Wood ear mushrooms, green onions, eggs, garlic, and nori seaweed.
Did you know that the familiar toppings of Kumamoto ramen feature highly nutritious ingredients?
(The photo above shows the “Ramen with Egg” from Kokutei.)
Furthermore, there are nutrients that you can absorb by eating them in combination.
We spoke with Hiroko Tomoyori, a professor at the Prefectural University of Kumamoto who researches the health benefits of agricultural and marine products.
The toppings are also excellent when eaten in combination.
“The toppings of Kumamoto ramen are not only ingredients from which you can obtain nutrients individually, but they are also ingredients perfectly suited to be eaten together,” says Professor Tomoyori. “For example, since chashu is pork, you can intake vitamin B1. Green onions and garlic contain allicin, which helps with its absorption. Since it easily dissolves in water, I think it is also good to consume the soup, as long as you are careful not to drink too much.”
We also introduce the nutritional benefits of each topping as shared by Professor Tomoyori.
The photograph features the “Revival Ramen Showa Flavor” from Ajisen Ramen, one of the shops representing Kumamoto ramen.
(The photo is as of December 2024.)
Wood Ear Mushrooms
Wood ear mushrooms are an ingredient from which you can obtain plenty of vitamin D even when boiled. It is known that a deficiency in vitamin D can potentially lead to the softening of bones or a decrease in muscle strength; furthermore, from winter to spring, it is not produced by the body unless you are exposed to sunlight for a longer period of time compared to the summer months. Therefore, during the season when it is still cold, it is recommended to consume and obtain it as a ramen topping.
Green Onions
Similar to garlic, they contain allicin, which helps with the absorption of vitamin B1. They also contain lutein, which is considered beneficial for the eyes and is utilized in supplements.
Eggs
Eggs are a treasure trove of nutrition. They contain amino acids that enhance the recovery power of the liver and are rich in methionine, which is necessary for breaking down alcohol. They are well known for their protein content, which is expected to have effects such as increasing muscle strength and lowering visceral fat and cholesterol. Furthermore, it has been reported that they contain a large amount of lecithin, a nutrient required for brain development. It is also known that you can obtain even more lutein from them than from green onions.
Garlic
It contains allicin, which promotes the lowering of blood pressure through its antioxidant effects. In fried garlic, which is a common topping in Kumamoto ramen, the heating process changes the allicin into a functional component called ajoene. This is a component from which effects such as the suppression of strokes and protection of the liver can be expected.
Nori Seaweed
Kumamoto’s nori seaweed, known for being cultivated in the Ariake Sea, is rich in dietary fiber and protein. It has been revealed through research that it possesses the effect of suppressing the rise in blood sugar levels. Since greater effects can be expected with a larger number of sheets, it is a good idea to add it as an extra topping. Additionally, adding a generous amount of nori when boiling and eating instant noodles at home is also excellent.
