There are countless reasons that the Japanese enjoy their health, so many I could think of. But if you're still interested in the "why" of this Asian nation's health and body, read on.
1)You can eat what you want
If eating spicy foods isn't your thing, there's no reason to worry about it. The whole idea behind having a diet in which food choices aren't limited is good for your overall health. According to a study published by Johns Hopkins University in 2020, people who choose to eat in a variety of ways consume less sugar and fat than those who eat only one type of food. Also, as long as you adhere to a varied daily menu, you won't feel hungry every time your belly grows. No matter your age or gender, this should help improve your well-being. It's a win-win situation, right?
2) They have an emphasis on physical activity.
The average Jap woman consumes about 5 hours more in total for exercising than men. Their daily calorie intake per day is also higher, at 300 calories, while men's daily caloric consumption is only 140 calories. This means that women are doing more exercise than men. Another benefit of being active is your cardiovascular health. In fact, according to Harvard Health Publishing, regular exercise can help reduce your risk of developing diabetes and heart disease, as well as improve other aspects of your life, such as sleep and mood. As with anything else, moderation goes a long way, though. Exercise isn't for everyone, but it's something you can do right!
3) High rates of exercise can lead to a lower risk of obesity.
According to a 2018 study published in JAMA Network Open, high levels of exercise and nutrition and the amount of energy you burn during exercise can both decrease your risk of type 2 diabetes and obesity. People who exercise or engage in weight maintenance exercises are also likely to avoid getting overweight when they are older. As with any habit, practicing good habits and adhering to them will lead to better results. Don't forget to sign up for the fitness app and reward yourself for working out!
4) Regular exercising is crucial for maintaining your mental health.
According to a 2013 study published in Psychological Science, regular practice of certain activities such as playing chess can affect your brain chemistry and can even improve cognitive performance. Since exercise releases endorphins into your bloodstream, your brain can release these endorphins—which can be described as pain relief hormones—which can counteract anxiety and depression symptoms. When you're feeling down and depressed, try taking 15 minutes for some sort of exercise to give you something positive to look forward to; otherwise, you'll find yourself slipping back into old habits. Even just a walk outside can be enough to get your mind off whatever's happening around you. Plus, as noted above, some kinds of exercise can improve your quality of sleep!
5) Exercising boosts immunity.
Regular exercise gives your body something to digest and store nutrients. While this process may not sound very exciting, it actually has benefits for your immune system. Researchers from Stanford University found that exercising regularly can boost the ability of the white blood cells (called leukocytes)—immune cells, to fight bacteria and viruses that cause illness. Physical exercise can lower inflammation, protect the digestive system from damage, fight infections, and improve your blood pressure and cholesterol levels. Because exercise releases chemicals such as serotonin and endorphins into a person's bloodstream, they also increase feelings of happiness and well-being. If you're going to take it easy and relax a bit, don't neglect your body and mind!
6) Your parents had a major impact on your lifestyle and diet.
It's worth pointing out that much of what you do today can have a direct effect on your childhood eating habits. Parents often influence children's dietary patterns early on to ensure that they grow up to enjoy certain types of foods—such as salty snacks and sweets. For example, saltier foods have been linked to an increased risk of metabolic syndrome, a cluster of conditions that include abnormal amounts of fat and sugar in the blood. Other common examples of this include refined grains, fatty meats, saturated fats, foods rich in nitrates, processed dairy products, and low fruit and vegetable intake. Parents themselves could also have an impact on the lifestyles of their children, whether they choose to follow suit or not. Research shows that living in households where the father works full-time and does not stay home with young kids can increase the likelihood that their child will be obese in adulthood. To maintain a healthier lifestyle, encourage your child to spend more time outside, join an organized sports team or gym, and develop a love for healthy cooking. Kids need us to teach them how to have fun and appreciate our own health, too!
7) A sedentary lifestyle isn't a good option.
As mentioned before, exercise comes with its share of potential dangers. Not only is moving around hard work itself, but it also leads to additional risks such as injury and increases the chance of falls, as well as putting stress on joints and increasing the possibility of muscle aches due to overuse. Aside from all this, there's also the issue of boredom. Our bodies are designed to move, which is why we find ourselves sitting around staring at nothingness after a lengthy workout. Taking breaks throughout the day to exercise is vital for maintaining good health.
8) Unhealthy diets can put you at a greater risk of injury.
According to research from the Washington State University School of Medicine, a lack of exercise and a poor diet are strongly correlated with several types of injuries, including rheumatoid arthritis and Achilles tendon tears. Furthermore, diets rich in junk food contribute to elevated levels of toxins in the body and promote bad decision-making and behavior. These factors, in turn, increase your chances of sustaining various injuries, regardless of whether they're related to the effects of the diet or the sport. Keep things balanced!
9) Sugary beverages are especially harmful.
Aside from the aforementioned unhealthy ingredients included in most sugary drinks, many of them contain extra salt, artificial sweeteners, hydrogenated oil, and high doses of added sugars. For instance, one cup of soda contains approximately 150 mg of sodium. Studies show that individuals with higher blood pressure are more prone to a heart attack after consuming large quantities of alcohol, which is highly recommended when trying to keep it at a moderate level. Furthermore, studies show that drinking water before meals can help prevent overeating during the evening. Lastly, if you frequently snack between meals, you may want to make sure that you're fueling yourself properly by replacing unhealthy foods with nutrient-rich ones. Eating a smoothie or meal replacement shakes before each of your meals can go a long way towards ensuring balanced nutrition and reducing your risk of obesity and type 2 diabetes.
10) Avoiding social gatherings can positively influence your health.
In addition to staying away from your family, limiting your exposure to stressful situations can also help increase the odds of maintaining good health. One article explains that social isolation is associated with poorer mental health in children and adults. With that said, when you have friends and socialize with them regularly, you're also more likely to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Instead of spending time watching Netflix alone, start hanging out with others! And remember, moderation goes a long way when it comes to your health. By being mindful of your actions, you'll always be able to enjoy the things that make life worth living.
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