Fountains Of Youth

There is no ultimate secret to eternal youth, but certain practices can help us age gracefully and preserve the youthful glowing complexion we desire. From unique dietary practices to freezing ice cold baths, here are some of the most interesting anti-ageing secrets from around the world!

- Clara Siew

HARA HACHI BU

Okinawan Islands, Japan

Also known as hara hachi bun me, hara hachi bu in direct translation to English means ‘belly 80 percent full’, and is a Confucian way of life that involves eating only until—you guessed it—80 percent full each day. It has been practised by Okinawans in Japan since the early 21st century, and they are reported to be the only human population in the world to have a self-inculcated habit of restricting their daily calorie intake. Their daily consumption is 1,800 to 1,900 calories, and their elders have maintained a healthy BMI between the range of 18 and 22. Okinawa also has the highest number of centenarians in the world.

According to a report by the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organisation, the average Malaysian adult consumes between 2,500 to 2,900 calories daily, as compared to 1,500 and 2,000 recommended for women and men respectively. That means we essentially consume 500 to 900 extra calories than is required in a day, and in the long run, without regular exercise, would lead to heart problems and diabetes. Our Minister of Health Subramaniam Sathasivam stated that “it is easier to reduce the intake of food, rather than burning the calories after eating.”