Daikon – Japanese Radish
Daikon is very beneficial in treating digestive problems due to its abundance of digestive enzymes.It’s rich in vitamin C and promotes the digestion of carbohydrates which makes it easy on the stomach and good for avoiding heartburn. Raw daikon juice may help dissolve mucus and phlegm and aid in the healthy function of the respiratory system. Its ability to combat bacterial and viral infections make it an effective combatant of respiratory disease such as bronchitis, asthma and flu. Daikon helps the kidneys discharge excess water. A natural diuretic, it may also be helpful in treating urinary disorders.
Shiitake Mushrooms
Shitake have anti-carcinogenic properties and are therefore a good food to include in the effort to prevent cancers. These mushrooms have long been used in Chinese medicine to help to cleanse the blood and are useful in the treatment of arteriosclerosis and high blood pressure.Shiitake are a very rich source of vitamins B and D. Dried Shiitake have greater exposure to the sun and this means their vitamin D content is even higher.
Konnyaku – Devils Tongue Jelly
Konnyaku is a type of jelly usually made from the root or bulb of the devils tongue plant. Konnyaku contains almost no calories. It can be helpful in treating diabetes and constipation.This vegetarian jelly consists of 97% water and is rich in minerals such as calcium and potassium and is an excellent source of dietary fibre.
Natto – Fermented Soya Beans
Natto is made from soya beans and therefore has the same basic properties but rather like tofu, it is more easily digested and absorbed. The fermenting process the beans undergo increases their vitamin B2 content and this is fundamental to their role in helping avoid strokes, arteriosclerosis and myocardial infraction. The fermented beans are also thought to prevent degenerative brain disorders.
Miso – Fermented Soya Bean Paste
Miso is a very beneficial food made from soya beans and like natto is very easy for the system to digest. A particular feature of miso is the capacity to rid the body of some of the harmful toxins it is exposed to and these include both nicotine and alcohol. Miso has a high vitamin E content and when vitamins A and C are present it is very beneficial in both cleansing the body and in various cancer prevention. As Miso removes harmful elements from the body and helps to protect the liver it is good for those recovering from alcohol abuse.
Konbu – Seaweed
Kelp is incredibly rich in vitamins and minerals and therefore has many health related properties. It contains a lot of iodine which is very effective in increasing your energy. Kelp contains a lot of potassium, which is effective in lowering blood pressure. Konbu is also used to treat liver complaints swelling and anemia.
