Have you ever wondered why people in Asia are long-lived, healthy, and slim? The secret lies precisely in a balanced diet, which is rich in vegetables and insists on moderate consumption of meat prepared in a healthy way.
Asian cuisine encompasses various culinary traditions and dishes from different parts of Asia. The most famous Asian specialties prepared in restaurants around the world are dishes traditionally originating from:
- China
- Japan
- Korea
- Thailand
- India
- Vietnam
Restaurateurs around the world open restaurants inspired by Asian cuisine, primarily due to its authentic and very good taste. Guests gladly choose these specialties because, in addition to great taste, Asian food can be a very healthy option for a restaurant meal.
Asian cuisine is known for its balanced diet
Did you know that Asian tradition dictates that the number of different dishes served at the table should not be less than the number of guests at the table? This tells us that Asian cuisine greatly supports a varied diet.
Asian cuisine abounds in different types of vegetables, including a wide range of colors, textures, and flavors, contributing to the intake of healthy nutrients, diverse nutrients, vitamins, and minerals.
Most Asian specialties consist of plant foods such as vegetables, tofu, and various legumes. The choice of ingredients is rich in proteins, fibers, and other nutrients, contributing to overall health and reducing the risk of certain diseases.
Vegetables are most often combined with rice or noodles, with a moderate amount of added meat, fish or seafood.
Whole grains as a healthy source of carbohydrates
We know that one of the main ingredients in many Asian dishes is rice, which has a high percentage of carbohydrates, so people sometimes avoid these dishes because of the rice.
However, all Asian dishes prepared with white rice can also be prepared with whole grain, brown rice, which is less fattening.
Whole grains such as brown rice, barley, and various types of whole grain pasta are often part of Asian specialties.
Brown rice contains more vitamins and minerals than white rice. Its bran contains nutrients such as B vitamins, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, zinc, and others, which are important for overall health.
Most importantly, brown rice has a lower glycemic index compared to white rice, helping to maintain stable blood sugar levels, which is especially important for people with diabetes, insulin resistance, or those looking to lose weight.
Due to its high fiber content, brown rice creates a feeling of fullness. The fibers absorb water, increasing the volume of food in the stomach and prolonging the feeling of satiety.
Moderate meat consumption
Most Asian specialties involve a moderate amount of meat, with an emphasis on vegetables and plant-based protein sources, contributing to maintaining a healthy body weight and reducing the risk of certain diseases.
Asian dishes are often prepared with fish and seafood, which are sources of healthy omega-3 fatty acids and help maintain heart and brain health.
Many spices commonly used in preparation, such as ginger, turmeric, onion, and chili peppers, have well-known medicinal properties and strengthen the immune system.
Healthy cooking methods
Traditional Asian cuisine uses fewer saturated fats compared to some other culinary styles. Instead of frying, many dishes are prepared by boiling, stewing, or baking.
A very healthy steaming technique is often used in Chinese cuisine, especially for preparing dishes known as “dim sum,” as well as for vegetables and fish.
Steaming preserves the nutrients in foods, reduces the need for adding large amounts of oil, and helps maintain the natural color of the food, contributing to better aesthetics when serving dishes.
Stir-frying is one of the most common cooking techniques in Asian cuisine. Quick cooking at high temperatures preserves the freshness of vegetables and meat, allowing them to retain their vitamins and minerals.
Choose an Asian restaurant, instead of fast food
Although Asian food is a healthy option, certain fast food restaurants add sauces that are very tasty but often full of sugar and flavor enhancers, which are not a healthy choice and contribute to weight gain. Therefore, choosing Asian restaurants is a better option than Asian fast food.
If you choose a good Asian restaurant, you can be sure that fresh ingredients were used in the preparation. Fresh ingredients provide more nutrients and better taste compared to fast food, which often relies on frozen products.
Additionally, fast food is often prepared from processed ingredients that may contain higher amounts of salt, sugar, and additives to retain flavor.
What guests particularly value in restaurants is often better control over the quality of the food served, as well as meeting stricter hygiene standards.
A good restaurant will evoke the spirit of Asia for you
Restaurants offer a wider range of dishes and specialties, while fast food places usually have a limited selection based on quick preparation and simple serving.
In restaurants, you have more flexibility in customizing dishes to your preferences and needs. For instance, you can request that a dish be prepared with whole grain rice or noodles instead of white rice, you can replace some ingredients, and adjust the spiciness.
Moreover, in good restaurants, you will have the opportunity to try dishes that taste no different from the original traditional dishes that can be tasted in Asia. They will retain the traditional way of preparing dishes, preserving the authenticity of taste and texture.
Visiting a reputable Asian restaurant will provide you with an authentic atmosphere. With good service and an ambiance inspired by Eastern aesthetics, you will experience the spirit of Asia as if you were on that continent.