Japan, an established leader in healthy living.

Renowned for sushi and sumo wrestlers - and,more recently,for their brilliance at rugby Japanese should be celebrated for a lesser-known phenomenon: being the healthiest people on the planet. According to a major global analysis in the Lancet, a child born in Japan today live a longer,healthier life than one born in any other country.The study,published in 2012, ranked 187 nations by healthy life expectancy,found that Japan had the healthiest life expectancy for both male and female members of the society. Experts show several reasons for this, including an impressive healthcare system with universal coverage, strong public health programmes and a more cohesive social structure. But the core secret is in food.Japanese people attach more importance to eating more fruit and vegetables and less fat, meat, dairy and sugar, as well as taking regular physical exercise.Not only the type of food but the style of eating that appears to promote good health that counts.The ancient Japanese saying: "He who has his stomach full only 80 per cent will not need a doctor" sums up the sense of moderation.Sweet treats,chips and ice cream are not demonised,but with smaller kitchens and less storage space,they are kept in small quantities at home. With that being said, Japan has the lowest prevalence of childhood obesity in the world.