Are Traditional Japanese Diets: A Key to Good Health? Terry Shintani, M.D., M.P.H., points out in an article for New Century Nutrition, that the Japanese have the longest life span of any nationality in the world today, with more citizens over 100 years of age than any other country.
Rice is the primary source of calories and carbohydrate in the Japanese diet. In 1950, the average Japanese diet was very low in fat (9 percent), high in carbohydrate (79 percent) and moderate in protein (13 percent), with an average daily intake of 2,098 calories.
The traditional Hawaiian diet was very similar to the traditional Japanese diet, but has become increasingly Americanized, Shintani says. As a result, the Hawaiian population has developed health problems similar to those of western populations. Similar changes are beginning to occur in Japan.
Dr. Shintani believes that holding to the traditional Japanese diet can be a key to preventing many of the diseases that are killing people today. See his site for additional information on eating more and weighing less.
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Nutritionist Susan Mitchell, Ph.D., R.D., offers simple solutions for optimum nutrition in Say YES to Food.
