Japan’s Traditional Kori-Tofu Emerges as a New Weapon Against Modern Lifestyle Diseases
Groundbreaking Research Reveals Freeze-Dried Tofu Protein Boosts Gut Hormones, Offering Hope for Obesity and Fatty Liver Prevention.
In a significant scientific breakthrough, researchers from Shinshu University and Asahi Matsu Foods Co., Ltd. have unveiled a novel function of Kori-tofu (freeze-dried tofu) protein and its resistant protein. Their findings indicate that these components can enhance GLP-1 production in the intestinal tract, effectively preventing weight gain and fatty liver in mice fed a high-fat diet. This discovery positions Kori-tofu, a staple of Japanese cuisine, as a promising natural intervention against prevalent lifestyle-related diseases.
The Urgent Need for New Health Solutions
The global rise in obesity continues to be a pressing health concern, with increasing numbers of individuals facing associated risks such as diabetes, fatty liver disease, dyslipidemia, and arteriosclerosis. While Kori-tofu, known in Japan as kori-dofu or shimi-dofu and almost exclusively produced in Nagano Prefecture, has long been recognized for its potential to lower post-meal blood sugar and blood lipid levels in smaller studies, the precise mechanisms behind these metabolic benefits remained largely unknown until now.
A Deep Dive into Kori-Tofu’s Protective Power
Professor Naoki Tanaka of Shinshu University’s Department of International Medical Research Promotion, in collaboration with Takahiro Ishiguro, Director of Asahi Matsu Foods’ Research Institute, embarked on a comprehensive study to investigate Kori-tofu’s impact on obesity. The research team administered a high-fat diet to mice over 16 weeks, observing a significant increase in weight and the development of fatty liver compared to those on a normal diet. However, when Kori-tofu-derived protein or resistant protein was incorporated into the high-fat diet, the mice exhibited noticeably reduced weight gain and a lesser degree of fatty liver.
Unraveling the Mechanism: A Gut-Brain Connection
The study elucidated the fascinating pathway through which Kori-tofu exerts its protective effects. Upon ingesting Kori-tofu-derived proteins, gut bacteria were observed to react, leading to an increase in azelaic acid within the intestines. This increase, in turn, stimulated the production of GLP-1 (Glucagon-Like Peptide-1) in the ileum, a part of the small intestine. GLP-1 then traveled to adipose tissues and the liver, promoting fat burning and ultimately mitigating weight gain and fatty liver. Crucially, the research found no adverse effects on vital organs such as the stomach, kidneys, or heart from the Kori-tofu protein or resistant protein intake.
A Future of Health and Innovation
Given the modern dietary trends often rich in fats and sugars, the findings offer a beacon of hope. Incorporating Kori-tofu protein into one’s diet could be a simple yet effective strategy to alleviate weight gain and fatty liver. Professor Naoki Tanaka shared his vision for the future, stating, “Based on the knowledge gained from this research, we aim to collaborate further with Asahi Matsu Foods to explore Kori-tofu’s potential for extending healthy lifespans. Shinshu University is committed to deepening its ties with local companies, generating new findings, and contributing to the prevention of obesity and lifestyle-related diseases.”
This pivotal research was published in the esteemed scientific journal, International Journal of Biological Macromolecules, on December 6, 2025.
Reference: Pan Diao et al., “Kori-tofu ameliorates obesity and steatotic liver disease through enhancing GLP-1 production in the ileum,” International Journal of Biological Macromolecules, 2025 Dec 6:149537. doi: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2025.149537
