Women in Okinawa still live a very long time -- 87 years on average, one of the highest rates in Japan. But men have tumbled down the rankings and, at 79.4 years, are now 30th among the country's 47 prefectures, and below the national average.
The archipelago's male obesity rate is now the highest in Japan.
"Today, people eat too much fast food," said Tawada. "Life expectancy is going down. It's time to reconnect with the culinary traditions of the region."
The health benefits of getto are beginning to spread, and a small cottage industry is growing up around Tawada's research.
Keiko Uehara, who looks considerably younger than her 64 years, swears by the stuff.
Her boutique in downtown Naha sells a whole range of beauty products with getto as the main ingredient.
"I drink an infusion of getto, which I always find rejuvenates me, and I use an extract of the plant in water to get rid of wrinkles," she said.
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