It turns out that sake has beauty benefits! Talk about the benefits of sake to the body

When it comes to health or beauty tips, many people often think of improving their diet or exercising first, but in fact, a glass of Japanese sake can also be a good partner for healthy living. However, the charm of sake is not limited to this: scientific research in recent years has further pointed out that sake and sake lees contain amino acids, vitamins and minerals. The benefits of sake are not only reflected in the health level, sake even has beauty effects .

The following Mi Ridian will reveal to you the secret of the white and delicate skin on the hands of winemakers, and explore the role of sake and its by-product "sake lees" in human health, skin beauty and prevention of chronic diseases. From ingredients to daily intake methods, everyone can not only understand sake but also make their daily life healthier.

Learn about the benefits of sake

Sake is made from rice, rice koji and water. In the traditional brewing process, sake relies on the action of rice koji fungus (Aspergillus oryzae) to produce a variety of rich nutrients, such as various minerals, amino acids and koji acid, which all bring different benefits to sake . There are three important indicators for Japanese sake: Sake Volume (SMV), amino acid ratio, and acidity. The higher the amino acid ratio, the richer the taste of the wine and the stronger the flavor. Amino acids are the basic materials for synthesizing proteins and can help maintain normal body functions and repair tissues. Minerals such as calcium, magnesium and potassium also play an important role in maintaining nerve and muscle function.

What beauty ingredients does sake contain?

In addition to its health benefits, sake 's beauty effects have also attracted much attention from the female public in recent years. To understand the beauty benefits of sake , we can learn about its two components: amino acids and kojic acid. Amino acids are the basic units of proteins. In addition to promoting body functions, they are also beneficial for skin moisturizing and repairing. Kojic acid is widely used in skin care products for whitening and spot-lightening. Its principle is that it can inhibit the production of melanin.

Amino Acids

As mentioned above, sake is rich in amino acids, which are the basic elements that make up peptides and proteins. These two ingredients in sake have unique effects in beauty and skin care. Amino acids are natural components in the skin, also known as natural moisturizing factors. Amino acids can help moisturize the skin, keep it smooth and elastic, and keep the skin soft and radiant.

The sake lees produced during the sake brewing process (which is one of the ingredients of sake amazake) are also rich in amino acids. According to a Taiwanese research paper, the amino acids and yeast in sake lees have significant effects on skin repair and can promote cell regeneration and moisturizing. [1]

Kojic acid

Both sake and sake lees contain the same ingredient : kojic acid. Kojic acid is one of the ingredients that major skin care brands have paid particular attention to in product development in recent years. Why has kojic acid attracted so much attention in recent years? Because kojic acid can accelerate cell activation and inhibit the formation of melanin. Kojic acid can also relieve skin problems and wrinkles, reduce dry skin problems and delay aging. There are many fungi that secrete kojic acid, especially Aspergillus oryzae, which is the most common yeast in sake making.

According to another paper on sake lees and the inhibition of melanin production, if sake lees are fermented under the action of plant lactic acid bacteria, the active substances such as linoleic acid produced can reduce melanin synthesis and show the potential for skin whitening. [2]

Sake has many health benefits, but remember not to overdo it

Anti-cancer effects

It is encouraging that according to a collaborative study between the Gekkeikan Research Institute and Konan University, rice koji mold may secrete a substance called "Dfcy" (Deferriferrichrysin) during the sake brewing process, which exhibits an inhibitory effect on breast cancer, lung cancer and colorectal cancer cells. Although this research is still in its preliminary stages, it provides new ideas for the development of anti-cancer drugs and cancer prevention, and once again highlights the potential value of sake-related microbial components. [3]

Improve cardiovascular health

In addition to the benefits and effects of sake , studies have shown that drinking sake may also bring us certain health benefits. According to a study by the School of Public Health at Harvard University, moderate drinking is associated with increased concentrations of "high-density lipoprotein" (good cholesterol), which can bring positive benefits to cardiovascular health and reduce the risk of death from cardiovascular disease. [4]

Improves intestinal health

Of course, the benefits of sake are more than that. Sake is rich in polyphenols and probiotics, which can promote the growth of beneficial bacteria in the intestines and help maintain the balance of intestinal microecology. Many sakes contain probiotics called lactobacilli, which can improve digestion and reduce problems such as constipation. Probiotics are strains of bacteria that naturally occur in the human intestine and can aid digestion, promote intestinal health, reduce the risk of certain diseases, and produce vitamins that the body needs.

Secondly, sake also has the effect of reducing inflammation . The polyphenol compounds in sake have antioxidant effects, which can reduce inflammatory responses in the intestines and further protect the intestinal mucosa. It also plays an important role in preventing intestinal diseases such as enteritis or irritable bowel syndrome. [5]

Remember to drink in moderation. If adults consume too much alcohol every day (women are generally recommended not to drink more than one cup and men not to drink more than two cups), it will increase blood pressure, the risk of chronic diseases and other problems.

The Mi Ri store brings you popular products directly from Japan

Sake is gaining attention in the health and beauty fields due to its diverse amino acid composition, as well as the nutrients and whitening and anti-aging potential contained in sake lees. Of course, the prerequisite is always to drink in moderation and understand your own physical constitution so that you can benefit from the benefits and effects of sake when tasting it . As more research comes out, we may be able to expect sake to make greater advances in medicine, beauty and other fields in the future. Want to have a glass of Japanese sake ? Go to the MiRi store website now to purchase the Japanese products we carefully selected for you and experience the taste of direct delivery from Japan.

References:

[1] Nutritional characteristics and biological activities of sake lees hydrolysates

https://www.airitilibrary.com/Article/Detail/19912455-201512-201601060029-201601060029-125-129

[2] Study on the inhibitory effect of sake lees fermented with lactic acid bacteria on melanin production

https://ndltd.ncl.edu.tw/cgi-bin/gs32/gsweb.cgi?o=dnclcdr&s=id=%22096TTU05106007%22.&searchmode=basic

[3] Gekkeikan General Research Institute×Konan University

New Elucidation of the Cell-killing Effect and Mechanism of Deflurix CRISPR, a Japanese Sake Koji Component

- Published in the international academic journal "Genes to Cells" -

https://www.gekkeikan.co.jp/company/news/detail/406/

[4] Alcohol: Balancing Risks and Benefits

https://nutritionsource.hsph.harvard.edu/healthy-drinks/drinks-to-consume-in-moderation/alcohol-full-story/

[5] Sake and Health: The Surprising Benefits of Drinking Sake

https://www.sakeschoolofamerica.com/news/sake-and-health-the-surprising-benefits-of-drinking-sake/#:~:text=Sake%20Contains%20Probiotics,illnesses%2C%20and%20produce%20essential%20vitamins