In Praise of a Far Eastern Diet!

You've guessed correctly if you think that Americans have one of the least healthy diets, but do you know which nation has the healthiest?

It's Japan.

Japanese men and women live longer than anyone else on earth, with life expectations of 86 and 79 years, respectively. 75 of those yearsthey can statistically expect to live disability-free, and the population enjoys the lowest obesity rate of any country in the developed world at just 3 percent. (The U.S., by contrast, weighs in at 33 percent!)

Want to get in on some of the Japanese longevity action? Make a habit of including some of these dietary staples from the Land of The Rising Sun on your plate and we bet you won't have to wait a lifetime to see and feel a difference:

Green Tea: We've sung the praises of this super food before, but the Japanese have already made it part of their culture for thousands of years. It's a strong antioxidant that will not only help with weight loss and relaxation, but with maintaining your cholesterol levels as well.

Tofu: The chameleon of foods, it can be made into just about anythingand is high in protein and iron, and low in calories. Don't dwell on the fact that it is really just coagulated soy milk, and focus instead on its versatility.

Sashimi and Nigiri: These staples of sushi parlors are just raw fish, and raw fish served with rice, respectively, and as such they're loaded with protein and omega-3 fatty acids. Americans do not have enough fish in their diets, and too often what's there is fried and high in fat, so make these sushi staples a regular part of your meal plan.

Wasabi: Sometimes called “Japanese horseradish,” it hails from the same botanical family as cabbages and mustard. But those two staples of the American diet lack wasabi's anti-cancer chemicals. The plant, which you can use as a condiment, either ground as a powder or as a sauce, has anti-hypercholesterolemic properties which help in lowering high cholesterol levels, strokes and heart attacks.

Shiitake Mushrooms: These fungi are not only flavorful, but almost unique in their nutritional make-up. One serving provides 65 percent of the copper you need daily. They contain strong compounds having the natural ability to discourage inflammation, tumors, "bad" bacteria, harmful viruses, and interestingly enough – other fungi. Plus, they are high in protein and low in calories.

Seaweed: Throw away your bottled supplements, son, and just pack some kelp, nori, or hijiki into your salad. Not only is seaweed loaded with vitamins and minerals, it is also high in protein and a great natural source of iodine that is key to maintaining your thyroid.