Japanese-Bulgarian Yoghurt: An unexpected superfood?

Japan is known as an island of longevity, boasting the longest average life expectancy at birth among all major countries in the world. This continues to rise: as of 2023, the average life expectancy was 85.03 years, a 0.14% increase from 2022. This longevity is primarily attributed to remarkably low mortality rates from ischemic heart disease (including myocardial infarction) and cancer (particularly breast and prostate). 

These exceptional outcomes are largely explained by a low obesity rate and a unique, health-focused diet.

According to the UN Food and Agriculture Organization, in 2017, the Japanese consumed an average of 2,700 kcal per day, significantly less than in other countries:

Japanese people have a taste for healthy food deeply rooted in their ancient culture and cuisine. Despite Japan not being among the world's top dairy consumers, it has a longstanding love for Bulgarian yogurt. Since 1972, when Bulgarian lactobacilli strains were first imported into the country, the Japanese conglomerate Meiji Holding has been manufacturing Bulgarian yogurt.

Today, these probiotic products are consumed by over 40 million Japanese citizens, making up an impressive 38% of the population.

This LB-backed dietary tradition has become synonymous with robust health and longevity.

From a research perspective, Meiji established Meiji Dairies Corp. to advance its expertise in probiotics. Over the years, it has conducted more than 350 clinical trials and patented numerous potent strains. Meiji now produces 700 tons of yogurt daily across its 29 factories and distributes 32 dairy products containing Bulgarian bacterial species.

Since 1972, when LB yogurt first appeared in Japan, the country's life expectancy at birth has increased by almost 20% (16.3 years). In light of this, it is plausible to hypothesize a correlation between the increased life expectancy of the Japanese population and the health benefits of probiotic yogurt.