World's oldest people diet rich in 'superfood' that may slash heart disease risk
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Researchers have shed light on the dieting habits of 'Blue Zone' residents in a bid to help people live past 100 years old. Okinawa, Japan, is among six of the world's extraordinary regions where locals are reportedly 10 times more likely to live to 100 than 'average' Americans.
While calories restriction, lots of family time and even gardening are among the go-to habits they vouch for, there's a particular food item that's received special attention. You may be surprised to hear that such a 'superfood' is soy - be it in the form of beans, tofu or miso.
Researchers at Blue Zone, led by Dan Buettner, explain: "The Okinawan diet is rich in foods made with soy, like tofu and miso soup. Flavonoids in tofu may help protect the hearts and guard against breast cancer. Fermented soy foods contribute to a healthy intestinal ecology and offer even better nutritional benefits.".
In a conversation with the Mirror, Helen Bell, a nutritionist at Help & Advice, echoed these sentiments, while spotlighting soy's rich unsaturated fat content. Although fats often get a bad reputation, this variation is generally good for you and associated with a potentially slashed risk of heart disease.
"In my experience, soy products are indeed associated with heart health benefits," Helen said. They are rich in unsaturated fats, which can help reduce LDL cholesterol levels, a major contributor to cardiovascular problems. "I've seen studies suggesting that soy may improve artery health, potentially lowering the risk of heart disease. It's worth noting that populations consuming high amounts of soy, like those in Okinawa, tend to have lower rates of heart issues.".
