Japanese food can do wonders

Rich in nutrients and cooked in healthful ways, the cuisine is perfect for those who want to look good and feel light

Japanese cuisine offers plenty of gastronomical delights, while its traditional cuisine is based on rice with miso soup and other dishes. Popular side dishes comprise fish, vegetables cooked in broth and pickled vegetables, though the most well-known and written about Japanese dish is sushi.

There are few cuisines in the world that are presented as beautifully as Japanese food. In fact, Japanese cuisine is one of only three national food traditions recognised by the United Nations, the other two being French and Mexican.

But aesthetics and popularity aside, are there any major health benefits one can get from eating Japanese food?

“Japanese cuisine is one of the healthiest in the world; hence it is no surprise that their life expectancy is greater than others. The Japanese diet has a bigger focus on seafood than red meat. Fish is a great source of omega -3 fatty acids and also maintains heart health. It also contains brain boosting nutrients,” explains Avantika Sinha Bahl, founder of a Japanese restaurant in Delhi. “Miso soup made from fermented soybeans is filled with health benefits such as boosting immunity, strengthening digestion, lowering cholesterol, aiding memory, relieving stress and supporting healthy skin.”

An essential part of Japanese cuisine is green tea, which helps create a relaxed and focused mental state, in addition to being rich in antioxidants. Seaweed is an all-rounder wonder food containing minerals, vitamins B12 and K and omega-3 fatty acids. It also lowers blood pressure and cholesterol.

Japanese food contains age- defying nutrients that help maintain heart health. Kabir Chugh, owner of a restaurant in Defence Colony, feels the same and believes that the next big thing in food trends is fermented foods, which have been proven to improve digestion and are a hack for providing beneficial bacteria for the complete intestinal flora. But what’s the connection between Japan and fermented foods?

“Japanese cuisine is flooded with fermented foods like miso, soy and kombucha. More than the cuisine, it’s the behaviour of eating that is healthy in Japan — they believe in ‘less is more’ and practise eating small portions where the ingredient is king. One look at their recipes and you’ll see how ‘clean’ they are — low in fats, with a high amount of vegetables and cooked by steaming, boiling or roasting,” says Chugh.

PHOTOS: ISTOCK Few cuisines in the world are presented as beautifully as Japanese food

A plate of yakitori, one of the most popular Japanese dishes