Japanese or Okinawan longevity is sometimes discussed by raw/vegan advocates. They claim that the diet is near-vegetarian and the longevity is due to eating so little animal protein. The article below points out that longevity depends on many factors, but that the Japanese diet has shown increased longevity and increased animal protein consumption, in the same timespan. From the article: "Suzuki says that the benefits of the traditional Japanese diet have been made possible by economic development. Before the Second World War, the average intake of animal protein was less than seven grams a day, but has risen to a near-ideal 40 grams, along with a similar level of vegetable protein. While cholesterol intake is rising, it has not reached the levels in the West, where there are unprecedented levels of obesity." http://www.smh.com.au/articles/2004/07/09/1089000356464.html?from=moreStories The article is a good read. Tom Billings