Japan: Longest life expectancy globally (85 years)
Plant-based advocates: "See? Rice and vegetables!"
Japan's actual diet:
- Fish consumption: 53kg per capita annually (highest in developed world)
- Pork: Second most consumed meat
- Chicken: Third most consumed
- Beef: Expensive but eaten regularly
- Eggs: Daily
- Dashi (fish stock): Base of nearly every dish
Percentage of Japanese protein from animal sources: 50%
Their longevity is attributed to rice while ignoring that they eat more fish than almost anyone and put fish stock in literally everything.
The meal is fish. The rice is just there to soak up the dashi.
But acknowledging this would require admitting that eating primarily animal protein leads to longevity.
Can't have that conversation. Better to focus on the rice.
