 Food as medicine
The basic premise of Japanese healthy longevity is that healthy food is also the most natural medicine. The relationship between food, good health and remedy is woven into many cultural and philosophical aspects of Japanese life, so much so that healthy eating habits are quite simply a 'way of life'.
This series will take a look at ingredients traditionally used in Japanese home cooking, examining their nutritional value and health promoting properties.
Daizu - Soya Beans
The specific type of protein present in soya beans is good for improving the memory, and daizu have long been associated with preventing the onset of senility and Alzheimer's disease. Soya beans are also beneficial in helping prevent arteriosclerosis, diabetes and high blood pressure. They are extremely rich in minerals, especially phosphorus, iron and calcium.
As well as using the beans themselves, you might want to include some of the natural products made from them.
 
Soy Sauce is perhaps the most familiar product made from soya beans and it does wonders for stimulating the metabolism. Just be sure to buy a brand that only contains natural ingredients.
Tofu is made from the milk of crushed soya beans. The protein in soya beans provides amino acids that are most closely aligned with the body's needs, and as tofu is easily digested it allows the body to make good use of these amino acids quickly and effectively, nourishing blood and muscle in a very balanced way. Tofu though subtle, varies in taste along with the differences in its texture. It is a very useful basic ingredient that adopts other flavours with ease.
Natto is also made from soya beans and therefore has the same basic properties,but rather like tofu, it is more easily digested than the beans themselves. Natto is famed for its extremely pungent fermented smell, but mixed with soy sauce, mustard and spring onion is really quite palatable.
Miso is another beneficial food made from soya beans and is easy for the system to digest. A particular feature of miso is its capacity to help the body rid itself of harmful toxins. It is also beneficial in the prevention of certain cancers. Miso comes in many varieties and each has a wonderful savoury taste. In Japan, miso soup is eaten daily both at breakfast time and in the evening. The recipe for miso soup is featured below. |
Reduce Cholesterol
The protein in soya beans is good for reducing the cholesterol level and therefore protects the heart and circulatory system. Soya beans contain the same amount of protein by weight as meat but obviously contain much less fat. Since the beans encourage good circulation, they are of benefit to your general health and also promote good skin condition.
Taste & Use
It is best to choose shiny beans that have a clear shape. When storing soya beans it is advisable to avoid both damp places and sunlight.
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