Let Amazake Help, with Probiotics & Enzymes
Of late, there’s a surge of DIY fermentation going on across the country. It’s nothing new, as it’s been going on for centuries as a means of preserving food. Then, somewhere along the way, people discovered that fermentation can improve flavors in foods, and also bring a number of nutritional benefits.
Japanese cuisine incorporates an array fermentation foods, from Nukazuke pickles to Sake. Fermentation can transform the humble soybean into delicious and nutritious Miso. Mold-cured fresh bonito turns into Umami and nutrition-packed Arabushi, and when shaved, into Hanakatsuo. So nourishing, during the war, compact pocket-sized sachets filled with Hankatsuo were a standard issue to infantrymen for nutritious sustenance.
KOJI – THE HERO OF CULINARY JAPAN
KOJI, or Aspergillus Oryzae, is the “national fungus” of Japan, earning accolades for spawning culinary staples such as soy sauce, rice vinegar, sake, and mirin. Once Koji fermentation begins, amylase enzymes go to work to break down food components at a molecular level into simple ones.
AMAZAKE CONTAINS NO ADDED SUGAR !
Amazake is a fermented rice drink made of rice Koji, rice, and water. In its concentrated form, it’s densely sweet like nectar, yet contains absolutely NO ADDED SUGAR, just naturally produced glucose from the conversion of rice carbohydrates into simple sugars by the workings of Koji. Contrary to its name, Amazake does not contain alcohol.
Its earliest mention goes back to the 1500’s in a Japanese dictionary, then in a couple of cookbooks during the 1600’s. In the 1780’s, Sangoku Ichi branded Amazake grew to became a legend, sold during the wintertime, always served hot. Later in the Edo Period, Amazake became a summertime energizing drink, then gained its mainstay association as a “festival beverage” as vendors would ladle out from containers suspended on a long pole, carried over the shoulders.
PROBIOTIC FOR A HEALTHY GUT: THE FIRST LINE OF DEFENSE
Trillions of bacteria reside in one’s gut. Good bacteria called gut flora and 60% of all immune cells make themselves “home” in the gut. At its optimal condition, those gut flora can boost production of natural antibiotics to build the first line of defense against unwanted substance from forming. Probiotics in Amazake holds powerful bacteria and enzymes which can survive the harsh digestion path, to reach the intestines – lactobacillus bifidobacterium, amylase, portease,
lipiase.
“WE ARE WHAT WE CAN ABSORB”
With a healthy gut, foods become easier to digest. The body can then absorb higher levels of vitamins and minerals, improving nutritional intake. Therefore, it’s no longer simply “We are what we eat”, but more specifically, “We are what we can absorb”. On the other hand, Amazake, with its high dietary fiber, helps create a barrier to prevent absorption of extra sugars and fats.
AMAZAKE IS AMAZINGLY NUTRITIOUS
Amazake contains essential amino acids which are known for building and repairing muscle tissues, and rejuvenating cells to create more new cells. Others include folic acid which helps make healthy new red blood cells. Vitamin B Complex contribute to overall bodily function.
FUEL FOR THE BRAIN & BODY
Glucose fuels the brain and can improve concentration. Unlike sugars and fructose which are “stored” before being converted into energy, glucose is absorbed into the bloodstream through the small intestine for instant energy. It’s an excellent morning picker-upper.
WHEN TO DRINK AMAZAKE
• In the morning for an instant pick-me-up
• Anytime to elevate good circulation
• Before bedtime to promote quality sleep
