| [ Summary ] |
Japanese food as traditionally consumed was designated for UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage in December 2012 as "Washoku, traditional dietary cultures of the Japanese, notably for the celebration of New Year". A nutritional balance which supports healthy eating habits is characteristic of that diet. However, the diet of the Japanese population after world war II has dramatically changed. Westernization of diet, represented by high fat, high protein and low carbohydrate intake, has raised the risk of numerous lifestyle related diseases. It is expected that clarifying the role of microbiota in these changes will contribute to improvements in lifestyle related diseases. Consequently, further research is warranted. |