It’s a new year, so many of us are prioritising our health – be it through fitness goals, increasing protein intake, or drinking more water. We’re all aware of the significance of maintaining healthy habits.
December is typically a month of indulgence, so a good detox could do wonders for your wellbeing. Eating plenty of fruits and vegetables, packed with vitamins and antioxidants, is crucial. Not only can a better diet enhance our energy levels, give our skin and hair a glow, but it can also pave the way for a long and healthy life.
Recently, an online chef who goes by the name Mama Linda, has shed light on a lesser-known vegetable that she believes should be a staple in your diet.
She recommends incorporating Japanese sweet potato into your meals. This vegetable is brimming with vitamins and is believed to have anti-cancer properties, Healthline claims.
It’s rich in antioxidants and could aid in combating heart disease and ageing. Mama Linda stated: “As highlighted in Netflix’s Live to 100, Japanese purple sweet potatoes are a powerful longevity food and a key part of the Okinawan diet.
“Their purple colour comes from anthocyanins, antioxidants with anti-inflammatory properties that support heart and brain health. Regular consumption of these antioxidants has been linked to a lower risk of chronic illnesses, including heart disease and certain cancers.”
She added: “This simple addition not only adds a creamy, mildly sweet flavour but also boosts the health benefits of your rice, making it a wholesome choice for the whole family.”
To incorporate it into your dishes, she recommends thoroughly washing and scrubbing the vegetable before popping it into a pan or rice cooker alongside some rice and water. If you prefer, you can peel the sweet potato.
Once the rice and sweet potato have softened and absorbed the water during cooking, stir them together for a delightful transformation of your rice into a vibrant purple hue. She explained: “Here’s an Asian mum’s secret to living to 100 while casually turning boring white rice into a fibre-packed, antioxidant-rich treat with a burst of purple.”
Reacting to the mum’s viral video, one viewer exclaimed: “The colour is just beautiful. We’ve never thought to mix the two together before!”
Another enthused: “Omg why have I never thought of doing this before?” Someone else suggested: “I add eggplant sometimes. Doesn’t maintain the purple colour that well but it’s delicious with a bit of spicy soy sauce seasoning.”
How do Japanese sweet potatoes help you to live longer?
Japanese sweet potatoes, particularly the purple-fleshed variety, have been a dietary staple in Okinawa for centuries. They were historically the primary carbohydrate source for Okinawans and may have played a key role in their remarkable longevity. The traditional diet in Okinawa is low in calories and fat but high in nutrient-dense, plant-based foods like sweet potatoes, which has been credited with supporting their long, healthy lives.
To eat them, roast, steam, or bake them to preserve their nutrients. Pair them with healthy fats (like olive oil) to enhance absorption of fat-soluble vitamins. You can also use them as a natural sweetener in recipes to avoid added sugars.
It’s not a miracle solution to living forever – but combining their nutrient profile with a balanced, whole-food-based diet and an active lifestyle, Japanese sweet potatoes can be part of a diet that supports long-term health and longevity.