Definition

Sake is an alcoholic beverage made from rice in a process similar to the brewing of beer. Aspergillus oryzae mold and yeast is used in the fermentation process. See: Aspergillus oryzae

Health considerations

Sakes’ composition is influenced by the type of rice and water used in the brewing process. Sake will typically retain some amount of the phytochemicals present in the rice grain itself, in addition to antioxidants such as ferulic acid produced during brewing. Sake contains trace amounts of potassium, magnesium, and phosphorus. Different sakes use different waters as the mineral content influences the sweetness of the end product; sweeter sakes have fewer minerals than their drier counterparts. See: Aspergillus oryzae, Ferulic acid

Keep in mind

Undiluted sake has a much higher alcohol content than typical wines and beers. Immoderate alcohol consumption is associated with negative health effects.

References

Self Nutrition Data Journal of Tropical Biology and Conservation
Journal of the Institute of Brewing

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