Health Benefits of Nitrate Ions
Previously, through the Japan Fertilizer and Ammonia Producers Association (JFPA), I submitted a request to the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF) to revise the relevant sections of the Basic Guidelines for Agricultural Technology concerning nitrate ions. MAFF responded promptly and revised the description related to nitrate ions. This is reflected in the main text (page 12), where the phrase “it is now recognized that they also have beneficial effects” is printed in bold, indicating that MAFF has officially acknowledged this point.
Globally, many discoveries have been made regarding nitrate ions. These are described in detail in the main text, and I hope readers will examine them carefully.
In the field of organic agriculture, it is widely believed worldwide that crops containing high levels of nitrate ions tend to have inferior taste, and in some cases may even lead to infant mortality. Therefore, cultivation methods that result in low nitrate content are considered preferable. As the author, I do not claim that this perspective should be changed. However, from an academic standpoint, it is also a well-established fact worldwide that nitrate ions can exert beneficial effects on human health. I would like readers to be aware of this fact, which is why I introduce it here.
It should also be noted that applications submitted to public institutions such as MAFF are more likely to be accepted when made through organizations. Those who pass the “Fertilization Technology Meister Certification Program,” officially recognized by the JFPA and for which I serve as a lecturer in the basic course, are listed by name on MAFF’s website as “soil improvement specialists.” In my case as well, I believe that these ongoing professional relationships had a significant influence.
https://www.maff.go.jp/j/seisan/kankyo/tuti_list.html
What I would especially like to highlight is that, when parting after my explanation, the official in charge said to me, “Please hold a symposium at the Japanese Society of Soil Science and Plant Nutrition to publicize the health benefits of nitrate ions.” As this was new content even within academic circles, permission was granted to hold such a symposium.
The results were published by the Chemical Daily Co., Ltd. under the title The Dawn of Fertilizers: Fertilizers, Minerals, and Human Health (issued on September 18, 2018), and the book is still in print today.
Correcting Zinc Deficiency
It has gradually become clear, through the clinical practice of a small number of physicians across Japan, that zinc is effective in treating a wide range of diseases. For example, in 2002, Dr. Ryuhei Kurasawa of the Tomi Onsen Clinic in Tomi City, Nagano Prefecture, discovered that loss of appetite in the elderly, mouth ulcers, anorexia, and pressure ulcers (bedsores) could all be successfully treated by administering zinc (using Promac, a gastric ulcer medication, as the zinc preparation). This finding was also featured on NHK’s television program Tameshite Gatten, and as a result, many people are now aware of it (NHK did not mention the product name “Promac” on the program because it is a brand name).
However, the reality is not so simple. According to reports, the Japanese Society of Pressure Ulcers largely ignores zinc and regards repositioning patients as the most effective treatment method. Although they are surely aware of Dr. Kurasawa’s lectures, zinc administration has not gained widespread acceptance. One might speculate that this is due to the authority-oriented nature of the medical community, in which a physician working at a small regional hot-spring clinic is not regarded as having sufficient authority.
Similarly, Dr. Shoko Arisawa of Aisei Clinic in Nagoya discovered quite some time ago that atopic dermatitis can be cured through zinc supplementation. In 2002 (Heisei 14), her book “Atopy Disappeared: Cured by Zinc” was published by SHUFUNOTOMO Co,Ltd, and many people are likely familiar with her work.
Nevertheless, the situation is not straightforward for Dr. Arisawa either. When zinc is provided as a supplement, it is not covered by Japan’s health insurance reimbursement system. This means that she must charge patients directly for the cost of the supplements, turning the treatment into private medical care rather than insured medical practice. The author imagines that this poses a significant dilemma for Dr. Arisawa, whose work primarily centers on insured medical services.
Related Posts to New Common Knowledge About Nutrients
Boron Is Essential for Both Plants and Animals / Silicic Acid Is a Valuable Substance
The Effects of Magnesium / Key Points on the Importance of Iron
