The Japanese way of life: They drink less milk than Westerners, but their “osteoporosis” rate is lower because they eat this often and it’s delicious too.
Now you know! Japanese people drink less milk than Westerners, but their “osteoporosis” rate is lower because they eat this often. It’s delicious too.
Although milk consumption and calcium absorption are lower, Japanese people have a much lower rate of “osteoporosis” than European and American countries.
Osteoporosis is a major health problem in old age, as bone mass gradually loses after middle age, which increases the risk of various diseases and mortality. When it comes to osteoporosis prevention, many people think only of calcium supplements. However, experts have found that the reason why the Japanese people have a relatively low osteoporosis rate may be closely related to the https://ufabet999.app food they eat.
Japanese people eat little calcium. Why is the osteoporosis rate low?
“Ryuichiro Sato”, Professor Emeritus of the University of Tokyo, Japan, pointed out that compared to European and American countries, Japanese people’s consumption of dairy products is relatively low, and so is their calcium consumption. Surprisingly, the osteoporosis rate of Japanese women is actually much lower than that of European and American women. It is assumed that this is related to Japan’s popularity of soy products, such as tofu, miso, and natto…
Soybeans are rich in isoflavones, plant nutrients that act like the female hormone estrogen, inhibiting the activity of cells that destroy bone and reducing bone loss. However, after menopause, estrogen secretion decreases, leading to more fragile bones.
Professor Ryuichiro Sato points out that soy-like properties cannot replace estrogen, but can bind to estrogen receptors and perform the expected functions after menopause, thus helping to prevent osteoporosis and fractures. Common soy products used by Japanese people include tofu, soy milk, and miso. However, not all soy products are healthy choices!
Tofu, dried beans and soy milk are the most common foods in our daily diet and are packed with nutrients, making them a great source of plant-based protein. When choosing soy products, look for minimally processed foods, such as unsweetened soy milk and pure tofu, and use healthy cooking methods, such as steaming or stewing, to reduce fat content and maximize the health benefits of soy isoflavones.
Miso and natto are foods that often appear on the Japanese family table. After fermentation, they contain probiotics and special nutritional value. Meanwhile, sweet potatoes, green beans, mushrooms, and broccoli also contain soy isoflavones, but in lower concentrations.
However, fried tofu, although a common vegetarian food, is high in fat due to the processing process. After repeated frying and cooking, the addition of flavors, as well as the excessive amount of fat and sodium, can lead to obesity and affect heart health.
In short, while getting enough calcium is very important, you can’t rely on calcium supplements alone to prevent osteoporosis and fractures. So, be sure to eat a balanced and varied diet and exercise regularly to your ability to help strengthen your bones and reduce your risk of fractures!