Benefits of a Traditional Japanese Diet

Owing to the harmony of flavors and well-balanced nutrition, the Japanese are famous for their traditional treats worldwide. Their diets are a treat to tastebuds with healthy benefits. 

The traditional Japanese cuisine is based on washoku. Washoku is a set of high-end culinary skills and a well-balanced diet with rice and side dishes. They are low in calories and sugar content. The best part? Every plate contains a touch of hominess, health, and seasonal ingredients.

Given the popularity and exquisite taste of traditional Japanese diets, let us look at its various benefits. But before we dig into it, it is imperative to know what a Japanese treat is with its nutritional profile.

What is the Traditional Japanese Diet?

Delicious and healthy Asian food on a black textured backgroundModerately refined, Japanese offer seasonal foods in several small dishes in the traditional Japanese diet.

Instead of covering up natural flavors with additives or seasonings, this eating style emphasizes everything.

People include steamed rice, noodles, pork, tofu, natto, seaweed, and new, fried, or pickled fruits and vegetables. There are little to no added sugars and fats. It may also include eggs, dairy, or meat, but these items are usually only a minute portion of the diet. The food differs from the westernized dishes and resembles Okinawa. However, there is significantly more use of fish and rice.

Nutritional Profile of Japanese Diets

This traditional Japanese meal consists of an array of nutritions. The list includes:

  • Fiber
  • Calcium
  • Potassium
  • Magnesium
  • Iron 
  • Vitamin A
  • Vitamin B
  • Vitamin E

Benefits of Traditional Japanese Diet

healthy asian food with white background

The traditional Japanese diet consists of several health benefits. To have detailed information regarding its advantages, keep reading!

1. Beneficial Compounds for Cellular Health

A healthy old man with a blue background

Japanese traditional diets have a high content of oxidants and omega 3-fats. These compounds are beneficial for the cellular health of an individual. 

For instance, omega-3 fat is a source to improve your eyesight, brain health, and heart rate. These compounds are present in seaweed meals and fishes. Both of these are often part of traditional Japanese diets. They often form healthy side dishes with rice.

Antioxidants, on the other side, also exist in green tea and seaweed. Beneficial compounds like these protect against cellular damage and disease in your body too.

2. Improves Digestion

the woman with hand gestures heart shape on the belly

Fiber is supplied abundantly to your body by seaweeds, soybeans, and vegetables. Fiber helps indigestion. Moreover, insoluble fiber prevents constipation.

The soluble fiber in your gut feeds bacteria that helps provide less space for harmful bacteria. Furthermore, the soluble fiber produces short-chain-fatty acids. The acids hold great benefits as they reduce inflammation.

Asian boy sitting on toilet bowl holding tissue paper

Japanese diets are known for high amounts of probiotics present in them. Probiotics play a significant role in preventing diarrhea, constipation, and irritable bowel syndrome.

3. Protects Against Chronic Diseases

Top view world, heart day concept with stethoscope

As mentioned before, the diet has a low content of sugar and fats. Some popular ingredients like seaweed, fruits, and soy protect the person from being obese and cardiovascular problems.

It might be surprising that the Japanese have a low rate of heart disease as their meals have a high amount of salt. As Japanese foods also contain green tea, do not forget its benefits when counting the pros of Japanese tradition. Green tea provides the surety of protection against Alzheimer’s and different types of cancer.

Old lady is testing blood sugar level using a test kit set

Research for six weeks on men eating the traditional Japanese diet revealed that the meals help you avoid diabetes type 2, excessive weight, and high cholesterol levels.

4. Might Promise a Greater Lifespan

Closeup shot of a gravestone with blurred background in the daytimeDo you know the country with the highest lifespan? Yes, you have guessed it right, it is Japan!

People in Japan have prolonged lives, and it is because of the meals they consume.

Researchers studied an island in Okinawa in the blue zone due to its people’s exceptional lifespan. However, there is a minute change in their meals as they focus more on sweet potatoes. 

A study carried for 15 years reported that people who preferred westernized food had a 15% higher risk of premature death. 

5. Helps in Gaining Healthy Weight

Group of different beautiful women showing different types of weight

Many people these days suffer from underweight and obesity issues. Japanese traditional meals have low sugar and fat content. Consuming Japanese meals helps you gain a healthy weight that is low-calorie count with more muscle weight. Furthermore, japan holds a culture that avoids overeating and obesity and promotes low-calorie diets.

Calorie measurement application 

Want to have weight control? Again the traditional Japanese food proves itself beneficial as its high fiber content reduces appetite and boosts fullness.

Bottom line

The Japanese Culture emphasizes natural, low-calorie, nutrient-dense foods that are available throughout the year. The goal is to avoid meat, snack, and dairy products consuming seafood and plant food. Switching to this food lifestyle can improve health, digestion, protection against disease, and longer lifespan. Since you have read it, you will be looking forward to Japanese food. How about trying a Japanese breakfast first?