging and cancer. Wild greens, a key player in Greek salads, are especially high in a type of antioxidant called flavonoids.
Okinawa, Japan
Okinawa, Japan, is famous for having an amazingly long-living and healthy population. Okinawans have a low BMI their entire life, and the area has a higher rate of centenarians than anywhere else in Japan. So, what’s their secret? To put it simply, they eat less. On the whole, Okinawans eat about 300 calories a day less than the average Japanese citizen. Their diet contains less carbs, meat, and sugars, and more veggies and legumes than the regular Japanese diet. Want to follow their lead? Eat less food, but select items that are more nutrient dense. Focus on fruits and veggies, cut down on meat, and watch your caloric intake.
France
Scientists have been following something called the “French paradox” for a while now. The French unabashedly shirk the USDA’s food pyramid, and get over 30 precent of their daily caloric intake from fats. While this isn’t that surprising since the French have a meat and cheese based diet, what is surprising is their relatively low rate of coronary heart disease.
It turns out that the French penchant for high wine consumption may work to counteract the effects of their high fat diet. Wine contains antioxidants, just like fruits and veggies, which accounts for French citizens’ lower rate of heart disease and increased longevity. Just don’t hit the bottle too hard—alcohol abuse will undo any of the benefits of wine’s age-fighting chemicals.
Sources:
Mediterranean diet and longevity. (2007) A. Trichopoulou and E. Vasilopoulou. British Journal of Nutrition.
Caloric Restriction, the Traditional Okinawan Diet, and Healthy Aging. (2007) Bradley Willcox, D. Craig Willcox, Hidemi Todoriki, Akira Fujiyoshi, Katsuhiko Yano, Qimei He, J. David Curb, Makoto Suzuki. Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences.
Does diet or alcohol explain the French paradox? (2004) M.H. Criqui, B.L. Ringel. The Lancet.