Japanese Women Live Longest

The average Japanese women lived 85.59 years in 2004, making them the world's longest-living group for the 20th consecutive year. Women in Hong Kong came in second, according to Japanese government figures, followed by Swiss women. How did the men fare? Japanese men averaged a life expectancy of 78.64 years, which placed them second after Icelandic men, who live an average of 78.8 years. The Japanese attribute their impressive longevity to a range of factors, including a healthy diet, which tends to be rich in vegetables and fish products and relatively low in animal fats.

In Praise of Papaya

Though it resembles a tree, the papaya plant is actually an overgrown herb. Low in calories (only 120) and rich in nutrients, papaya has more vitamin C than an orange. This tropical fruit is also loaded with vitamin A, potassium, folate, fiber and carotenoids. Papayas contain a protein-digesting enzyme called papain, which has led to its well-deserved reputation as a digestion aid. Recent research suggests that papayas have an antibacterial agent that may aid in the healing of wounds and reduce swelling and fever after surgery. Even the cosmetic industry has seized upon papaya's health benefits, introducing the fruit in a variety of beauty products.

Stop Junk Mail

In addition to generating clutter, unwanted junk mail production wastes energy and trees. Sign up with the Direct Marketing Association for a mail preference service that promises to decrease the amount of mail you receive by up to 75 percent. Click on the link above for information about how you can do this online (for a $5 charge) or via the mail for free.

Krugman Tackles the Topic of Obesity

"The debate over obesity, it turns out, is a lot like the debate over global warming. In both cases, major companies protect their profits not only by lobbying against policies they don't like, but also by financing advocacy groups devoted to debunking research whose conclusions they don't like," writes New York Times op-ed columnist Paul Krugman, who devoted two columns this week to the topic of obesity. Apparently, the food industry has launched an advocacy group -- The Center for Consumer Freedom -- to convince Americans that over-eating is one our basic liberties and, as such, needs to be protected.

"We need to put aside our anti-government prejudices and realize that the history of government interventions on behalf of public health, from the construction of sewer systems to the campaign against smoking, is one of consistent, life-enhancing success," continues Krugman. "Obesity is America's fastest-growing health problem; let's do something about it."

Amen.

A Better Frank for the Fourth

Nothing seems to pair better with fireworks than a fresh-off-the-grill hot dog. Health-conscious eaters no longer need to forego this treat for fear of antibiotics, nitrates or "mystery meat." There are plenty of all-natural and organic varieties now on the market to satisfy your craving. But which brands make a suitable stand-in? Organic Style recently taste-tested two dozen varieties and came up with their favorites. Topping the list were Wellshire Farms Old Fashioned Beef Frank and Applegate Farms Organic Uncured Chicken Hot Dogs. Click on the link above for the full round-up.