Can New Foods Let You Live Longer? | The Art Of Living: Japan | Tonic

Okinawa is known to be the place in the world where people live the longest. Niklas tries to find out how much the food has to do with this, and learns basic techniques in the island's national sport, Karate.
In this food and lifestyle documentary series, internationally renowned chef Niklas Ekstedt explores the secret of living past the age of 100. He’s travelling to six of the world’s ‘blue zones’ - regions such as Sardinia, Costa Rica, and Okinawa in Japan, where unusually high numbers of people reach an advanced age - in a quest to find the recipe for a long and healthy life. Along the way, he befriends locals and gets to know them, joining in with their daily routines and discussing their approaches to life, food, and ageing. He also reveals different ways of living. For example, in Ikaria, Greece, he discovers a town which keeps the stress levels down by not keeping track of time. And, as you would expect from a leading chef, he also can’t resist sampling some of the local specialties in every place he visits.
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[@a697ag]

It's not just living longer. It's good quality of life. The older people in this doco are so active and seem to radiate a vitalizing energy. Thank you for posting and I am looking forward to the other episodes.

[@blkpopeye]

I dont eat pork.

[@josephineching354]

luck luck Good Good to see them them in soon soon a gain a again

[@josephineching354]

luck luck Good Good to see them them in soon soon a gain a los again

[@kaeobermoy4401]

@@blkpopeye well good for you

[@lechsiz1642]

the term used in longevity science is "healthspan"

[@sophiehawkins7178]

My daughter's nana (on her father's side) lived to 98. The day she died, she decorated her apartment for Saint Patrick's day (she was Irish and St. Paddy's was the next day), she walked downtown and back for groceries (about 40 minutes plus the walking around the market - about two hours total I would guess. She would have known and chatted with the vendors, which would have added more time on her feet). Then she came home, baked and cooked for a few people in the building that were unwell, and also did some prep for the family get together the next day. She went to bed and died in her sleep. Her grandaughter and great grandson found her the next morning. One of my favourite memories of Nana, was her being somewhat inebriated on her 80th birthday, up on the kitchen table, dancing a jig, as the Irish say! She's always been my role model!

[@sophiehawkins7178]

PS - Niklas is a lovely quest and interviewer. I'm really enjoying how respectful and sweet he is to the people he meets. He's an excellent Swedish ambassador.

[@katlookingup3625]

Beautiful story💕💕💕

[@AngelicVirgo]

Lovely story. hello from Ireland 👋🏻☘️🇮🇪

[@Bonbon-C]

What a sweetheart your grandma was ❤

[@swisstrader]

They did a study many years ago of American businessmen and aging. Found that those men who continued to work post retirement or stay active w volunteer work lived on average 10 years longer than those men who retired and did nothing. Almost like someone turned a switch off for those who stopped working. Humans need to have a purpose in order to live long.

[@lightoftheworld417]

Once you stop, you decline and fast.

[@rebeccajames858]

Couldn’t agree more 🙌🏻

[@christopherellis2663]

People used to die within a year of retiring.

[@kepspark3362]

I agree.

[@ssmith5127]

Strange to me how many folks live to work. I can find purpose and passion outside of a career. I've always been grateful for that ability. I also prefer to have many new and small passions so I don't get bored with monotony.

[@iamaku09]

In Zimbabwe people lived long up until AIDS happened. My great-great grandma took care of me most the time because everyone else was busy working. Having 3-5 generations under the same roof was quite common back then. I feel blessed to have met my greats and can only hope to live as well as they did.

[@ahmedalnumairi3498]

How is Zimbabwe now?

[@sofia.5114]

Totally agree. I like that Zimbabweans are now packaging their traditional foods

[@ancientfuture3998]

Obviously people on the continent lived past 200 allegedly, depending on griots and information keepers

[@adoremus4014]

The average lifespan in Zimbabwe is 61.8 years. In 1950 it was 48.3, dropping to 43.2 in 2003.

[@westernmac5944]

AIDS: Also known as vaccinations. Presently, AIDS is known as covid. Following me anyone? Funny thing about longevity is that vaccines don’t seem to feature. Why is that do you think?

[@annaaiko868]

I have never seen a video of Okinawa so accurately portrayed! You truly capture the essence of Okinawa. Thank you for creating this wonderful video. ❤️❤️❤️

[@KJ-xc6qs]

she really loved her spam and miso.

[@susancohen8009]

Absolutely love this video, it is a balanced, and very traditional, smart way of life! We have much to learn from them!

[@shedshedneyramos993]

I LOVE It.. the secret of healthier life Laughter, eat healthy food, good vibes and dance yohoooo .

[@ima7333]

I don’t think eating up to 80% full means you gotta leave hungry. I think you eat until you’re no longer hungry but not totally full. It’s like you eat until satiated but not stuffed.

[@ruthlloyd1163]

I’ve heard this advice before-and think it makes sense, but I have no idea how to gauge 80% full. If I leave hungry I’m snacking later.

[@Aman-gk1cb]

@@ruthlloyd1163 stay active. we're snacking when we're not active (sedentary lifestyle)

[@novembersky3749]

best comment!

[@lightoftheworld417]

I believe mainland Japan has the same saying though it may be at 70%

[@annabeljames9759]

@@ruthlloyd1163 If you are hungry, you have not reached that 80 percent.

[@SR-zu7le]

Thank you for creating and sharing this youtube video. I'm an Uchinanchu living overseas. I still eat Okinawan food to this day, as well as making it. It's most of easy to get the ingredients except seaweed and fresh fish. I'm grateful for the portray of Okinawa you posted, that remained truthful but respectful towards the people living on the island.

[@liesmies6280]

you can see Niklas really falling in love with this sturdy unmovable old japanese lady. full of respect. unbelievable. :)

[@ivorybow]

I am an older American I can attest that isolation destroys health and well being. I am disabled and since the pandemic, home bound. I live alone and rarely see anyone. People do not visit any longer and younger family members are so overwhelmed with work and paying exorbitant rents, parents never see them. My health has deteriorated dramatically in the past 2 years, and there is little to look forward to as far as family and socializing. But I have my books, handwork, documentaries like these, and I am always studying. But it's easy to fall into the doldrums, where one day blurs into another.

[@elmernagui744]

what matters is the quality of life not the quantity of life..

[@yengsabio5315]

It's amazing to see o bachan Yoshiko! She reminds me of my Lola (i.e., grandmother) Shanang, 91 years old. Despite her poor hearing, her memory is so sharp, she still knows the names of all her grandchildren -- 20+ of us! She reads a lot of pocket books, & she'll tell you what to read best because it has a good story. Sadly, she did of flu complication! But we're all happy for her because she lived a good life! Lots'a love, cheers, & Mabuhay, from tropical Philippines!

[@ladyfame1430]

This lady with the karaoke is soooo adorable! I love her!

[@Gui-tc6eg]

Thank you Niklas, Dr. Craig, Tomoaki, Yoshiko, Tamanaha, Saori, Reina, Yoshio, and all the other guests and staffs. This is very refreshing to watch. I love your sense of humor and how you connect with the guests :)

[@iamshreyagupta]

When he said: Ikigai - you reason to wake up in the morning, which keeps you going when you are 60, 70 and 80. My heart cried a little. Here I am, 30 and feels like I have nothing to wake up to.

[@yl508]

Hmm

[@yl508]

I'm 30 too, I wake up to take care of my family and myself

[@xpantia]

We need more channels like this one. Thank you!

[@christopherellis2663]

First up, shoots down the vegan hypothesis.😭 l used to go hungry for a few hours more, rather than eat at McDonalds. Now, at 72, I rarely 'feel hunger', I just before sunset or not at all. Growing younger as l go.

[@candisclaiborn9943]

This was really interesting! Thank you! Please cover more of these Blue Zones!

[@TonicChannel]

Thanks so much for watching !! We have made a playlist with all the episodes here: kzbin.info/aero/PLNTIDk6mjdSN_QFvJ8dk5-Su0RFdYW11P - All the places are really different and interesting :)

[@candisclaiborn9943]

@@TonicChannel Thank you for the playlist. Unfortunately, I am getting a message that says "Video unavailable. The uploader has not made this video available in your country." I am in the US. Is there a way I can view these additional videos?

[@tracysmith245]

would be nice

[@ivi122]

What an amazing lady. She is funny, fun, positive and a beautiful lady. She’s adorable and I wish I could go to Japan and meet her

[@catfish9539]

Oh my goodness that lady was amazing. I was grinning with joy just watching her. I look after people in their 60’s and 70’s not as spritely as her. What a joy to be around. It’s not just about getting older it’s about your quality of life too. So many 70, 80, 90 year old in other countries are in nursing homes bed bound with no quality of life. I can’t think that America can give anything good to Okinawa like anywhere else. Fast food and glutinous portions is killing every country it seeps into. They need to keep the traditional methods.

[@vincesilva1128]

I have been in Okinawa, I realized that most taxi drivers are retired guys 70-80 years old. Very beautiful peaceful place.

[@sanmorgan8255]

Mother born 1920 into the last plague, now mostly through this plague. Her great aunt died at 102. Another relative lived to 116.

[@jamesfernandez4664]

Thank you so much for bringing to us this program. So well done I feel like you have taken us to Okinawa. So much knowledge, peace and happiness to watch. God Bless. Colombo Sri Lanka

[@YouNeverKnowWhoIsWatching]

39:25 My old Taekwondo teacher back in the 90s used to teach us in a very hands-On way like this. On the outside it probably look like he was slapping us around, but it was just his way of correcting our posture and encouraging us. It was very endearing. Like this sensei, we could tell that our sabomnim (master/teacher) cared about us and how we developed as martial artists.

[@lechsiz1642]

10:00 I wonder if that canned pork from Okinawa is part of the reason Spam is so popular in Hawaii. Hawaii had a very large immigrant farm worker population from Okinawa. Of course, livestock takes space to raise and island don't have much space.

[@katherenewedic8076]

SPAM is an acronym for Special Army Meat. It was a G.I ration in WW II. Where the pacific war was fought had to do with "protecting" u.s. colonies and territories. After bombing the u.s had to feed people hence the popularity of spam

[@lechsiz1642]

@@katherenewedic8076 interesting. thanks for that

[@shannapink801]

What an amazing video!! It’s about time that I find a video that actually has real value and meaning to it! I love the pure positivity!! Great vid😀

[@方圆-x7s]

so in love with this video! make me rethink my life style. thanks for shooting.

[@gaohuynhanderson]

Such an adorable documentary! ❤️❤️☺️☺️☺️ I smiled the whole time watching this.

[@royaljatti]

I love the Grandma, She is soooooooo cute!!

[@celsofukuhara1794]

My mother is okinawan too. She has today 99 years old

[@brunovanhove1832]

Wel Niklas, heb genoten van uw reizen en filmpjes,bedankt groetjes van België.

[@trhall7406]

BEAUTIFULLY DONE. SO INFORMATIVE!!!!!!⭐️

[@pinkeeluvr]

This was so great and really interesting! I cannot wait for the next episode

[@Afia6098]

One dont have to shake hands, just bend your head for respect. I had pylori , and had no idea seaweed is the answer. Good documentary.

[@supplegrey3613]

I love her energy and vibes so much....Just looking at her, I smile all the time

[@kaeobermoy4401]

Lol Im Swedish too so it was nice to watch another Swedish man have fun there

[@JessicaNortonND]

such a joy to see such active and vital people!

[@avocate2017]

Of all the blue zones featured in this series, Okinawa seems to have the least healthy diet (Spam, fried foods, etc.). Okinawans seem to live long not so much because of their food, but because they stay active.

[@lt3943]

New sub!!! Thank you so much for sharing this documentary. I'm forever inspired by these amazing people ♥️

[@cathycrowley2452]

A wonderful video that I enjoyed so much because I’m interested in Japan.I love the music pieces in this video,and the laughter!🙏thank you

[@blondestar8851]

Amazing documentary!! 😍😍👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@LoveLife-gv8jg]

Ms. Yoshiko is a very beautiful woman.. she shines from within. I noticed that all the people said they love working where they are so it's not just about working in old age but it's doing what you love

[@sb733]

Wow, amazing reporting and thank you for the chef who is explaining so well about the benefits of each ingredients, discovering n learning new things, truly thank u😘💕💕

[@Pattiesd]

Love this series!! Thanks for posting!!

[@kjwolfe8907]

Definitely a joyful documentary!

[@jenniferlee7167]

This is a fabulous series and I have enjoyed EVERY edosode! Thank you so much.

[@drfadiabbas4439]

So good and well done. I enjoyed every single moment of the video, well balanced, for a longevity guy . This movie should be in the library of all those who are interested in Longevity medicine. Should be taught in schools. Thank you, Niklas, for this beautiful demonstration and commitment to spread the Good words . Ave vita .

[@ozdoits]

What a sweet moment 15:57, this extra tall Niklas, dancing with the Okinawan elder ladies.

[@tokesalotta1521]

To accurately discover what makes these "blue zones" we need to see the actual data, and methodologies. So much of death has zero to do with health or diet. And if anything, these series have shown that social life is the most important

[@tessr.8857]

Two days after Christmas, in my little home town of Wolfforth,TX. I stumbled across this video and it made me want to visit Japan even more so than I wanted before. I could taste the salt in the seaweed and wanted to be friends with the karaoke group! Thank you for transporting me to my happy place...even if it was via video. Arigatogozaimasu🎎

[@velvetpaws999]

No need to travel elsewhere to live that way. What stops you from living that way right where you are? Maybe you can consider this much more realistic option? I wish you success!

[@irwantirta1324]

the big problem is not many people knew what is "healthy" choice :) with big food industries hiding or rename the "unhealthy" ingridient :)

[@naimarestoringdivinity7938]

He just said “we don’t shake hands” so naturally he outstretched his hand!

[@bobpictor7960]

A very old roman proverb said : " We are, what we eat " , exactly like the advices form your guide in Okinawa.

[@perryreasch1209]

I was stationed there in 1975 , it has changed so much

[@avayu2289]

Amazing skin and mental-physical agility for a 92 year old!!!!!!!!!

[@De.D1]

The water is so clear and blue.🏝

[@rafaelmadrigal9279]

Your Diet can stretch your jeans.

[@impeccable_anurag]

This video gave me an inspiration to live healthy life...

[@vestaosto]

As of 2021, Okinawa isn't the longevity zone anymore. It is Nagano prefecture. They eat lots of local grown veggies especially mushrooms and miso (soy-paste).

[@nahoangvieteng]

I can stop laughing with 85 years-old Grandpa who taught Uncle Niklas karate at the end of this video :)). They are a bit serious and funny on Grandpa's face but also clumsy and shy in Uncle Niklas's gestures; however, life is just about learning from one another and I am thankful to watch this document today. Thanks to Tonic channel, I have a chance to show it to my 83 years-old Grandma that she is not too old so just enjoy life with us!

[@la8455]

Well said man!!

[@amanhxrry]

Less meat, more vegetables, leave hungry 🙏🏼😊 Thanks Chef Niklas 👨‍🍳

[@valenagrenion6320]

Love it. thanks for sharing.

[@jancheema6776]

Thank you for sharing. Smile. Nj-usa

[@Fernandez218]

I think studying the blue zones and, simultaneously, other sentient entities that live way longer, i.e. whales(some living to 200 years old), the possible similarities and differences they share, is worth investigating. Why do these humans live this long? Can we make it longer? Why do some whale species routinely live to 100 and some even 200 years old? Do we share anything in common (any DNA sequences)? Can we improve anything?

[@bellagreen6660]

The whales part is just about the size of their hearth. Being bigger it would not have the same rithm as a mice (as an example) but during their life their gonna have the same amount of beats. It's a very interesting subject

[@scottiajohnston8025]

I enjoyed this so much!

[@Myperfectshell]

I prefer the looks of this Japanese lady to many Hollywood celebrities in their 40s/50s. I think she looks better. I’m not joking!

[@toallcommunity7690]

Love your videos and the way you make it! May God bless you!❤️ More please!

[@FarewelI]

I'm glad that there's a video out there documenting Okinawa as its own as opposed to highlighting it being part of Japan, since Okinawans DO NOT consider themselves Japanese. Okinawa was invaded by the Japanese

[@ramonemiliochaconperdomo7225]

What are you saying? Okinawa is 100% Japanese and Okinawans considere themselves as Japanese.

[@butchfajardo8832]

Thanks a lot for doing this! I learned a lot!

[@sequoiacynthia3843]

mild weather , plenty of Sun and the negative ion plus salt in the air in these blessed please .

[@dennisaur66]

When's the next episode of this? I can't take the wait.

[@joeawk]

Okinawa. Heaven on Earth indeed.

[@marilene336]

Konnichiwa, I love Okinawa, I was privileged to visit for 2 months in 2012, lovely place lovely people

[@TheJalapeno2010]

Thank you for sharing this wonderful video!

[@Fritz_GG]

very nice vlog/documentary and it is something that the government or every citizens should consider to watch and reflect.

[@robindong3802]

Love this video, give you more thoughts about your lifestyle. Thanks to Tonic.

[@autumnwind2699]

21:32 what he was actually saying was - Diet can change how genes are expressed.- Not that diet can change your genes.

[@Placidzzz]

Hainan, China is also a centenarians blue zone - local water and coconut diet.

[@outwithrealitytoo]

"Can Your Diet Change Your Jeans?" No, but it can help you fit in a smaller size. Seriously though, no dsicussion of epigenetics here - so the title is nonsense. Most of life is a combination of nature and nurture; genotype and phenotype. However the the moral is sound and it is always nice to see a slice of Okinawa life.

[@novembersky3749]

i wear elastic pants & shorts so i have no prob. if i gain or loose lol : ) enjoy your foods just exercise!!

[@saraleena007]

yes i was expecting a big discussion on epigenetics because in school we covered this subject and I learnt that the tags on your DNA can be passed from your parents to you then to your children; therefore healthy living is very necessary. Tell me more, please! Thanks

[@akas224]

Apart from Okinawa, people in mainland also enjoy longevity.

[@tohzikai]

the effort in sound design just kept me watching~! 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@tingblubblub6106]

25:57. Handsome guy spotted!

[@cherylbradley8797]

You should take a look at the study of the Seventh-day Adventists on their longevity. It was a real study, not just a fling.

[@bethd961]

Loma Linda, CA. Is a blue zone. Seventh-Day Adventists

[@theimprovist4158]

I learnt a lot from this , thanks

[@BlackMamba-lt8oe]

what u learn

[@jamminwithmexijam5710]

I’m a new subscriber after watching this video

[@lorenrenee1]

Please-the recipe for the fritters. This looks so delicious.

[@beepbeepnj2658]

2001 Pubmed article: Nutritional factors on longevity and quality of life in Japan. Lots of animal products.

[@mickypure]

Dr. Craig Willcox 21:46 Hara hachi bu

[@deborahlaranjo3267]

I live in Osaka, Few relatives from Okinawa .

[@chongseitmooi2593]

Really fascinating program ilov it

[@ScarletQue]

What an inspiring documentary.

[@skent714]

Niklas response to everything: "Wow!" "Longlevity{sic}? Wow!"

[@laurapham1748]

Thanks Her story is very interesting

[@bridgeofpeace5697]

I'm in love with old mom❤❤❤❤

[@iceshakle]

Human beings are ingenious.

[@tracylarama1083]

Watching from Alaska ✌️✌️😍😍🙏🙏

[@TheLivingMystic]

That's a happy life

[@drjessyjohn2506]

Thank you for sharing Okinawa culture .

[@splash4891]

great music choices

[@ΔέσποιναΔημητριάδου-η7χ]

Quality of Life - Traditional Conditions&Food - Oxygen - No, Stress - Faith!!!!