HERE'S TO YOUR HEALTH: SAKE

By Sara Faith Alterman

Hot or cold, sipped with sushi or "bombed" into a beer, sake is a versatile drink that is enjoyed for its flavor and body. However, sake can be more than just a potent dinnertime accent. This Japanese rice spirit is said to have enormous health benefits as well--it is touted as an effective solution for high blood pressure and is rich in amino acids and vitamins. Sake is also known for its cosmetic benefits; used in soaps, shampoos, and lotions, it is said to soothe and clarify the skin and help make hair shiny and glossy. Renowned sake sommelier Satomi Furugaki (of the California Sushi Academy) says that sake "facilitates the blood circulations, enhances one’s appetite, helps the body absorbe nutrition, and makes your heart and skin healthy."

There are endless varieties of this invigorating spirit, categorized by several variants; the degree to which the rice is polished, levels of additional distilled alcohol, age, etc. For sake novices, Furugaki recommends trying something from the "ginjo" category (made with highly polished rice) because they are light and pleasant. "Those who only know the 'sake bomb' will be pleasantly surprised by the Ginjo type of sake for its freshness and dainty redolence," she says. You can find sake in most liquor and wine stores, and even in some supermarkets. Store in a cool, dark place, and once you've cracked the bottle open, consume it right away. Once sake begins to oxidize, the flavor begins to change quickly. Besides, why wait to start drinking when a healthier you is just a few sips away?