Why is Japanese food good for your health?

The Japanese diet is known as being one of the healthiest in the world, with the effects meaning that their average life expectancy is much higher than the majority of the globe. Their diet consists mainly of fish, vegetables, rice and noodles and these are eaten for the fact that they are good for their bodies, rather than simply indulging in the junk foods they fancy. Maybe you can take a leaf out of the Japanese diet book to make your lifestyle a little healthier? Find out what foods are found in the Japanese diet below:

Fish

This probably won’t come as a surprise to many of you, as many Japanese dishes, including sushi, revolve around fish. This is often eaten raw, as sashimi grade fish, these are rich in omega-3, which are known for giving your brain and heart a boost! Typically the types of fish commonly found in the Japanese diet include salmon, tuna, mackerel, sardines and herring. This is often a replacement for the lack of red meat eaten in this diet, offering a healthy source of protein.

Noodles

An alternative to rice, Japanese noodles offer a filling carbohydrate that is very versatile. Soba noodles, in particular, offer a healthier alternative to other types of noodle as they are made from wheat and buckwheat flour, which is much better for your digestion than white flour. There are many different types of noodle, from egg to angel hair, which means that they offer a range of flavours and textures to make each meal a little different. Try them in soups or accompanying a vegetable stir-fry to reap the benefits!

Soy-based products

As mentioned previously, the lack of red meat must be made up for elsewhere for the protein, and this is where soy based products such as tofu are a great alternative. With little to no saturated fat, soy products are a healthy and versatile option that can often be found in Japanese cooking. They supposedly help to reduce the risk of heart disease and can lower blood pressure and cholesterol. Why not try swapping out a few of your regular meat products for some tofu to see if you can notice any differences?

Rice

Although many of us in the UK think of rice as a carbohydrate served mainly with an evening dinner, the Japanese regularly eat rice for every meal, including breakfast! Because of the low-fat nature of rice, it keeps you feeling fuller for longer without offering any negative effects. Brown rice is naturally the healthiest option with a nuttier flavour; however white rice remains the most popular. This rice can be cooked alongside a curry or soup, or rolled into delicate bites of sushi and enjoyed!

Vegetables

Oriental vegetables feature highly in the diet of the Japanese, cooked in a gentle manner to ensure that the nutrients are retained. The vegetables that are most commonly consumed include Pak Choy, broccoli, Chinese cabbage, cauliflower and kale; these have a high level of vitamin C and fibre, aiding the digestion and the immune system to keep you healthier. Again, vegetables are commonly eaten for breakfast, be it in a soup or a salad as they are a less sugary alternative to fruits. It is uncommon that you will find a Japanese dish that features no vegetables whatsoever.

Tea

Avid lovers of green tea, the Japanese have certainly reaped the plethora of benefits that green tea can offer. From aiding weight loss and reducing your cholesterol to improving the condition of your skin and helping your brain, green tea’s benefits are almost endless. Just adding few additional cups to your diet will help your body in the long term, plus this tasty treat will keep you hydrated and gets rid of the false hunger alarms that often sound when you are simply dehydrated.

This diet should have you feeling happier and healthier in no time, even if you just make a few small changes taking inspiration from this incredibly beneficial diet. Don’t worry though; you can still indulge in some tasty Japanese desserts, which unsurprisingly offer a healthier range of sweet treats (when eaten in moderation)!