Most dishes are filled with huge quantities of vegetables, grass-fed meats, seafood and herbs and spices. Every ingredient is handpicked for medicinal purposes. The Chinese people rarely eat canned/frozen food. Steamed, braised, and stir-fried – home cooked Chinese meals are nutrient dense and low in fat.
These steamed vegetables and tea, combined with only occasional red meat and minimal fried food, led to immense health benefits for Chinese people. Their traditional plant-based diet has been shown to be one of the main factors in decreased rates of heart disease, diabetes and obesity among rural Chinese people.
Recommended. Indeed, the traditional Chinese diet is far healthier than the traditional American diet, which often features meat as the focus of the meal, says T. Colin Campbell, PhD, professor of nutritional biochemistry at Cornell University in Ithaca, N.Y.
1. Steamed fish or seafood with ginger, scallions and soy sauce. Steamed fish and veggies are packed with fiber and protein. One of the healthiest places you can choose an entree on a Chinese restaurant menu from is the seafood section, according to Amy Yiu, RD, a registered dietitian with Health Stand Nutrition.
Generally, Japanese foods are considered healthier and more nutritious than Chinese meals. The reason lies in the use of fats, carbs, and proteins. Japanese cuisine uses a lot of proteins, and the primary source is seafood. Usually, the Japanese serve raw seafood. However, some prefer steaming and stir-frying.
Japanese rice is a staple in the Japanese diet and has been shown to be healthful in several ways. One reason for its healthfulness is that it is typically grown using traditional farming methods that avoid the use of harmful chemicals and pesticides.
Worst: General Tso's Chicken
One order clocks in at around 1,500 calories and 88 grams of fat, and it delivers more sodium than you should get in a day. Other fried dishes to watch out for: sesame, orange, and sweet and sour chicken.
Store-bought and takeout varieties can become incredibly unhealthy with too much soy sauce, salt, and fat. But with the right homemade recipe, like the one below, you can eat a bowl of fried rice that's nutritious, fibrous, and full of healthy nutrients.
Thai: Thai cuisine often tops the list of healthy takeaways. Unlike Chinese food, which is often high in sugar and salt, Thai cooking uses fresh herbs and spices to add flavour, while also maintaining a focus on fresh vegetables and good quality meat - meaning dishes are generally lower in calories and fat.
Nutrition Facts
High in fiber, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, the Asian diet is also low in saturated and total fat. It is this combination that many health professionals believe protects against many chronic diseases, such as heart disease and cancer.
Food is an important part of daily life for Chinese people. Chinese not only enjoy eating but believe eating good food can bring harmony and closeness to the family and relationships. Shopping daily for fresh food is essential for all Chinese cooking.
Pregnant women should be cautious when eating Chinese food, especially if they're trying to avoid potential allergens. Some soy sauce brands may contain MSG and could cause some issues for pregnant moms-to-be. In general, it's best to consult your OB/GYN before making any changes to what you eat while expecting a baby.
Loaded with protein, healthy fats, calcium, multivitamins & minerals; this meal is something that can help you in the overall growth. Barring the carbohydrates present in rice, eggs offers numerous health benefits like bone development and calcium absorption. This meal has about 256 calories in just 1 bowl.
First, it's considered a whole grain food that provides a number of nutrients that are lacking in more refined varieties. It's rich in selenium and manganese, which help fight cancer cells and promote overall health. Jasmine rice also has naturally occurring oils, which help to lower cholesterol and diabetes.
A stir-fry is a great way to get a healthy dose of vegetables. If you add a little lean protein, a flavorful sauce, and serve your stir-fry over steamed brown rice, you've got a well-balanced meal. It's also quick to make if you use precooked brown rice.
Most international foods are not exempt from the junk food category: Chinese food (high in sugar, starch and or flour), sushi (white rice with added sugar), sweetened teriyaki foods, deep fried fish and chips, and others.
This largely depends on the type of noodle and how it's prepared. Some types of Asian noodles, such as soba and udon noodles made from whole grains, can provide a good source of fibre and nutrients. However, other types of noodles, like ramen and rice noodles, may be less nutritious and higher in carbohydrates.
Chicken congee, a classic Chinese rice porridge, is an ideal choice for those feeling ill. The dish is easy on the stomach while offering sufficient protein from the chicken.
Basmati rice is a staple in the Indian diet. This rice is grown in India's desert regions, making it a good source of nutritive minerals like iron, zinc, and calcium. It's also high in dietary fiber and has a low glycemic index. This makes it an ideal grain to have in your meal plan following a healthy diet.
China. China has the distinction of being the world's biggest producer and consumer of rice on an annual basis. Rice consumption behaviour varies across different regions of China.
Although Japanese people eat lots of rice which are high in carbohydrates, there is very little fat in each meal. The rice is cooked with only water, avoiding ingredients which are high in fat. In terms of nutritional content, Japanese white rice is relatively healthy.
Widely considered to be one of the healthiest diets in the world, the Okinawan diet has numerous health benefits. So much so that Japan has the lowest obesity rates and second longest life expectancy of any developed country. The Okinawan diet is centred around fish, seafood, tofu, and other nutrient-rich ingredients.