The constant barrage of news about the COVID-19 coronavirus is making many of us anxious and stressed. Besides the standard recommendations to wash our hands often for 20 seconds, one other way to keep ourselves healthy is to maintain a healthy, balanced diet. Besides the standard fruits and vegetables, there are some foods unique to Japan purported to be helpful for maintaining our health. Two in particular are definitely acquired tastes, but now may be a good a time as any to incorporate them into your diet.
Nattō
Earlier this month there was a brief run on nattō (fermented soybeans) because a rumor circulated on social media that they helped to prevent people from contracting COVID-19. This was just speculation based on the fact that Ibaraki Prefecture, the nation's top nattō producer, had no announced COVID-19 cases at that point.