An island off the coast of Japan, known for its remarkable number of centenarians, might hold the secret to longevity in a specific food. Researcher Dan Buettner, dedicated to uncovering the reasons behind longer lifespans in certain populations, examined various global hotspots, including Okinawa, Japan, which is celebrated for its high concentration of residents living beyond 100 years.
Buettner discovered that Okinawans’ exceptional longevity might be linked to a unique aspect of their diet. While their meals are varied and nutritious, a significant portion—an astounding 67%—is made up of Beni Imo, or purple sweet potato. This contrasts sharply with the rest of Japan, where this food represents only 3% of the average diet.
The health benefits were highlighted in the Netflix series “Live to 100: Secrets of the Blue Zones”.
