Message from mhagiwara

[Anonymous]

This post is in response to the question regarding unhealthy Japanese diet; historically Japanese foods, like Professor Yamashita had introduced, are well-balanced with meats, proteins, vegetables, and rice. The portions were appropriately sized and and this created a healthy and long-living Japanese society. However, especially with the Westernization of Japan, more and more Japanese are suffering from health issues like high blood pressure and obesity. More and more of the foods being introduced into the markets are highly processed foods which are also very high in fats. A visit to any Japanese market today means you not only leave with a bag of rice, some fresh fish, and vegetables but also "cheese curls," potato chips, macha kitkats, and several bottles of extremely sweet drinks like "ramune" or "gokkuri" (citrus drink). Both Japanese and western restaurants, like Coco's and Denny's, are also beginning to serve large portions; at ramen restaurants in Japan, and also here in the US, you can ask for additional servings of ramen noodles ("kaedama"). For those on the run and in a rush, people can easily to go convenience stores, food kiosks, and even food vending machines to get decent, but very unhealthy, meals. I believe that all of these elements are contributing to the increasing unhealthiness of the Japanese diet.

Interesting article:

http://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2012/03/11/national/science-health/obesity-on-the-rise-as-japanese-eat-more-western-style-food/
edited by mhagiwara on 7/26/2016