They're more likely to grab a quick snack on the fly, and some just skip meals altogether. Once this becomes a habit, it may set the stage for the rest of one's life. For indisputable proof of the benefits of a balanced diet consumed with chopsticks, one need look no further than Kin Narita and Gin Kanie, twin sisters who are still going strong at the age of 106. Sound Minds and Bodies Those in the chopstick-less tribe, says Yasuko Uemura, author of a book on nutrition, may eventually suffer from a variety of physical and mental complaints ranging from poor ability to concentrate to circulatory disorders. Medical studies have shown that blood circulation to the brain can increase by up to 20 percent when food is thoroughly chewed.
People eating without chopsticks, however, tend to wolf down their food without chewing.
And the dietary choices that can be eaten while on the run are not providing children with sufficient glucose, leading to low blood-sugar levels and a lack of energy. Nutritionists are even indicating poor diets as a cause of mental problems among the nation's youth. Concerned dieticians are urging parents to shift their kids' diets away from instant foods and soft drinks and back to traditional, healthy Japanese fare, eaten at a leisurely pace with humble chopsticks. Back to Main Index Edited by Japan Echo Inc. based on domestic Japanese news sources. Articles presented here are offered for reference purposes and do not necessarily represent the policy or views of the Japanese Government.