The Essential Karate Newsletter
Subscribe to our Web Feed
Shorinjiryu Shinzen Kyokai
International Ryukyu Karate Research Society
- Articles & Interviews
- desparoz Links
- Dojo Training
- Gradings
- History
- Kata
- Kumite
- News
- Nutrition
- Other
- Podcast
- Random Thoughts
- Seminars
- Tournaments
- Training Camps
- Uncategorized
Proudly powered by the excelent WordPress.
ILB Computing hosts Kengokai.com
31st January 2007
How the Okinawans Got Fat
The Okinawan people, apart from being the originators of what we now know as karate have also been the longest lived people on Earth, with a high life expectancy, low rates of diseases like cancer, heart disease and diabetes, as well as having an extraordinary number of centenarians.
So I was shocked to read the following over on Diet Blog:
This has all changed - and I was shocked to read that Okinawa Island now has the highest rate of obesity in Japan (almost double that of the rest of Japan). Diabetes affects 8.2% of Okinawans compared to 5.7% nationally
Having visited Okinawa in 2005, I was surprised at the number of fast food outlets around. I’ve read that this is as a result of the US Military influence – with at one time over 100,000 US military personnel on Okinawa, it is natural that they would want to have the taste of convenient fast food that they’ve become accustomed to.
But it seems that now the locals are big customers of the fast food chains, and its affecting the health of the people.
If you haven’t seen Supersize Me, or read the book Don’t Eat This Book (both by Morgan Spurlock), I encourage you to do so. Both will give you a fascinating insight into the “Big Food” industry, and how this industry may be affecting our health as much as Big Tobacco has.
11th November 2006
The International Budo Institute - Introduction to Nutrition
Excellent article over on The International Budo Institute site regarding an introduction to nutrition.
Nutrition is critical for sustenance and for your overall well being. its the means by which the parts of your body use food for nourishment and maintaining proper functioning. Without a proper diet and nutrition , your body can’t grow, repair and function properly, and you’ll be more susceptible to chronic illnesses or diseases, and even premature death.It is important to follow dietary guidelines and is essential to well being. The following guidelines contain seven recommendations about the foods you should eat. Think of them as one integrated package of suggestions to improve overall genral health.
Each of the seven categories must involve variety, balance, and moderation in the total diet.
* Eat a variety foods-the best way to get energy, protein , carbohydrates, vitamins , minerals, an fiber you need for good health is to eat a wide variety of nutritious foods.
* Balance the food you eat with physical activity; maintain or improve your weight-To reduce risk of heart disease and stroke, diabetes, high blood pressure.
* Choose a diet with plenty of grains products, vegetables and fruits-to get essential vitamins, minerals, complex carbohydrates, and fibers.
* Choose a diet low in fat, saturated fat and cholesterol-To prevent heart disease and certain types of cancer.
* Choose a diet moderate in sugars-To they supply calories and are limited in minerals and vitamins.
* Choose a diet moderate in salt and sodium-reduces chance of high blood pressure, if you have high blood pressure limit salt intake can help you control the condition.
* If you drink alcoholic beverages, do so in moderation-they contain few vitamins and minerals, and drinking is link with many health problems. A heavy drinker is malnourished.
Although there are general dietary guidelines that may apply to all situations, there are special health conditions that require individual nutritional recommendation. For example, diabetes is controlled by maintaining a proper blood sugar level. Eating foods high in fiber can reduce the risk of certain types of cancer. Many young children may need higher calorie foods than do adults to allow them to grow. Older people need fewer calories and may need to choose foods and beverages that do not adversely affect the medicines they take.
The International Budo Institute - Introduction to Nutrition.