Brain development recipes

A professor from Otemae University recommends this to students
Introducing an easy recipe!

To wake up the brain
"Breakfast Recipes"
~Improve your concentration with the power of fermentation!~

Microwaved soft-boiled egg on top
Natto kimchi rice bowl

Natto is rich in soy lecithin, which has been suggested to be involved in nerve cell function and aid in memory and learning, as well as B vitamins, which convert carbohydrates and lipids into energy, helping the brain and body recover from fatigue and support concentration. Furthermore, nattokinase, an enzyme unique to natto, improves blood flow, potentially regulating circulation throughout the body. Adding kimchi to this dish helps regulate the intestinal environment with its lactic acid bacteria, which positively impact mood and physical condition through the "gut-brain axis" that connects the gut and brain. The blood flow-boosting properties of capsaicin and the antioxidant properties of vitamin C are also not to be missed. A soft-boiled egg, topped on top, provides high-quality protein, choline related to memory, and vitamin B12, essential for neurological function and reduces fatigue. Try adding pickled plums or shiso leaves instead of kimchi for a Japanese flavor, or diced tomatoes and cheese for a Western-style dish. This versatile dish is easy to adapt and never gets boring. The bowl-style dish makes preparation a breeze, even on busy mornings. The combination of fermented foods and nutritious eggs will wake your brain up!

Ingredients (1 serving)
  • 1 bowl of rice (150g)
  • Natto, sauce, and mustard, 1 pack (45g)
  • 30g kimchi
  • 10g chopped green onion
  • Shredded seaweed 0.3g
  • 1 teaspoon of sesame oil (4g)

[Hot spring eggs]

  • 1 egg (60g)
  • 3 tablespoons water
How to make it
  • 1.Place 1 egg and 3 tablespoons of water in a deep heat-resistant container and poke a hole in the yolk with a toothpick.
  • 2.Heat in a 600W microwave for 50 seconds to make a soft-boiled egg.
  • 3.Heat the rice in a separate container in the microwave at 600W for 1 minute.
  • 4.Warm rice colorfully topped with natto, kimchi, chopped green onions, and soft-boiled eggs
  • 5.Drizzle with sesame oil and top with chopped nori seaweed to finish.

Brain-boosting recipes to improve your focus this summer
- Getting through exam preparation and club activities
Nutritional power~

Activate your brain with summer vegetables!
Spicy pork shabu somen noodles

The main ingredient, pork, is rich in vitamin B1, which supports the brain's energy metabolism, and high-quality protein, which is essential for maintaining concentration. In addition, the allicin contained in green onions and the vitamin B1 abundant in pork are known as the "strongest combination" that increases the absorption rate of vitamin B1 and helps recover from fatigue. It is the perfect combination to concentrate on studying without accumulating fatigue. Somen is a food that easily provides carbohydrates, the main energy source for the brain, but eating it with pork and summer vegetables suppresses sudden increases in blood sugar levels and leads to stable concentration. Nasunin, a type of polyphenol contained in eggplant, supports blood flow to the brain, and lycopene, contained in tomatoes, is said to have antioxidant properties that may contribute to maintaining cognitive function. This dish, which combines summer vegetables and somen, is not only refreshing and delicious, and easy to eat even in hot weather, but also has the "brain-boosting effect" of recovering from fatigue and supporting concentration!

Ingredients (1 serving)
  • 2 bundles of somen noodles (100g)*Adjust according to appetite
  • Thinly sliced pork (for shabu-shabu) 70g
  • 1 eggplant (100g)
  • 2 cherry tomatoes
  • 10g green onion

[Sauce]

  • Mentsuyu (straight) 70ml
  • 1/2 teaspoon chili oil
How to make it
  • 1.Microwave wrapped eggplant in plastic wrap
    Heat at 600W for 3 minutes and cut into bite-sized pieces.
  • 2.Cut the cherry tomatoes into quarters.
    Green onion, chopped into small pieces
  • 3.Bring plenty of water to a boil in a pot and add the pork
    Quickly boil
  • 4.Boil the somen noodles for the time indicated (about 2 minutes) and rinse thoroughly in cold water.
  • 5.Pork and eggplant are marinated in a sauce made by mixing noodle soup and chili oil.
  • 6.Add pizza cheese
  • 7.Arrange somen noodles, pork, eggplant, and tomatoes in a colorful bowl, pour sauce over them, and top with green onions.

Improve your concentration!
Morning toast recipe for exam students

Mackerel and avocado toast

Mackerel is rich in DHA and EPA, which activate the brain, vitamin B6, which improves memory and concentration, and protein, which is a material for neurotransmitters. Avocados, which are also recognized by the Guinness World Records as the "world's most nutritious fruit," are packed with nutrients such as folic acid, which supports memory, vitamin E, which has antioxidant properties, and dietary fiber, which regulates the intestinal environment. It's a simple recipe that just requires putting it on bread with cherry tomatoes and cheese and toasting it. Why not try this toast for breakfast to improve your concentration?

Ingredients (1 serving)
  • 1 slice of whole wheat bread (cut into 6 slices)
  • 1/3 can of boiled mackerel (approximately 50g)
  • 1/2 avocado (approximately 50g)
  • 1 teaspoon mayonnaise (5 g)
  • 2 cherry tomatoes (30g)
  • Pizza cheese (20g)
How to make it
  • 1.Drain the mackerel lightly, flake it with a fork, and mix it with mayonnaise.
  • 2.Cut the avocado into 1cm slices
  • 3.Cut the cherry tomatoes into quarters
  • 4.Spread the shredded mackerel on whole wheat bread.
  • 5.Sprinkle with avocado and cherry tomatoes
  • 6.Add pizza cheese
  • 7.Bake in a toaster for 3-4 minutes until the cheese is golden brown and melted.

Introducing the recipe
The teacher who helped me

Faculty of Health and Nutrition
Honda MiyokoProfessor

What is needed to maintain a healthy diet? Not only from a Nutrition perspective, but also with a scientific understanding of the origins of eating behavior, I have been involved in research into effective nutrition and food education for many years, focusing particularly on improving the eating habits of the younger generation. My areas of expertise are nutrition education, food behavior science, and health education.