Top 5 Superfoods for Japanese People to Live Longer

Larry Mimosa January 08, 2024 | 06:46

A lot of Japanese foods are regarded as superfoods because of their rich nutritional content and subtle flavor.

Japan is known for having healthy food because of its high life expectancy and low obesity rate.

Fresh veggies, fish, fermented foods, and soy products are all part of a healthy menu. Numerous of them are regarded as superfoods with high nutritional value.

1. Matcha Green Tea

Japanese people drink matcha tea every day. Photo: JapanTravel

Matcha green tea is one of Japan's most accessible superfoods, according to JapanTravel. This drink has a sweet aftertaste and is high in antioxidants, magnesium, zinc, vitamin C, and selenium.

Uji is known for producing some of the best Japanese green teas. Matcha dishes such as matcha ice cream and matcha pancakes are popular in cafes and restaurants throughout the city. Participate in a tea ceremony in a quiet setting if you want to enjoy matcha the traditional way during your visit to Japan.

2. Yuzu Yellow Orange

Yuzu Yellow Orange

All citrus fruits are high in vitamin C. Yuzu oranges are considered a superfood because their vitamin C content is three times that of lemons. This orange also has extremely high antioxidant levels and an aroma that is said to improve mood and fight fatigue.

The growing time is another factor that contributes to the high value of Yuzu. The tree takes many years to mature before it begins to produce fruit. Yuzu juice can be used to make wine, soft drinks, and other beverages.

3. Umeboshi Salted Plum

Umeboshi Salted Plum

Umeboshi's sour and salty flavor makes it a versatile ingredient for many dishes, and it's very popular due to its health benefits. Umeboshi's superfood status was established hundreds of years ago when the Japanese used it as medicine. Pickled apricots should be eaten with rice or as a snack on a daily basis.

The high citric acid content of umeboshi improves circulation, the immune system, and energy, while polyphenols lower the risk of diabetes and blood pressure.

Umeboshi fans should travel to Wakayama Prefecture, which is known for producing the best umeboshi in Japan. Some umeboshi factories provide self-pickling experiences or the opportunity to make jam or juice.

4. Natto Fermented Soybeans

Natto Fermented Soybeans

Because of its strong and sticky odor, this fermented dish is divisive. Natto is a nutritious supplement that is commonly consumed with rice and green onions.

Natto, like most beans, is high in protein. Natto contains nattokinase, an enzyme that thins the blood and improves blood flow, helping to prevent conditions like blood clots, hypertension, stroke, and heart attack.

Furthermore, natto contains vitamin K2, which is essential for bone health. Regular natto eaters have significantly higher bone density.

5. Miso Sauce

Miso Sauce

Miso, a popular seasoning made from fermented soybeans, rice, salt, and kojikin mushrooms, is used in many Japanese dishes. Miso is high in protein, B vitamins, E vitamins, and K vitamins, as well as sodium, calcium, potassium, magnesium, iron, zinc, iodine, selenium, fiber, and unsaturated fatty acids.

This type of soy sauce can be used to make soup or to add rich flavor to stews and stews.