What 3 Secrets Does Japan Know That We Don’t?

Japan has the highest number of centenarians in the world, yet they eat carbs regularly,

consume seed oils and aren’t obsessed with the gym. So why are they living longer and healthier lives? I took a look at the life expectancy numbers between Japan and America and the results were quite enlightening.

Ave life expectancy in Japan – 85

Avg life expectancy in U.S. – 77

So why the 8-year difference? Well, coincidently, the reasons line up with what we’ve been discussing for the last 2 months.

Food quality and preparation – one of the biggest factors behind Japan’s longevity is the quality of their food, compared to the SAD diet? The U.S. leads the world in ultra-processed food consumption. In fact, it makes up 60+% of daily calorie intake for Americans.

Even basic foods like rice, bread and noodles in the U.S, are filled with preservatives, additives and excessive refined seed oils. This is where things differ in Japan. Although they eat the same foods, the portions and the preparation are different.

The typical Japanese breakfast is 390 calories, while the typical US breakfast is way over 700. One of the differences is miso soup. They consume this twice a day. Having soup can decrease your calories by 20%. They do not snack and don’t eat dessert. Another interesting behavior, it is considered taboo to eat while walking or to eat in public. Portion sizes are much smaller in Japan, so the calories are naturally less – even with things like soda. The average Japanese person consumes 1800 calories a day compared to the average American who consumes over 3600.

Most meals are made with traditional cooking methods that preserve nutrients and minimize oxidation. This makes the food they eat less inflammatory, higher in essential nutrients and easier to digest and metabolize.

What about seed oils? In the U.S., seed oils are in EVERYTHING! Processed snacks, deep-fried fast food, bottled dressings and sauces are full of them. These oils are highly refined, oxidized, and overused, leading to excessive omega-6 intake, which in turn causes chronic inflammation.  Almost EVERYTHING in this country is prepared in canola oil, which is derived from rapeseed and highly adulterated. Not to mention genetically modified. And “vegetable oil” is just as bad. In fact, there are no vegetables in vegetable oil at all!

While it’s true that the Japanese do consume certain seed oils, they use them in smaller amounts and in different ways compared to the U.S.

In Japan, cooking oils are used in moderation, meals are not deep-fried in industrial vats, where the oil is heated and reheated, sometimes for days without a change. And, because of all the fish they consume, the omega-3s balance the small amount of omega-6 from the seed oils.

Daily Movement and Low stress lifestyle. We are known in this country for our sedentary lifestyles. We drive everywhere, sit all day at work, and have minimal daily movement. But in Japan, they walk everywhere! Public transportation requires walking, smaller city layouts make walking normal, daily activities involve movement.

I remember going to England on assignment, and the first day, after being told the office was “right around the corner” I found myself out of breath and sweating after jogging in heels a mile to get there! It was a rude awakening for me and put me in touch with one of the main reasons we are so obese in comparison to Europe and Asia.

The Japanese don’t rely on 3 days a week at the gym. Instead, they make it a point to move throughout the day. No sitting on the couch for hours at a time! One interview I saw asked 90-year-old Japanese women what the 3 secrets to long life were. First was walking. Second, “good meal” Eat well! The third one surprised me. It was socializing to keep stress low.

Stress is a major factor in longevity. High cortisol levels lead to weight gain, metabolic disorders, and increased disease risk. The way the Japanese avoid this is through stronger social connections – regular family and community interactions. Daily rituals like Tea ceremonies, walks in nature, and mindful eating help reduce stress. They also experience less work-life burnout. Because despite long work hours, they prioritize collective well-being. It’s not uncommon for people in Okinawa to have friendships that are 70 years old!

These practices aren’t complicated or expensive. But they contradict everything the American health industry is selling us. I’ve said it a thousand times, this is not rocket science folks! Try implementing these simple principles into your own lives and watch what happens! Let’s Get Better!

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