AMAZAKE (sweet fermented rice drink)

As a snack for dieting

A full cup of amazake contains 120 kcal and has a high composition of sugar with practically no lipids. Sugar in amazake does not build up easily in the body, as it gets consumed first, thus making amazake difficult to make one fat. Optimal as a relaxation drink before going to sleep.

Amazake originates from Japan and is used in place for sugars in macrobiotics that is becoming popular with celebrities overseas.

Effect on health and beauty:

・Increased sensitivity to cold: Drinking warm amazake will be effective in combating this sensitivity. Adding fresh pressed ginger juice will be further effective.
・Intestinal tract regulation: It’s full of dietary fiber and oligosaccharide and regulates intestinal tracts, prevents/improves constipation or skin disorders.

Overview:

・A traditional sweetened drink from Japan, made by adding hot water to rice koji (malted rice)
・In the Edo Period, it was usually consumed during the hot months and sought after as a nutritional drink.

Characteristics:

・It has more than 20% glucose, and is abundant in essential amino acids and vitamins, making this the “natural multi-vitamin drink” or “drinkable intravenous drip”
・When the koji bacteria grows on the surface of the rice it produces abundant amount of vitamin groups such as vitamins B1, B2, B6, biotin (vitamin H) and pantothenic acid. The absorption rate of these vitamins is more than 90%, superseding any supplements.

Major area of production:

Japan

Nutrients:

Carbohydrates, sodium, vitamins B1, B2, B6, folic acid and dietary fibers