Let's incorporate "Ma-Go-Wa-Ya-Sa-Shi-I" into our daily meals for health and longevity!

In this column, I have been sharing information focusing on Dr. Yukio Yamori's theories regarding four types of foods that influence longevity and short life.

Today, while looking back on what we have covered so far, I would like to briefly share some ingredients that are good to include in every meal.

Have you ever heard the term "Ma-Go-Wa-Ya-Sa-Shi-I"?

It is an acronym representing ingredients that lead to health and longevity.

"Ma" stands for beans (mame). Among the four types of foods that influence longevity and short life, soybeans were included as a representative example. Kinako (roasted soybean flour), okara (soy pulp), and koya-dofu (freeze-dried tofu) are foods that I think are relatively easy to consume.

"Go" stands for seeds and nuts (goma/sesame), such as sesame and nuts; sesame is used in dressed dishes, and nuts are also cited in medicinal cooking as ingredients that lead to longevity.

"Wa" stands for seaweed (wakame), such as wakame. I also mentioned yesterday that aonori (green laver) is an ingredient rich in magnesium.

"Ya" stands for vegetables (yasai). Not only raw vegetables, but dried vegetables like shredded daikon radish are also effective. They are necessary ingredients for gut bacteria as a source of dietary fiber.

"Sa" stands for fish (sakana), which refers to seafood. Sashimi, grilled fish, and simmered fish are great, and dried products like katsuobushi (dried bonito flakes) are also easy to eat.

"Shi" stands for mushrooms (shiitake). Fungi are expected to have various health benefits. There are many herbal medicines that use mushrooms as ingredients.

"I" stands for potatoes/tubers (imo). There are various types of potatoes, such as sweet potatoes, potatoes, and taro. Jerusalem artichokes, in particular, contain a component called inulin, making them the perfect ingredient for nourishing gut bacteria.

By considering your daily meals with "Ma-Go-Wa-Ya-Sa-Shi-I" as a guide in this way, I believe you can have a well-balanced diet throughout the day.

Tomorrow, while Japanese food is considered healthy, I will explore its pitfalls and look into meals that incorporate slight adjustments to Japanese cuisine to lead to health and longevity.