We often associate Chinese food with the greasy, deep-fried, MSG-enriched fast-food franchises of the West, but authentic Chinese food is not only healthy, but essential for well-being. Chinese food, when prepared correctly, will improve your overall health and make you feel like a better person. Skeptical? Let’s get the facts about what Chinese food is and what it isn’t.

Nutritious

Authentic Chinese food is only 20% meat-based–the majority of it is made up of vegetables and rice. Fast-food Chinese is the opposite, relying heavily on meats. Some researchers tie meat-based diets to higher instances of cancer. Authentic Chinese food is stir-fried. Fast-food Chinese is deep-fried. Another astonishing fact is that the average Chinese person eats 30% more calories than the average Westerner but doesn’t seem to have the same struggles with weight.

Here are a few key components of Chinese food that makes it so nutritious:

Soy Sauce

Soy sauce contains 10 times the antioxidants of red wine and 150 times those of orange juice. Soy sauce comes from soybeans, which originated in China over 2,500 years ago. It prevents the type of bad cholesterol that leads to cardiovascular disease, and it’s a healthy alternative for those who are allergic to cow’s milk.

Ginger

Ah, the benefits of ginger! Ginger fights diarrhea in babies and children. It also combats nausea, and it’s good for headaches and fatigue, as it reduces inflammation naturally. Doctors in some parts of the world prescribe ginger as a cure for the common cold.

Steamed Fish

Fish oil contains omega-3, a fatty acid that reduces the risk of heart disease and cholesterol, enhances circulation, boosts immunity, and minimizes the risk of arthritis. Fish oil is also proven to help with eye problems, and scientists are currently researching the effects of omega-3 on memory diseases like Alzheimer’s.

Green Tea

You may have heard the term “free radicals” before. Free radicals are cells in our bodies that have lost their electrons and then steal electrons from other cells. These free radicals are extremely unstable and become rogue agents, working toward their own survival and destroying others in the process. They show up in wrinkly skin and other signs of aging. Free radicals are also associated with cancer. Antioxidants search for the free radicals in your system and destroy them. Green tea is rich in these antioxidants. Drink up!

Green Veggies

Vegetables like bok choy, broccoli, and green peppers are also rich in antioxidants that help prevent cancer. Cabbage, although not exactly green, still counts. It contains the antioxidant beta carotene, which combats breast cancer and is a rich source of calcium, which cuts the risk of osteoporosis. Cabbage is definitely a woman-empowering veggie.

Oyster Sauce

We all know oysters are an aphrodisiac, and sex is a big part of health and wholeness. In addition to being an aphrodisiac, oyster sauce contains zinc, which improves memory and the immune system. Use oyster sauce in a stir-fry or serve it over steamed veggies for a tasty and nutritious treat.

Convinced? Then find some authentic Chinese recipes, and eat up!

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