Hay fever affects a lot us every year between February and April.People
who have been suffering from it for many years as well as those who are
worried about developing it in the future, need to recognise the symptoms
and to know how to prevent it.
Kakishibu that has always been a part
of Japanese life.
Persimmon - Kaki in Japanese is one of most popular fruits in Japan, originating
in East Asia. It is grown on the Atlantic coast of USA, Brazil, Italy,
New Zealand and Israel etc in recent years. In some European countries,
it is called by its Japanese name Kaki.
Never get drunk? Persimmon reduces
the effect of alcohol on the body !
gPersimmon prevents a hangover.h is an old saying in Japan. Recently
many studies were carried out to test this thesis scientifically. Persimmon
contains Vitamin A, Vitamin C, and Potassium etc. which are necessary for
healthy living and also helps reducing high blood pressure.
Professor Itamura of Shimane University carried out an experiment with
his students about alcohol and persimmon. Students who ate a persimmon
before drinking recorded 40% less alcohol in their blood and also 30% less
acetaldehyde which causes hangover than those who did not eat a persimmon.
An experiment with mice showed a nearly 50% deduction. Professor Itamura
is continuing with his experiment to test the connection between tannin
that is found in Kaki and alcohol.
Kaki contains 70mg/100g of vitamin C, which is twice as much as oranges.
Leaves of Kaki contains much greater quantities of vitamin C - 600mg to
800mg /100g.
The Carotene contained in leaves of Kaki changes into vitamin A once it
has been eaten. It protects the respiratory organs and prevents colds.
The New Yearfs rice cake, dried
persimmon, orange and seaweeds
It has been reported that the old custom of decorating the New Yearfs
rice cake is declining. New Yearfs rice cake is an offering and a desire
for a good year. The origin of the items used to decorate it varies from
region to region but all of them have certain association or implication
with words. Japanese seem to enjoy a play with words. It might seem a trivial
but it made them laugh and helped to lighten the burden of the harsh living.
It is well known nowadays that relieving stress helps maintaining good
health.
The old Japanese literature tells us that there were a lot of persimmon
trees in the old capital of Japan, Nara. Many households had persimmon
trees in their gardens. In Nara, sushi with fish wrapped in persimmon leaves
was eaten for a long time at the festive occasions. They enjoyed its flavour
with or without realising the antiseptic quality of tannin contained in
its leaf.
