Where women live longer
1. Japan
2. Monaco
3. Andorra
4. Australia
5. Spain

What you can learn from Japan
Say yes to soy "At least 40 percent of the Japanese population eats miso soup made from soybeans for breakfast every day," says Letha Hadady, a leading expert on Asian herbal medicine and the author of Feed Your Tiger. Studies show that these healthy women who eat soy at least once a week cut their risk of breast cancer by 50 percent. But some research suggests that processed soy may actually rev up cancer cells, so stocking your fridge with Tofurky won't cut it. Instead, stick to natural Japanese staples such as edamame, tofu, soy milk, and miso.

Trade coffee for tea The Italians have espresso, the Russians have vodka, and the Japanese have green tea. More than half the population drinks it every day, and experts believe that its high levels of catechins—a powerful disease-fighting antioxidant—can destroy abnormal cancer cells and lower cholesterol.

Where women rarely have heart attacks
1. Kiribati
2. France
3. Japan
4. Monaco
5. South Korea

What you can learn from France
Drink wine Champagne, Bordeaux, Burgundy—with a countryside that's practically synonymous with wine, it's no wonder the French pop the cork more often than we do. In fact, they sip a glass of wine daily, while the average American imbibes just one a week. Yet moderate drinkers (one glass per day for women) slash their risk of heart disease by up to 40 percent, according to the Harvard School of Public Health. More good news: A glass of red wine from southwestern France—specifically, Madiran—may have up to five times as many procyanidins (antioxidants that improve blood vessel function) as one from another country, thanks to the area's traditional production techniques, which allow grapes to ferment longer.

What you can learn from South Korea
Eat more garlic No Korean meal is complete without kimchi— a side dish that's heavy on raw garlic. The secret to its heart-protecting power is an enzyme in the garlic that prevents cholesterol from sticking to artery walls. But it's released only when the cloves are finely chopped or crushed, and heating weakens its effects. Top fish, pasta, or veggies with chopped fresh garlic just before serving, or get kimchi in the supermarket or online at koamart.com.

Where women don't get fat (though there's plenty of food)
1. Japan
2. Norway
3. Switzerland
4. Italy
5. Denmark