Both India and Japan are famous for their culture and traditions. The lifestyle of both the countries is considered simple, but an important fact is that the average life expectancy of Japanese people is about 13 to 15 years higher than that of Indians. According to the World Population Review, the average life expectancy in Japan is 84.8 years, while in India it is about 70.4 years. The question arises: why is this so? Let us tell.
Japanese people mostly use water for cooking. Boiling, steaming and slow cooking are part of their cuisine. This preserves the nutrients and makes the food light and easily digestible. On the other hand, fried and oily foods are more prevalent in India, which has an impact on the heart and digestive system in the long run.
Their diet is also quite different from that of Indians. Japanese cuisine includes plenty of fish, green vegetables, and fermented foods such as miso and pickles. This provides the body with omega-3 fatty acids and beneficial bacteria that strengthen heart and kidney health. On the contrary, the trend of packaged and processed foods has increased rapidly in India, due to which the culture of balanced eating is gradually disappearing.
Japanese people are also cautious about the quantity of food they eat. They have a tradition of “Hara Hachi Bu”, which means eating only until the stomach is 80 percent full. This prevents overeating and does not put too much pressure on the body. India too once had a culture of slow and balanced eating, but now, due to the hectic lifestyle, this habit has almost disappeared.
Physical activity is also a part of their life. Walking, cycling and group activities are common there. This helps in keeping their body strong even with increasing age. A recent study shows that almost half of India’s adult population does not follow the World Health Organization’s physical activity guidelines.
Meal timing and sleep also play a role. In Japan, people eat dinner early and lightly, which promotes good sleep and a healthy metabolism. In India, most families eat late and heavy meals, which leads to poor digestion and disrupted sleep.
Actually, longevity is not a matter of luck. This is the result of our everyday habits. Japanese people live a disciplined and balanced life. Their small habits like eating light food, sleeping on time and being active every day are the real secrets of their long and healthy life.