Nanakusa-gayu and green ingredients ~Nutritionist's Column Vol.55

happy new year.
It's now 2022.
With the New Year upon us, the day to eat nanakusa-gayu (rice porridge with seven herbs) is fast approaching.

Nowadays, you can even buy a set of seven herbs at supermarkets right after the New Year.
This time, I will be talking about Nanakusa-gayu.

The origins of Nanakusa-gayu

The custom of eating Nanakusa-gayu is said to have originated from the Jinjitsu Festival (January 7th), one of the five seasonal festivals established by the Edo Shogunate.
The five seasonal festivals are a collective term for Jōshi no Sekku (Peach Festival) (March 3rd), Tango no Sekku (May 5th), Tanabata no Sekku (July 7th), Chōyō no Sekku (September 9th), and Jinjitsu no Sekku (January 7th).
It was established as an important annual event during the Edo period.

The Jinjitsu Festival represents the hope that by eating the young shoots of seven wild plants and vegetables, people will be able to absorb the life force of plants and stay healthy and free from illness.
The names of the seven herbs are actually auspicious puns based on the names of the respective plants.
We will explain the meanings and nutrients of the seven herbs.

About Nanakusa

■ Parsley
Meaning: A vegetable native to Japan with a refreshing fragrance that helps you outperform the competition.
It is rich in vitamin C and minerals, and helps boost the immune system and suppress the activity of active oxygen.

■ Shepherd's purse
Meaning: Also known as the dandelion, which removes dirt when stroked, it is said to be effective in relieving fever, diarrhea, and stomach pain, and its diuretic effect helps remove excess water from the body, and it is also said to be effective in easing menstrual irregularities and constipation.

■ Gogyo
Meaning: Also known as motherwort, which represents the body of Buddha, it is said to have the effect of suppressing coughs and clearing phlegm, and to alleviate the early stages of a cold, such as runny nose and stuffy nose.

■ Chickweed
Meaning: The stem has many leaves, which spreads prosperity. Also known as chickweed, it has long been used as a medicine for stomach pain and is said to be effective against gastritis.

■Buddha's seat (Lamium amplexicaule)
Meaning: The flower's shape resembles a seated Buddha in meditation, and it is also called "Tabirako." It is said to be effective in regulating the stomach and intestines and preventing high blood pressure.

■ Turnip
Meaning: Another name for the bell turnip, which is used to call upon God. The leaves are rich in carotene and calcium, and are expected to help prevent osteoporosis and boost immunity against viruses.
The root part is also said to be effective in relieving stomach upset and regulating the intestines.

■ Suzushiro
Meaning: An old name for pure, clean radish. The root contains enzymes that aid digestion and break down lipids, helping internal organs that are tired from overeating.
The leaves are highly nutritious and contain a lot of beta-carotene, vitamin C, vitamin K, folic acid, calcium, and potassium.

Living the future with knowledge of the seven herbs

Porridge has taken root in our lives as a food that is good for the body.
It will soothe your tired stomach and intestines after the New Year holidays and bring the green of the seven herbs to your body.
We would like to incorporate the wisdom cultivated by our ancestors into our modern lifestyle.

GRØN's Green Monster protein blend is also packed with green superfoods.

Mugwort from Okinawa Prefecture, Japanese bamboo grass from Hokkaido, and spirulina contain the phytochemical chlorophyll.
Chlorophyll is a natural green pigment found in plants and algae, and is expected to have antioxidant and detoxifying effects.
And shell ginger, a relative of ginger, is said to have a relaxing effect that relieves stress and keeps the mind calm.
In addition to these, it is also rich in dietary fiber, which helps to restore your body to its former glory after overeating over the New Year period and supports a refreshing and healthy lifestyle.

Nanakusa-gayu and the Green Monster.
Why not try a detox to get your stomach in order after the New Year's holidays?

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Nutritionist, Food Education Instructor, Food 6th Industrialization Producer Level 4
Ayako Ishihara

A nutritional advisor in the healthcare field and an agribusiness professional.
She is involved in a variety of activities specializing in the fields of beauty and health, including giving lectures to Miss World Japan candidates.

With the philosophy of "enriching the mind and body through food and realizing a vibrant society where people and communities are connected," he founded i-Field Co., Ltd. in 2013 and serves as its representative.
He is a core member of the food team for "DINING OUT," which opens outdoor restaurants in various regions, and also participates in fashion brand projects.
She is also involved in the promotion of local ingredients, product development and production specializing in "health" and "beauty," branding, concept design, food hygiene, sales promotion, training planning and management, etc. She is in charge of nutritional supervision for GRØN's product development, proposing ways to incorporate them more effectively into consumer health.

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