Incorporating Japanese cuisine into your diet may have significant health benefits, particularly for those with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Researchers at Osaka Metropolitan University Hospital conducted a study examining the relationship between meals rated by the 12-component modified Japanese Diet Index (mJDI12), muscle mass, and the progression of liver fibrosis in NAFLD patients. The mJDI12 evaluates adherence to the traditional Japanese diet pattern, which includes rice, miso soup, pickles, soy products, green and yellow vegetables, fruits, seafood, mushrooms, seaweed, green tea, coffee, and beef and pork. Higher mJDI12 scores indicate a diet that closely aligns with the Japanese dietary pattern. The study found that a higher mJDI12 score was associated with a lower degree of liver fibrosis progression. Additionally, a high intake of soy products, seafood, and seaweed showed a suppressive effect on liver fibrosis progression, and the group with higher muscle mass had a lower degree of liver fibrosis progression. The researchers concluded that the Japanese diet pattern may be effective as a dietary treatment for NAFLD patients. This study highlights the potential for Japanese cuisine to promote better liver health and overall well-being.
