Why the Japanese live more than 100 years: the Nagumo method

Photo byLilian Jopa

Many people know that Japan boasts the highest life expectancy of people in the world. Although sea treasures such as fish and seaweed play an important role in maintaining the health of the Japanese, there is much more to the Japanese secret to longevity.

So, what is the secret of Japanese longevity?

In a world where the quest for eternal youth has led to countless diets, supplements and lifestyle changes, the Japanese have quietly mastered the art of living well over the past 100 years.

Their secret lies in a deceptively simple practice: one-meal-a-day. Deeply rooted in Japanese culture, this method concerns not only what they eat, but how they eat, reflecting a profound philosophy of life.

Single meal concept

Single meals, or as it might be more correctly called, "one-dish meals," are based on the idea of ​​consciously and balanced consumption of small, varied portions of food.

This method is based on the sirtuin gene, discovered by Japanese scientists, which triggers cell regeneration, preserving youth and vitality. To activate sirtuins, it is important to eat infrequently, especially useful are periods of fasting or being on an empty stomach.

Method of Dr. Yoshinori Nagumo

Dr. Yoshinori Nagumo, a renowned Japanese physician, describes this in detail in his book, where he presents a unique method of fasting. Unlike the generally accepted three meals a day, Nagumo advocates one meal a day, allowing people to eat what they want without restrictions.

He believes this approach can lead to significant weight loss, improved skin condition and overall rejuvenation in just four weeks.

Nagumo emphasizes that following this one-meal-a-day diet naturally promotes a healthy lifestyle. Over time, people begin to lean toward nutritious choices, instinctively avoiding unhealthy foods. This intuitive eating habit ensures a continuous process of healing and rejuvenation of the body.

According to Nagumo, the idea of ​​three meals a day is outdated. He argues that modern humans can eat one full meal a day, as long as it is balanced and nutrient-rich. This meal can contain as many calories as would normally be consumed in multiple meals, or even fewer. The concept was inspired by observing wild animals, who often eat one meal a day but still remain healthy and lean.

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What food should you eat?

Traditional Japanese meals often consist of several small plates that vary in texture, flavor, and nutritional content. This practice not only makes each dish more enjoyable, but also ensures that the dieter gets all the vitamins and minerals they need. By trying a little bit of everything, the Japanese avoid overindulging in any one food, maintaining a balanced diet.

Including traditional Japanese cuisine in this diet can further enhance its beneficial properties. A typical meal might include miso soup, a serving of rice, buckwheat, millet or pearl barley, and various vegetables.

The Japanese diet is rich in fruits, vegetables, and seafood, often sourced locally and prepared with minimal processing. This not only preserves the nutritional value of the food, but also ensures that meals are in keeping with natural cycles, providing the body with what it needs at different times of the year.

Eating is an art

In Japan, eating is not just a means of sustenance, it is an art form. Every bite is taken with intention, chewed thoroughly, and savored to the fullest. Mindful eating improves digestion, prevents overeating, and increases overall enjoyment of food.

These principles can be easily adapted to other cultures and diets, providing a universal approach to health and longevity.

By following these eating methods, people can not only achieve a slimmer waistline and younger-looking skin, but also embark on a path to a healthier, more conscious lifestyle.

It turns out that the secret to long life in Japan lies in a harmonious combination of scientific knowledge, traditional wisdom and conscious eating.

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