10 Healthiest Food in Japan

Why Japanese people live longer than other nations? According to the World Health Organization, Japan has been ranked as No. 1 long living nation for past 20 years. The biggest reason is because of their diet. Generally, Japanese food is known as healthy and low in fat which bring good effects to their long living lives. Let’s find out which Japanese foods are particularly good for our bodies!

I’m going to introduce you 10 healthy foods which people commonly eat in Japan.

*Please note that this article contains affiliate links.

Some of healthy facts about Japan

・The average of life expectancy of Japanese is 83.7 years (female 86.8 and male 80.5).

・Japan has the lowest obesity in the world which is only 3% comparing to French 11% and America 32%.

・Japanese people consume 25% lower calories than American

10 Healthiest Food in Japan

1. Miso

Fermented soya bean paste. Miso is commonly eaten as soup. Miso soup is served with most of Japanese dishes and one of the most significant dishes in Japan. Miso are high in protein and contains several nutrition, which is effective to lower cholesterol, prevent from cancer and boost immune system.

2. Sashimi

Sashimi is sliced raw fish. Japan is surrounded by two great ocean, the Sea of Japan and the Pacific ocean. Thank to them, Japanese eat lots of seafood specially in fresh. Most of fish are high in protein and contains omega–3 fats and other good nutrition. What’s even better is that Sashimi is served with Wasabi which is another super healthy ingredient which reduces risk of cancer and heart disease.

3. Seaweed

Another great bonus from the great ocean. Seaweed is very commonly eat in Japan as fresh or dry. Fresh ones are mostly in miso soups, salads or vinegared and dry ones are used for rice balls or sushi. Seaweed is full of minerals which is not easy to consume from other products and it’s very good for your hair.

4. Natto

Probably the most hated Japanese dish to most of foreigners and even to many Japanese. Natto is fermented soya beans which has very strong smell and slimy texture. Let’s put its negativity aside, Natto is true super food. Rich in protein, low in fat,Vitamin B and D,fiber,iron.. Do you still hate it??

5. Shiitake Mushroom

The healthiest mushroom, Shiitake is commonly eaten in Japan and also used as stocks as it has very rich flavours. High in protein and low in fat, what’s more it protects against cardiovascular disease and high cholesterol.

6. Tofu

Soya products are very common in Japan. Tofu is perfect dish for those who is on diet or vegetarians. It’s high in protein which can be substituted with meat or fish,low in fat and contains isoflavones which helps to treat female hormone.

7. Green Tea

“Matcha”Green tea is probably the healthiest drink in Japan. Matcha contains lots of antioxidant and catechin which help to prevent cancer, arthritis, high cholesterol and heart disease, also good for relaxations.

8. Soba

Japanese eat lots of noodles like Ramen,Udon etc but if you wanna go healthy, eat Soba! Soba noodle is made with buckwheat flour which consists of higher protein,more minerals and Vitamin B1&B2 comparing to other kind of noodles. Also Soba contains “Rutin” which is very effective for anti-aging and lowering blood pressure.

9. Edamame

Another Soya bean product! Edamame is fresh soya beans commonly eaten during summer in Japan. Edamame is high in protein and contains fiber, omega-3 fats, iron, zinc, vitamin C etc. It’s a perfect healthy beer snack!

10. Konyaku

Konyaku might look a bit odd at first glance. It’s a grey jelly stuff made from Konyaku potatoes. It doesn’t really have taste..but it is full of goodness! Very high in minerals and fibers and as 95% of Konyaku is water, the calorie is super low as 6 cal/100 g.

So these are some of secrets why Japanese people eat healthy and live long. If you are into health consciousness, must try these!!

To find delicious and healthy restaurants in Japan such as Vegan, Vegetarian, Gluten-Free and Organic, I’d highly recommend you to use Vegewel! It’s the website introducing over 1,300 restaurants serving vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free dishes all over Japan from Hokkaido to Okinawa! You can search and find the best Vegan and Vegetarian restaurants nearby or depending on what you want to eat!

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