Subtitle: How much bread do people eat today? 40-50% of people eat bread for breakfast!
First of all
Bread has become a much-loved food in Japan. It is a popular breakfast, light meal and dessert, but along with its history, it is important to consider the effects of gluten in bread on the body. This blog will explore the effects of gluten from a health perspective, looking back at the history of the Japanese people and bread. It will also discuss the opinion that the increased consumption of bread in the post-war period has increased the incidence of cancer.
MG GROUP JAPAN~A few words
Good morning and good evening, MG GROUP JAPAN. Good afternoon and good evening, MG GROUP JAPAN. We offer a balanced lifestyle so that all people, young and old, can enjoy good health and longevity. In this blog, we will provide you with information to raise your health awareness and practical tips to help you live better every day. Let's aim for a healthy everyday life together!
History of the Japanese and bread
Bread Japan arrives
It is said that bread was first introduced to Japan when the Portuguese drifted ashore on the island of Tanegashima in 1543. However, it was not accepted by the Japanese at the time and did not spread. Later, in the Meiji period (1868-1912), under the influence of western culture, bread once again came to the fore.
Popularisation of bread in the Meiji era.
As part of its westernisation policy, the Meiji Government encouraged the consumption of bread. Its introduction, especially as a meal in the army, led to improvements in bread production technology and its spread to the general public. Thus, bread gradually took root in Japanese food culture.
The development of post-war baking culture.
After the Second World War, bread eating spread further and further due to the influence of the USA. Bread was introduced into school lunches and many children became familiar with it, and from the 1950s to the 1960s, the number of bakeries increased and a wide range of bread varieties appeared. Bread thus became an indispensable part of the Japanese diet. One theory is that bread was semi-mandatorily introduced into school lunches as a destination for unsold wheat in the USA. It may be that the US was rightly forced into it.
What is gluten?
Definition and role of gluten.
Gluten is a type of protein found in wheat, barley and rye. Formed by mixing it with water when making bread and pasta dough, this protein produces the consistency and elasticity that determines the texture of the bread.
Benefits of gluten.
Gluten is an important ingredient for the fluffy texture of bread. Gluten also allows bread dough to expand and retain its shape. Gluten is therefore essential for many bread products.
Health effects of gluten.
Celiac disease and gluten intolerance.
Celiac disease is an autoimmune disease caused by an immune response to gluten that damages the mucous membranes of the small intestine. People with this disease experience digestive symptoms and impaired nutrient absorption whenever gluten is ingested. Gluten intolerance, on the other hand, is a condition that is less severe than celiac disease, but causes indigestion and abdominal pain with gluten intake.
非セリアック・グルテン過敏症
セリアック病やグルテン不耐症ではないものの、グルテンを摂取すると消化不良や腹痛、頭痛などの症状が現れる人もいます。これを非セリアック・グルテン過敏症と呼びます。この状態はまだ研究段階であり、明確な診断基準が存在しませんが、多くの人々がこの症状に悩まされています。
Non-celiac gluten sensitivity
Continued gluten intake can trigger a chronic inflammatory response in some people. This can have a negative impact on overall health, particularly if the gut environment deteriorates and nutrient absorption is impaired. Excessive gluten intake can also upset the balance of the intestinal flora and cause digestive problems.
Bread consumption and cancer incidence.
Post-war dietary changes.
After the war, Japan's dietary habits changed dramatically. There was a shift from a traditional rice-based diet to a diet rich in wheat products. This change is thought to have resulted in a shift in nutritional balance, which in turn contributed to an increase in lifestyle-related diseases.
パンの消費量とがんの発生率の関連性
一部の研究者や専門家の中には、戦後にパンの消費量が増えたことと、がんの発生率の上昇との関連性を指摘する人がいます。特に、大腸がんや胃がんの発生率が上昇した原因の一つとして、パンなどの加工食品の摂取増加が挙げられることがあります。
Association between bread consumption and cancer incidence.
However, it is difficult to clearly prove a causal link between bread consumption and cancer incidence. Many factors are involved in the development of cancer, not only diet, but also a complex combination of genetic, environmental and lifestyle factors. Some papers clearly show an impact on the body, although further research is needed to directly link increased consumption of bread with increased incidence of cancer. Many breads also contain sugar. Sugar plays a variety of roles in the bread-making process, which is why many bread recipes contain it.
Conclusion
Bread is an important part of the Japanese diet, but people need to understand the effects of gluten and maintain a healthy diet. For people with coeliac disease or gluten intolerance, gluten-free choices need to be made, but even those who do not need to be aware of gluten overconsumption. The post-war change in diet and the rise in cancer rates is sometimes attributed partly to the increased consumption of bread, but although the scientific proof is still insufficient, many medical professionals are sounding the alarm in their love affair with the disease! |
Enjoy Japan's rich food culture and maintain a balanced diet to stay healthy.
References.
Medical information website on celiac disease and gluten intolerance
Books and resources on the history of Japanese food culture
Current research papers and articles on the health effects of gluten
Research papers and data on post-war diets and cancer incidence
We hope this blog will help you to think about your healthy eating habits. I hope you too can find a diet that suits your body and keeps you healthy.
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