Magic potatoes
Natural anti-aging, life enhancing properties from humble potatoes??
Sato means country area or village, so sato-imo could be called ‘country potatoes’ or maybe ‘wild potatoes’ as they are found in remote country areas.
Although the skin is striped and slightly hairy, they are quite similar to ‘normal’ potatoes when cooked except they are small and have a smooth, slightly sticky texture. In this way they are also similar to a yam (which apparently is the American name for the British ‘sweet potato’) - and the Japanese yama-imo, which is a type of yam (British version). Confusing!
All of these root vegetables have important health-enhancing properties, but I am going to deal in particular with the sato-imo here, because
- these potatoes are one of Japan’s best-kept secrets!
They are amazing!! In fact many Japanese do not know just how incredibly life-enhancing they are.
There is a village in Japan called Yuzuri Hara where the residents regularly live to over ninety or more - and are still amazingly fit and healthy, not to mention youthful - fewer wrinkles than the average 50-year old, even though many of them work outside in the baking sun all day.
Diseases such as cancer and Alzheimers are virtually unknown here, even among heavy smokers.
I recently saw a CNN TV report in which an investigator went to this village to find out how they managed to stay so fit and youthful - on the inside as well as the outside. The reporter noted that ‘The doctor is in danger of becoming redundant!‘
After investigating other possibilities such as the local water and their lifestyle, the only common factor was the ‘sticky potato’ which forms their staple diet (rather than rice).
Analysis of these potatoes shows they are rich in Hyaluronic Acid (HA), a substance produced naturally by our bodies in abundance when we are young.
Unfortunately it decreases with age, resulting in wrinkles, lines, dry skin etc.
And the effect is similar on the inside; our organs also need this HA to stay in good condition and function properly as it puts moisture into your body at a cellular level, not just on the surface.
HA has also been found beneficial in promoting healthy joints, vision, connective tissue, the speedy repair of wounds and the formation of collagen.
How to cook sato-imo
Just as your would regular potatoes, peel (be careful, though: the peel can irritate your skin, especially when wet) and boil; however, you may prefer them cooked in a small amount of water with a little soy sauce added and a few drops of mirin (sweet saké). Don’t let them get too soft.
Great news!
If you can’t find sato-imo locally, e.g. in a Japanese shop,
or you don’t want the trouble of cooking them every day -
or you don’t really like them that much anyway -
you can get a regular supply of HA, the ingredient that keeps you young and healthy, in a convenient, easy-to-take food supplement form;
just click below and go to the 'products' page for details of the 'Time Fighters Eternal Youth' (or 'Time Fighters EY Formula') supplement.
HA supplement details
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