Since the days of Ponce de Leon, we have had a history of
searching for longevity. Despite the
fact that Americans live well into their 70’s, the CIA ranks the United States just
43rd on their list of international life expectancy. When we look at the top ten countries on the
list, patterns start to reveal themselves.
Monaco tops the list with a life expectancy of 89.40
years. Much of their success is
attributed to the Mediterranean diet that is proven to reduce the risk of
cardiovascular disease, known to kill over a million Americans each year. Many also believe the relaxed way of life
contributes to their older age and better health. The Japanese have an amazingly low obesity
rate of just 3.6% as compared to our 33.9% obesity percentage. Their success is related to all the fresh
vegetable, brown rice, and the omega 3 fatty acid benefits of the fresh
fish. This diet lowers blood pressure
and the risk of stroke. Other places
such as Singapore and Andorra relate
their clean environment, restricted smoking areas, and habits of outside
activity to their better health.
Italians credit the olive oil and red wine for improving their cholesterol
levels. Likewise, they credit the use of
spices such as basil, oregano, and garlic over the high salt diet that
contributes to high blood pressure and stroke for Americans. In addition to the healthier diets, all the
nations topping the list are considered wealthier and as a rule spend more
money to promote their own health.
While we have a history of seeking for longer life, what
about quality of life? Who wants to live
longer if those extra years are spent coping with pain, disease and living
incapacitated? The great news is that
lifestyle works! The same healthy
lifestyle habits (diet, exercise, and stress reduction) that promote longevity
are the same habits that reduce the risk of every disease and improve brain and
organ function and insure a higher quality of life.
No comments:
Post a Comment