What are the benefits of doburoku? A brewery thoroughly explains nutrition, beauty, carbohydrates, and calories

In recent years, "doburoku" has been regaining attention amidst the fermented food boom.

With its milky white, viscous appearance and the gentle sweetness packed with the umami of rice and koji, this traditional Japanese sake actually offers various nutritional benefits. Did you know?

In this article, we will delve into the benefits of doburoku, including its nutritional components, its connection to beauty, and even its carbohydrate and calorie content, all from the perspective of a brewer involved in its production.

What kind of sake is Doburoku?

Doburoku is a traditional Japanese brewed sake made from rice, rice koji, and water, which is not filtered.

The major difference from seishu (refined sake) is that the moromi (fermenting mash) is not pressed. Because the rice grains, koji, and yeast produced during fermentation remain in the liquid, it has a distinctive cloudy white appearance.

This unfiltered brewing method is the secret to doburoku's rich nutritional content.

While certain components are removed during the pressing process for seishu, doburoku allows you to enjoy them all.

Rich Nutrients Contained in Doburoku

1. Abundant amino acids, including essential amino acids

Doburoku is said to contain over 20 types of amino acids, including 9 essential amino acids that cannot be synthesized by the body, in a well-balanced manner.

Amino acids are the building blocks of proteins and are essential nutrients for our body's growth and repair.

The amino acid content in doburoku is higher compared to seishu, and this is also the source of doburoku's "richness" and "umami."

2. B vitamins and folic acid

During the fermentation process, koji mold and yeast work to produce B vitamins such as B1, B2, B6, niacin, and folic acid.

B vitamins are known as nutrients involved in energy metabolism and are often deficient in modern diets.

3. Dietary fiber and oligosaccharides

Doburoku, which retains rice grains and koji, contains insoluble dietary fiber and oligosaccharides derived from koji. These are components that are attracting attention for improving gut health.

4. Fermented ingredients such as koji mold, yeast, and lactic acid bacteria

Doburoku is also called "drinking fermented food" and contains enzymes produced by koji mold, as well as yeast and lactic acid bacteria involved in fermentation, all generated during the manufacturing process.

Like yogurt, miso, and natto, the appeal lies in being able to consume the power of fermentation in liquid form.

5. Peptides and kojic acid

Peptides, which are produced as koji breaks down proteins, and kojic acid, a unique component of koji, are also representative ingredients found in doburoku.

Doburoku and its connection to beauty

The ingredients found in doburoku are also gaining attention from those interested in beauty.

Kojic acid derived from koji

Kojic acid is an ingredient said to have been discovered because the hands of artisans who handle koji were beautiful. It has been used for a long time as a whitening active ingredient in cosmetics.

Doburoku is one attractive option for incorporating koji into your daily diet.

Amino acids and skin moisture

Amino acids are present in the stratum corneum of the skin as Natural Moisturizing Factors (NMF).

Doburoku, rich in amino acids, has been favored by those who are conscious about internal moisture care.

Connection to gut health

As the saying goes, "beauty comes from the gut," and improving gut health is fundamental to beauty.

The dietary fiber, oligosaccharides, and fermentation-derived bacteria contained in doburoku are ingredients you'll want to incorporate into your daily diet.

B vitamins and skin cell turnover

Vitamins B2 and B6 are known as nutrients involved in maintaining healthy skin and mucous membranes.

The beauty of doburoku lies in being able to enjoy the B vitamins produced through fermentation along with the umami of rice.

How many calories and carbohydrates are in Doburoku?

Many might be concerned, thinking, "It's a rice-based alcohol, so it might be fattening..." Let's look at the actual numbers.

Estimated Doburoku calories

The calorie content of doburoku is generally around 100kcal per 100ml (varies by product).

This means roughly 30kcal for one ochoko (approx. 30ml) and 120kcal for one glass (approx. 120ml).

For reference, here's a comparison of calorie content with other alcoholic beverages:

Doburoku's carbohydrate content

Since doburoku is a rice-based alcoholic beverage, its carbohydrate content is slightly high, said to be around 10g per 100ml.

However, this is roughly the same level as seishu. If you are conscious about carbohydrate intake, please refer to the suggestions for drinking methods below.

Enjoying it deliciously with mindful drinking

• Savor it slowly in a small ochoko: Its rich flavor provides satisfaction even in small amounts
• Mix with sparkling water for a refreshing taste: Reduce carbs and calories while enjoying a fruity flavor
• Serve on the rocks with ice: Recommended for summer
• Enjoy with meals: At a slow pace and in moderation

Precautions when enjoying Doburoku

Doburoku is an alcoholic beverage. Although it is rich in nutrients, excessive consumption can harm your health. Please keep the following points in mind:

• Drinking alcohol under the age of 20 is prohibited by law.
• Pregnant and breastfeeding women should refrain from drinking alcohol.
• Never drink alcohol before or after driving.
• Enjoy a sensible amount according to your physical condition and constitution.

The Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare suggests a guideline for alcohol consumption to avoid increasing the risk of lifestyle diseases: a daily pure alcohol intake of no more than 40g for men and 20g for women.

For doburoku, this amounts to approximately 1 to 2 glasses.

About our brewery's Doburoku

At our brewery, we carefully brew doburoku using local rice and pure brewing water, valuing traditional methods while also creating products that suit modern tastes.

We are committed to a simple production method with minimal additives to bring out the natural umami of rice and koji.

Please enjoy the charm of doburoku, a nutritious "drinking fermented food," at home.

Summary

Doburoku is an alcoholic beverage that allows you to fully enjoy the blessings of rice and fermentation, including amino acids, B vitamins, dietary fiber, koji mold, and yeast. It has been favored as an option for those interested in beauty and those who wish to incorporate fermented foods into their daily lives.

Although its calorie and carbohydrate content is relatively high, by moderating consumption and varying how you drink it, you can savor the rich flavor unique to rice-based sake and the power of fermentation.

Please try our brewery's proud doburoku and experience the charm of this ancient Japanese fermented beverage.