Panama
For years, we have been studying the Kuna, an indigenous tribe on the San Blas islands. Each day they drink about 5 cups of fresh cocoa. Harvard professor Norman Hollenberg, MD, PhD, discovered that the islanders’ risks for cancer, diabetes, stroke, and heart disease were reduced to less than 10%. This phenomenon is likely credited to the flavonoids in cocoa, which are powerful antioxidants with a bunch of cardiovascular benefits. This is also why dark chocolate can be good for you. Its when chocolate is processed, sweetened, and watered down with milk and sugar that it becomes unhealthy.
If you want to follow the Kuna, try using PURE cocoa powder. Stir it into milk and add a touch of honey to the to take out the bitterness.
Japan
“Hara hachi bu”, basically meaning, “eating until you’re 80% full”. This is a cultural used throughout Japan. Originating in Okinawa, it is how Japan has one of the lowest obesity rates in the world. The reason this works so well lies in the brain. When you eat, it takes about 20 minutes for your stomach to send signal that it is full to the brain. So, eating slow gives your body time to catch up with you. Once you feel about 80% full, stop eating, and within a few minutes, you should continue feeling fuller.
To slow your eating, try chewing your food 20 times. Slowing yourself will help you recognized how full you are more easily.
Russia
The Russians have a traditional herb used as remedies to treat ailments ranging from infection to vertigo, and depression to digestive issues. It is called Golden root, or Arctic root. The beauty of this resilient herb is that it is an adaptogen, meaning it will help your body adapt to stressors scientific studies have proven it can boost endurance and mood and reduce stress and fatigue.
You should be able to pick up some Golden root at a natural food store. Brew it just like you would any tea, and enjoy the stress relief.
Netherlands
Bicycles are absolutely everywhere in the Netherlands. The Dutch use them as everyday transportation the way we use cars or trains. As a whole, each person rides about 1.5 miles a day. In a 2010 study, it was found that you can add 2 years to your life span by cycling just short distances each day.
To get in this habit, try biking to work if you don’t have a long commute, run errands, or just ride around your neighborhood. It is well known that 30 minutes of the moderate exercise cycling provides can tremendously slash your risk of heart disease, diabetes, and some cancers.
India
Hello curry… Curry powder is common in Indian cuisine, it contains tumeric which has been used in Ayurvedic medicine for thousands of years. Studies are starting to show that tumeric can help prevent Alzheimer’s disease because of the antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties. It boosts your immune-system which may help block and remove plaque from the brain.
Adding tumeric into your diet is easy since it’s a spice. Either add it to food, or use curry powder to season food. Try making curry veggies or chicken curry once a week. Go as heavy on the tumeric as you want. It has some great health benefits.
Greece
In 2007, a study was conducted to find out how Greeks can keep their legendary vigor. Surprising enough, napping (the siesta) is the secret for more than 23,000 Greek adults. Compared to those who don’t nap during the day, adults that napped 30 minutes 3 times a week or more had a 37% lower risk of heart disease. Getting your beauty sleep is that important!
In case your job doesn’t allow you to find space for an afternoon siesta, make sure you get a couple naps on the weekends. Remember, every little bit counts.
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