When it comes to healthy habits worth adopting, Dr. Vicente Mera suggests looking to Japan. “People there live longer,” he says, noting that Japan has one of the highest life expectancies in the world. “This isn’t just because of genetics—it’s also due to healthy habits, antioxidant-rich foods, fermented ingredients, and more.”

Dr. Mera has visited Japan several times to practice these habits, and now he’s sharing one of them with Vogue. Here are five foods you might not eat often, but definitely should.

Fermented cabbage (or sauerkraut)
Fermented foods like natto, pickles, and vegetables are a staple of Japanese dining. Pickled cabbage—known in Europe as sauerkraut—is often served as a side dish. The pickling process turns regular green cabbage into a powerful food that improves digestion, reduces bloating, and keeps you full.

Kuzu
Made from the root of the invasive kudzu plant, this Japanese flour can be used as a thickener in many dishes. It’s popular in Traditional Chinese Medicine because it’s rich in phytoestrogens, which are thought to support women going through menopause. It may also promote heart health and reduce inflammation.

Umeboshi paste
Made from Japanese plums, this fermented paste has probiotic benefits, is low in fat and calories, and can help ease headaches. You can take half a teaspoon before meals, or use it to make a tea-like drink.

Miso soup
In Japan, miso soup is the perfect way to start the day—and for good reason. Its high probiotic content makes it a great choice to break your overnight fast and get your digestive system ready for the day ahead, warming it up both literally and figuratively. Dr. Mera also highlights its high levels of protein, vitamins, and minerals, calling it a superfood.

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Frequently Asked Questions
Here is a list of FAQs about the antioxidantrich foods Japanese women eat for gut health written in a natural conversational tone

General Beginner Questions

1 What exactly are antioxidantrich foods
Antioxidants are like your bodys repair crew They help protect your cells from damage caused by things like pollution and stress Foods rich in them help keep your body healthy from the inside out

2 Which 4 foods are we talking about
The four common foods are Natto Miso Green Tea and Daikon Radish

3 How do these foods help my gut
They work in two main ways First the antioxidants reduce inflammation in your gut lining Second the fermented foods are packed with probiotics which are the good bacteria that help you digest food and keep your gut balanced

4 Is this just a Japanese diet thing or can anyone try it
Anyone can absolutely try it These foods are becoming popular worldwide You dont have to eat a full Japanese mealjust adding a cup of miso soup or a serving of natto to your week can make a difference

Benefits Science Questions

5 Whats the specific benefit of natto for the gut
Natto is unique because it contains a powerful probiotic called Bacillus subtilis Its also rich in vitamin K2 and an enzyme called nattokinase which supports blood flow and helps reduce gut inflammation

6 How is green tea different from other teas for gut health
Green tea is high in a specific antioxidant called EGCG This compound helps feed your good gut bacteria and can protect the gut lining from damage caused by processed foods or stress

7 Can these foods help with bloating or indigestion
Yes often The probiotics in miso and natto help regulate digestion which can reduce gas and bloating The antioxidants also calm inflammation which is a common cause of indigestion Start with small amounts though as too much fiber or fermented food at once can cause temporary bloating