Japanese rice dishes are regarded worldwide as among the best cuisine in the world. Travel and food enthusiasts around the globe come to visit Japan not only for its breathtaking tourist spots but also to enjoy Japanese food. They provide a different kind of gastronomic experience that people will definitely crave for.
The glutinous or sticky rice is often consumed with every meal in Japan especially for sushi which is known to be the most iconic Japanese food all over the world. A recent research conducted in Japan shows that eating rice may contribute in preventing obesity. Rice dishes are not just mouth-watering and appetizing but also healthy and appropriate for people who are on a diet.
According to food experts, people who stick to Japanese or generally Asian-style diet which mainly consists of rice diet have a low tendency to be obese compared to those who live in places which have minimal rice consumption.
One professor from Doshisha Women’s College of Liberal Arts in Kyoto, Tomoko Imai stated as follows, “The observed associations suggest that the obesity rate is low in countries that eat rice as a staple food. Therefore, a Japanese food or an Asian-food-style diet based on rice may help prevent obesity. Given the rising levels of obesity worldwide, eating more rice should be recommended to protect against obesity even in Western countries.”
Furthermore, the professor explained that the fiber, nutrients as well as plant compounds found in whole grains may give a feeling of fullness. In this way, rice eaters no longer need to over-eat in order to feel satisfied. With this recent study, both locals and foreign tourists may give in to their Japanese food cravings and indulge in rice dishes as much as they want. If this recent study is true, we can now truly enjoy Japanese rice dishes free of any guilt.
Reference: Eating more rice could help fight obesity, study led by Japan researcher suggests
