Asian food pyramid provides harmonious diet
Studies warn of the difference between healthy, traditional Asian meals and fat-ridden Americanized Asian cuisine
By: Amber Russell
Issue date: 9/25/08 Section: Lifestyle
The next portion of the pyramid is vegetable oils. Although used sparingly in Asian dishes, oils are okay to eat daily. The Asian-American restaurant food can contain astronomical amounts of fat compared to a traditional Asian diet. Some dishes you order in your local Chinese restaurant contain much more fat content than the average burger and French fries meal.
Next in the food pyramid comes fish and dairy. Fish and shellfish like crab, shrimp and scallops can be eaten daily. Eggs, poultry and sweets are next in the chart and small amounts are suggested only about once a week. Fortune cookies are an American creation.
Meat is almost at the top of the pyramid and is eaten sparingly in Asian-style cuisine because of the high fat content and its link to heart disease. Red meat is traditionally eaten about once a month, compared to several times a week in American diets.
The final portion of the pyramid consists of tea, wine, sake and beer. Green tea, which contains antioxidants that have been proven to fight heart disease, boost immunity, lower cholesterol and even fight some cancers, is a favorite drink within many Asian cultures. Alcohol is allowed in the food chart in moderation, but green tea can be sipped with
every meal.
Healthy Asian foods
You've learned how beneficial it can be to take a tip from Asian-style cuisine and incorporate these foods into your diet. Here are some Asian entrées, beverages and desserts that can help you lose weight and have more energy while contributing to a healthful diet with many benefits.
Shirataki Noodles - These noodles, similar to spaghetti in size and consistency, contain almost no "bad" carbohydrates and are low in calories and a good source of fiber. Foods rich in fiber, like Shirataki noodles, absorb water, which means this meal will leave you feeling full and satisfied. They have virtually no taste, so whatever you cook them in, they will soak up the flavor.
Decreased blood cholesterol levels
Next in the food pyramid comes fish and dairy. Fish and shellfish like crab, shrimp and scallops can be eaten daily. Eggs, poultry and sweets are next in the chart and small amounts are suggested only about once a week. Fortune cookies are an American creation.
Meat is almost at the top of the pyramid and is eaten sparingly in Asian-style cuisine because of the high fat content and its link to heart disease. Red meat is traditionally eaten about once a month, compared to several times a week in American diets.
The final portion of the pyramid consists of tea, wine, sake and beer. Green tea, which contains antioxidants that have been proven to fight heart disease, boost immunity, lower cholesterol and even fight some cancers, is a favorite drink within many Asian cultures. Alcohol is allowed in the food chart in moderation, but green tea can be sipped with
every meal.
Healthy Asian foods
You've learned how beneficial it can be to take a tip from Asian-style cuisine and incorporate these foods into your diet. Here are some Asian entrées, beverages and desserts that can help you lose weight and have more energy while contributing to a healthful diet with many benefits.
Shirataki Noodles - These noodles, similar to spaghetti in size and consistency, contain almost no "bad" carbohydrates and are low in calories and a good source of fiber. Foods rich in fiber, like Shirataki noodles, absorb water, which means this meal will leave you feeling full and satisfied. They have virtually no taste, so whatever you cook them in, they will soak up the flavor.
Decreased blood cholesterol levels
Viewing Comments 1 - 1 of 1
Cynthia | Calorie Shifting Diet
posted 12/23/09 @ 1:43 PM CST
Interesting to look at this investigation, I always wanted to visit some Chinese cooks, but still didn't.
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