#9 — Beauty benefits (amazake)

Does it work on dark spots and dullness?

The kojic acid in fresh amazake has a skin-brightening effect

The hands of toji, the master brewers who make sake, are fine-textured and fair, and that is thanks to the kojic acid in koji. Kojic acid is a "skin-brightening ingredient" approved by Japan's Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare, and it is used in many brightening cosmetics.

Kojic acid suppresses melanin production. That is why fresh amazake, which contains kojic acid, is recommended for preventing dark spots and dullness in skin that has been exposed to UV rays. Fresh amazake also has antioxidant action, so it helps prevent wrinkles and sagging as well. It doesn't work instantly, and your skin won't look fairer right after you drink it, but you can expect results if you keep it up every day.

I have dry skin. Does it moisturize?

Fresh amazake is rich in moisturizing amino acids

The stratum corneum, the outermost layer of our skin, comes equipped with what is called natural moisturizing factor, the components responsible for keeping skin hydrated and for its barrier function. Most of this natural moisturizing factor is made from amino acids. Fresh amazake contains amino acids, so taking it replenishes those moisturizing components from the inside.

Another ingredient drawing attention in the beauty world right now is ethyl-α-D-glucoside (α-EG below). When you add sake to your bath and your skin comes out soft and moist, that is α-EG at work.

α-EG is one of the umami components in sake. A paper published in 2016 reported that it is produced by koji mold and has a moisturizing effect.

α-EG improves rough skin, and you can expect it to make skin more beautiful. Koji is effective for people who struggle with dry skin.

My skin and hair have lost their bounce. Will fresh amazake revive them?

An anti-aging effect that revitalizes skin and scalp

The B vitamins in fresh amazake keep skin, nails, and hair healthy, and they also promote the skin's metabolism. In other words, they activate the metabolism of the skin and scalp, which also helps prevent hair loss.

Amino acids are also the main component of skin and hair. Fresh amazake contains all the essential amino acids, the ones the human body cannot make. Taking fresh amazake supplies the raw material for new skin and hair cells, and it contributes greatly to anti-aging too.

Fresh amazake's constipation-relieving effect is also essential for beautiful skin.

Have your fresh amazake in a calm, relaxed mood. That puts the parasympathetic nervous system in charge, improving circulation all the way out to the scalp so that nutrients reach it. Add ginger and you can expect even better circulation.

How to take fresh amazake for good health

What goes well with it?

We recommend yogurt, soy milk, kinako (roasted soybean flour), matcha powder, fruit, and other foods that supply the nutrients fresh amazake is low in (animal protein, plant protein, vitamin C, and so on).

What are the benefits of making it yourself?

Store-bought amazake is often heat-pasteurized to keep the flavor from changing, and some contains additives or sugar. Make it yourself and it is full of enzymes and additive-free, so you can enjoy it with peace of mind.

What's the difference between fresh koji and dried koji?

Nutritionally, there is no difference between the two. The flavor varies with the koji maker's environment and the type of rice. In the U.S., dried koji is sold only at some Japanese supermarkets, and the reality is that it's hard to find. The TANICA dried rice koji sold at Gohan Japan and on Amazon in the U.S. is very tasty, so we recommend it.

What about temperature?

The enzymes in fresh amazake are deactivated above 70°C (158°F), and some vitamins are destroyed by heat, so be careful not to overheat it. Cold is no problem, and freezing is fine too.

What time of day should I have it?

If you're drinking it to charge up your energy, have it in the morning. At night, to relax the mind, it is effective to warm it to about body temperature before drinking.

How much?

At 81 kcal per 100 ml it is by no means low in calories, so aim for no more than about 200 ml a day. If you are obese or have diabetes, consult your doctor.

Should I have it every day?

To keep your gut environment in good shape, we recommend a steady 100–200 ml every day.

To make it, see the rice koji amazake recipe; for ingredients, TANICA dried rice koji and YOGURTiA are all you need.

This article provides general information about everyday eating and is not intended to diagnose, treat, or prevent any condition. If you have a medical condition or an allergy, consult a doctor or a registered dietitian.