Is Japanese food really healthy? Everyone seems to believe so. After all, Japan is a developed country with one of the lowest obesity rates in the world. In today’s blog post, we will explore what makes Japanese food so healthy.
1). High In Protein
One of the main things you will notice about Japanese cuisine is that it is high in protein content. A popular ingredient that you will find in the Japanese diet is soy protein. Soy has all the essential amino acids and it helps in lowering your cholesterol levels. It is also believed to make the heart healthy because soy products in Japan are usually low in calories and saturated fat.
Fish is also popular in Japan and an excellent source of high-quality protein. They have omega-3 fatty acids which are known to be helpful in keeping your heart healthy, reducing inflammation, and improving cognitive function.
2). Healthy Cooking Methods
Another thing that makes Japanese food healthy is the way the food is prepared. There is great emphasis on retaining nutrition as much as possible. For example, steaming is one of the most popular cooking methods in the country. Steaming not only cooks the food evenly but also helps in retaining its natural flavours and moisture.
Grilling is also widely used in Japan. It helps in preserving the natural juices inside the food while also cooking it quickly. A variety of fermented dishes and pickles are also a popular part of Japanese cuisine. These provide a unique flavour to the food while also preserving the nutrients. Soy sauce and miso sauce are widely used in Japanese cooking and are known to be good for health.
3). Use Of Fresh Ingredients
Japanese love fresh food made with seasonal ingredients. Preference for freshness also leans on the cooking methods as cooking techniques need to be simpler to preserve the flavours. In most cases, Japanese dishes have few ingredients but they are still flavourful due to high-quality ingredients.
The Japanese diet is also designed to be eaten quickly to make sure patrons can enjoy the food while it is fresh. This is the reason behind small portions.
4). Use Of Vegetables
Japanese like to include a variety of vegetables in their diet. As you might already know, fresh vegetables are packed with beneficial vitamins, antioxidants, minerals, and a lot of fibre. Vegetables are low in calories which means you will not only be able to maintain a healthy weight but also get all the necessary nutrients.
5). Balanced Diet
Another reason why Japanese cuisine is healthy is the focus on keeping things balanced. Traditionally, Japanese cuisine includes vegetables, fish, rice, and soup while dairy and meat are kept to a minimum. Having a balanced diet is designed to make you feel full without saturating your stomach.
Final Thoughts
The Japanese diet is really healthy due to its focus on small portions, heavy sources of protein, the inclusion of fresh ingredients, and healthier but simpler cooking methods. With Japanese food, you can enjoy a wide range of health benefits from better heart health, proper nutrition, and lower chances of developing cancer or other debilitating diseases.
Nosh has been serving delicious and sumptuous Japanese catering services to Melbournians since 2017. Whether you are searching for a caterer for modern Japanese dishes for corporate events, house parties or private functions, Nosh is the perfect catering partner for you.
For the best modern Japanese food in Melbourne, please call us today on 03 9670 1529 or email us for more information.