Healing Foods of Asia

FOOD & DRINK / WRITTEN BY DESIREE NIELSEN RD

From Japan to Indonesia, Asian cultures and traditions inspire and captivate the rest of the world. Traditional healing modalities such as Ayurveda in India and traditional Malay herbal medicine are closely intertwined with local cuisines and cooking methods. What follows is an introduction to many of the healing foods common across the Asian continent; some you may know, others might be exotic. Healthy eating is at its best when infused with a sense of adventure…so why not have some fun and try out a few new foods?

Bitter Melon

True to its name, this bitter green cucumber-shaped fruit is famed for helping Okinawans live long, healthy lives. Iron rich, bitter melon may help to lower blood sugar; diabetics should use bitter melon under the supervision of their doctor due to risk of hypoglycemia. Add sliced bitter melon to stir fry or small pieces to your favourite juicing blend.

Coconut

Coconut is a culinary staple: from hydrating coconut water to coconut milk and flesh, the coconut is used throughout East Asian cuisines. Potassium rich, coconut water is a great natural hydration source and alternative to sports drinks. Coconut milk, while rich in saturated fat, contains a unique fatty acid called lauric acid which holds promise as an immune booster.

Ginger

Pungent and spicy, ginger has a long history of use for easing nausea, stimulating digestion and improving circulation. An important addition to any healthy diet, ginger is also anti-inflammatory. Add chopped ginger to curry, stir fry and fruit salad. Even try making a ginger lemon tonic: boil sliced lemon and ginger for 5 minutes and stir in a little honey before sipping.

Lemongrass

Anti-bacterial, anti-fungal and rich in vitamin C, lemon grass is traditionally prized to relieve colds, improve circulation and cleanse the body. Slice lemongrass in curry and stir fry, use it to flavour soup or create a tea by boiling briefly and serving with honey.

Star Anise

A classic component of Chinese Five Spice, star anise lends an exotic twist to marinades and stews. Used in Malay traditions to ease gas and stomach upset, Star Anise is considered a warming herb well suited for the cooler months.

Tamarind

The fruit of the tamarind is found in pods, similar to large beans. Bittersweet, the fruit is used in candies, drinks and chutneys from India to the Philippines. Tamarind fruit is a natural laxative and may have positive effects on blood cholesterol. A staple in Pad Thai, look for tamarind chutneys or try tamarind concentrate for an exotic twist on iced tea.

Tea

Tea in all its forms—green, white, oolong and black—has long been consumed as a health tonic and social beverage. Rich in antioxidants, tea is also a calming alternative to coffee, thanks to its l-theanine content (an amino acid). EGCG, a component of green tea, helps reduce the risk of cancer.

Turmeric

Botanically related to ginger and the signature component of both Indian and Thai curry, turmeric is a potent antiinflammatory and is traditionally used as a liver tonic. Add dried turmeric to savoury dishes or chop fresh turmeric root and add as you would garlic or ginger. Great added to smoothies.