Japanese people have traditionally had one of the longest life expectancies of any developed nation. There are, of course, many possible explanations for longer life in Japan. Regular exercise, strong social cohesion and universally accessible high-quality health care have all been proposed. One study even determined that people drinking green tea several times a week live longer than those who don’t touch it.
Could Diet Contribute to Longer Life in Japan?
Some experts have suggested that diet, beyond green tea, might contribute to Japanese longevity. A study published in the BMJ suggests that fermented soy, a Japanese favorite, is associated with longer life (BMJ, Jan. 29, 2020). The investigators recruited 92,915 volunteers aged 45 to 74. They followed these men and women for nearly 15 years. This was part of the Japan Public Health Centre-based Prospective Study, which includes 11 public health center areas in Japan. During the follow-up time, slightly more than 13,000 of the participants died. Since they had all answered detailed dietary questionnaires, the researchers were able to look for links.
Soy Alone Was Not the Secret:
Just eating soy, such as tofu, was not linked to greater lifespan. However, higher intake of fermented soy products was associated with a lower risk of mortality during the study. The fermented soy products included miso and natto, a fermented soy food with a distinctive smell and texture. In particular, people who consumed the most natto were significantly less likely to die from cardiovascular causes.
The authors were quick to note that such an epidemiologic association cannot prove that fermented soy foods are the reason for longer life in Japan. Nevertheless, if you like miso or natto, there may be unexpected benefits.
