Researchers tout health benefits of amazake

Amazake is a Japanese beverage made from fermented rice. In a new study, researchers explored the rich array of health benefits offered by this traditional beverage. The Agriculture and Food Agency, which supported the study, hopes the findings will give a boost to the domestic rice market.

Add chai seeds into the cup. Then pour in soy milk and amazake. Mix for a few seconds and this tasty beverage is ready to drink.

This dish is taro balls mixed with sweet potato balls, bean curd, and amazake. The traditional Japanese beverage of Amazake is a versatile and delicious, official say. Although there is no added sugar, it has a sweet taste due to the fermentation process. It''s also rich in vitamins and minerals.

Wang An-shih
Agriculture and Food Agency official
Because the amino acids and free fatty acids in fat are reduced, it''s easier to digest. It aids digestion. Amazake can improve the complexion, physical health, and digestion.

To stimulate the domestic market for rice, the Agriculture and Food Department supported research on amazake by a team at Taipei Medical University. Researchers analyzed the nutritional profile of amazake made from local rice. They found that compared to Japanese brands, made-in-Taiwan amazake is just as rich in minerals such as calcium, magnesium, potassium, zinc and Vitamin B3. The fermentation process can also increase kojic acid, which researchers said has skin-lightening effects.

Dr. Shih Chun-kuang
Taipei Medical University
In terms of whitening the skin, the rice fermentation process creates a substance called kojic acid, which has been found in research to inhibit an activity called tyrosinase. Tyrosinase is a key enzyme for the formation of melanin. If tyrosinase is suppressed, the formation of melanin can be inhibited, and that has a great potential to whiten skin.

Dr. Shih Chun-kuang, an associate professor at Taipei Medical University, analyzed the nutritional profile of amazake made from three domestic varieties of rice: Taiken No. 9, Taoyuan No. 3, and Black Glutinous Rice. They were compared against the nutritional profile of Japanese amazake. The study found that among the four, amazake made with Taiken No. 9 had the highest zinc content. Amazake made with Taoyuan No. 3 had the lowest fat content. Lastly, Black Glutinous Rice amazake has the highest calcium, magnesium, and potassium, and the lowest carbohydrate content.

Dr. Shih Chun-kuang
Taipei Medical University
The findings show that black glutinous rice has more functional ingredients, so amazake made using it has a slightly better effect in terms of antioxidation, suppressing high blood pressure, or whitening skin. However, the other two types of rice are also good. It''s just that black glutinous rice is stronger in some aspects. You should still consult a doctor to see how much you can drink.

Wang An-shih
Agriculture and Food Agency official
Domestic rice consumption has been declining. Especially in the past few years - in the 1970s and 1980s, each person ate about 90 kilograms of rice a year. Last year, that was down to just 45 kilograms

Rice consumption per capita has plummeted in Taiwan, says the Agriculture and Food Administration. It hopes to help amazake take off in Taiwan, to revitalize rice demand in the domestic market.