Blue zones — regions where people live significantly longer and healthier lives without heart disease, cancer, obesity, or diabetes — have always fascinated me. The East is one of my favorites. Though Costa Rica, Greece, Italy, and California all have their own longevity secrets, the holistic and deeply rooted traditions of Asia hold a special place for me. Many of their staple ingredients are now available on store shelves worldwide, yet few truly know how to use them. So, let’s talk about Japan.

Five Factors That Promote Longevity Across the Globe

1 – Natural movement. Not a gym membership or marathon training, but a naturally active lifestyle — walking instead of driving, running errands on foot, and maintaining mobility throughout the day.

2 – A sense of purpose. A reason to wake up every morning, a focus on the present rather than dwelling on the past. A strong connection to family and community, feeling useful and engaged.

3 – Stress reduction. Stress exists everywhere, but long-living cultures have rituals to manage it — meditation, prayer, family gatherings, or other forms of relaxation.

4 – The 80% rule. Not just eating whole, nutrient-dense foods, but also being mindful of portion sizes —stopping when 80% full, rather than eating until stuffed.

5 – A plant-forward diet. The modern world consumes more meat, poultry, and dairy than ever before — along with the consequences of industrial farming. Traditional longevity diets emphasize legumes, greens, seaweed, fermented soy, beneficial spices, and nutrient-dense sweet potatoes.

I understand that buying a sandwich, cream cheese, and sausages is easier and cheaper. But what we eat eventually becomes our body, hormones, energy, and overall well-being. So, let’s make this month an interesting one. Let’s start with seaweed, shall we?