Great to know!

The health benefits of saké

1. Preventing Cancer

Japanese saké contains many components, including amino acids. Amino acids have many beneficial aspects for health because they activate brain function and strengthen the immune system. Amino acids may also help to prevent cancer as well.

Saké kasu, the lees or by-product of pressing, also were found to activate the Natural Killer Cell. The Natural Killer Cell, a kind of lymphocyte known to kill only cancer cells. Saké kasu is usually used for making Japanese pickles (tsukemono.)

2. Prevention of Cirrhosis

Many have falsely believed Japanese saké to be harmful to the liver. This is not true. If the function of the liver is getting weak, or if some amino acids are lacking, then it may be difficult to process protein. Saké's amino acids can help to ensure good health.

3. Preventing Arteriosclerosis

Cholesterol is necessary for maintaining proper health but can result in arteriosclerosis in excessive amounts. This well-known bad cholesterol can be counter-balanced with good cholesterol. Japanese saké has been shown to be effective in increasing good cholesterol levels and producing better blood flow.

4. Preventing of Angina pectoris or Cardiac Infarction

Moderate quantities of Japanese saké prevent angina pectoris or cardiac infarction because of sakés effectiveness in dissolving thrombi or increasing good cholesterol.

5. Preventing aging and senility

It is well known that people who drink Japanese saké every day in moderation, have better brain function than people who don't drink at all. It was also recently discovered that peptide in Japanese saké is very effective in preventing forgetfulness.

6. Preventing of Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis is a disease which makes bones brittle and susceptible to breakage. There is no specific medical treatment for Osteoporosis, but women can prevent it by use of certain female hormones. Japanese saké was found to increase these hormones in women if drunk in moderation (3-6 glasses per week.)

back to top

Saké makes your skin beautiful

Japanese saké contains approximately 20 kinds of amino acids, and these are the components that affect the Umami (flavor) and fragrance of the saké. A lower amino acid content will generally mean that the saké will be lighter or be a bit more airy in feel. A higher amino acid level imparts a richer taste.

(A reference book: "A sake makes you beautiful" by Mr. Yukio Takigawa / A Doctor of Medicine)

back to top

Is saké high in calories?

We take energy for living from food which is usually absorbed by the stomach or intestines to produce energy. Saké also changes to energy, but it is not absorbed by stomach or the intestines. It is absorbed directly as a source of energy and therefore does not become a burden on the body. Saké enjoyed in moderation has no adverse effects in terms of causing one to become overweight. Like anything else, only when it is consumed in excess does it take a toll on the body.

back to top

Why are saké bottles colored?

You see many Japanese Saké bottles colored brown or green. Why? Saké is a very delicate, sensitive product. It is very vulnerable to factors such as light, temperature, or exposure to air. The green or brown colored bottle is a preventive measure proven to be helpful in fighting the deleterious effects of sun light.

back to top