Rice is healthy
Oh, the joy of a bowl of perfectly cooked rice. I’ve always known that my mental health is directly connected to the amount of rice I consume, and now there is finally scientific evidence to prove it.
Recent Japanese research shows that washoku, as traditional Japanese cuisine is called, is good not only for physical but also for mental health. And no, ramen and gyoza are not part of washoku, as they have Chinese influences. It refers to Japan’s traditional diet, which mainly revolves around rice, fish, miso and noodles. And wouldn’t you know it, it’s especially that rice that helps keep your mind healthy.
The diets of 278 physically healthy Japanese people were studied, and what did they find? People who ate rice more often were more energetic and slept better at night. Something that was not found with, for example, bread or noodles. So that explains why I sleep like a baby after eating a rice-rich meal.
And if you add miso to the mix, you’re really living the good life. An earlier study found that a diet rich in rice and miso helps prevent cognitive decline. The flavonoids in miso are thought to support brain function and learning ability, while also improving memory. That bowl of miso soup at the end of a Japanese meal therefore makes your life better in every possible way.
So don’t worry the next time there’s a big pot of rice on the table and everyone is already slumped back with their trouser buttons undone, while you’re still cheerfully serving yourself another helping. The more rice, the better. Want to make rice the star of the meal? Then make one of these budget meals featuring rice. Good for your wallet, good for your sleep.
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