A Doctor's Perspective on the 'Ten Commandments of Health' at My Beloved Shinpachi Shokudo

Shinpachi Shokudo.

It's quite delicious. There are relatively many locations, and no matter where I go, there seems to be one nearby.

Lately, if I'm unsure about what to eat, I go to Shinpachi Shokudo, and even when I'm not unsure, I still go to Shinpachi Shokudo.

I'm not affiliated with Shinpachi Shokudo in any way, but since I just finished a meal at the Shinpachi Shokudo Shinjuku Gyoen-mae branch, I've decided to analyze 'that thing' at Shinpachi Shokudo from a doctor's perspective while on the train home.

Before that, I had AI quickly look up Shinpachi Shokudo, and it said:

'Shinpachi Shokudo' is a set meal chain where you can reasonably enjoy authentic charcoal-grilled dried fish set meals. With a counter-focused interior inspired by the lifestyle of the Edo period, they serve grilled fish, freshly cooked rice, and carefully prepared miso soup.
That's what it said.

Well, it's honestly that kind of restaurant.

Recently, it also made headlines when Skylark acquired it for 11 billion yen.

The operations are smooth and the checkout process is efficient. If I had to nitpick, the spacing between counter seats is a bit narrow, but that adds to the 'shokudo' (diner) atmosphere, so it's not bad. (Part of it might be because I'm big.)

It's easy to imagine that this combination of fish, rice (brown rice is also an option), miso soup, and other side dishes is nutritionally balanced, and above all, the fish is delicious.

I'll leave the discussion of its deliciousness to the foodies; this time, I want to focus not on the food itself, but on the 'teacup' and explain it from a doctor's perspective.

The teacup has the 'Ten Commandments of Health' written on it.
I hadn't paid much attention to it before, but today I stared at it intently.

Today, I'm going to briefly analyze whether each of these is true based on the latest evidence. There's no love or sentimentality here; I'm going to cut through it using only evidence, without pandering to Skylark.

1. Less meat, more vegetables

Generally correct.

Higher vegetable intake tends to lower the risk of cardiovascular disease and diabetes. If you don't eat enough meat, that can lead to muscle loss, but since processed meat is known to cause colorectal cancer, I recommend chicken or pork tenderloin if you are going to eat meat.

2. Less salt, more vinegar

Generally correct.

Consuming too much salt does lead to high blood pressure.There are reports that vinegar improves blood sugar levels, but there isn't overwhelming evidence for it yet.3. Less sugar, more fruit

This is quite correct.
While the sugar contained in things like soft drinks increases the risk of diabetes, it is becoming a prevailing theory that the sugar in fruit actually lowers that risk.

④ Eat less, chew more: Eat small portions and chew thoroughly.

Generally correct.
It prevents overeating and helps avoid obesity.
However, there is not yet much evidence regarding the specific number of times one should chew.

⑤ Wear less, bathe more: Wear fewer clothes and bathe more often.

The medical reasoning behind wearing fewer clothes is unclear. Bathing itself causes blood vessels to dilate, which lowers blood pressure and improves sleep quality, so it likely has indirect health benefits.

⑥ Speak less, do more: Say less, take more action.

There is no medical basis for this, but I would like to aim to be that kind of man.

⑦ Desire less, give more: Have fewer desires, give more to others.

Again, there is no medical basis for this, but I would like to aim to be that kind of man.

There are studies showing that people who engage in volunteer work or altruistic activities are less likely to become depressed.

⑧ Drive less, walk more: Use cars less, walk more.

This is highly correct.

Large-scale studies have shown that people who walk at least 7,000 steps a day have a significantly lower risk of death. The health benefits of walking are immense.

⑨ Get less angry, laugh more: Feel less anger, laugh more often.

There is a report from Japan suggesting that people who smile less are more prone to cardiovascular risks. Such people likely have more social connections, so there are certainly health benefits in that sense.

⑩ Worry less, sleep more: Have fewer worries, get more sleep.

In terms of mental health, it is better to have fewer worries.

Sleep should not be too short or too long; generally, about 7 hours is considered to have the highest health benefits.

Well, regarding these Ten Precepts of Health, it seems that everything written is generally correct.

Is Shinpachi Shokudo even thorough enough to be evidence-based in that regard? I've grown to love Shinpachi even more.

If I have a boy in the future, I'll name him Shinpachi. I'll consult my wife about it, just in case.

Well then, thank you for bearing with this silly essay.

P.S. My recommendation for a side dish is the negitoro. I think it's one of the top-tier sources of happiness you can get for 99 yen in Japan.