The Blue Zones: 9 Lessons for Living Longer From the People Who've Lived the Longest

by Dan Buettner

Soy products that contain phytoestrogens are probably better than hormone supplements, he said. Some researchers speculate that they may impart many of the benefits of estrogen without the cancer dangers. Okinawans eat an average of three ounces of soy products per day. Tofu, their main source of soy, may play a role in reducing the risk of heart disease. Greg Plotnikoff recommended that consumers select fermented soy products over nonfermented soy products whenever possible. “The medical literature demonstrates comparatively much better nutritional content in fermented soy,” he said. “And Okinawan tofu has a greater concentration of protein and good fat than even its Japanese or Chinese counterparts.”