Thai food has gained international popularity because of its harmonious taste and herbal flavor. People savor Thai cuisine for its perfect aroma and spiciness. These two features are essentially emphasized in every Thai dish. Thai food has an influence of its neighboring Asian countries such as India and china.
Most of the Thai food preparations are rice and noodle based. Since Thailand has vast coastal area, Thai food includes many varieties of fish and sea food dishes. Vegetable cuisine and Thai curries are also famous for its sumptuous taste. Basically Thai food is light and healthy.
Is Thai Food Healthy For You?
Apart from the taste and flavor, eating Thai food is beneficial for your health. In fact, there are several studies conducted to find various beneficial properties associated with eating Thai food. These health benefits are attributed to the herbs and spices used in Thai food. Thai food usually does not contain big pieces of meat or large animals. Instead the meat is shredded and blended with herbs and spices.
Secondly, the cooking method adopted for preparing Thai dishes is also healthy for your body. Most of the food is grilled, stewed or baked, naturally this requires less oil. A good reason for calorie conscious people to eat Thai food!
Most of the Thai dishes include fresh herbs and spices such as turmeric, galangal, lemongrass, coriander, and chillies. All these herbs have properties to fight against disease, as well as boost the immunity.
Common Ingredients Used In Thai Food
- Galangal: It may be foreign for the western world, but is nothing but Thai ginger root. This herb is used in every Thai dish for its distinct flavor and aroma. Galangal is known to relieve gastric discomfort and assists in digestion. It is a great anti emetic agent. Galangal also reduces tingling in hands and legs by increasing blood flow. It cures diarrhea, cramps in abdomen, and ulcer in the stomach.
- Turmeric: The ingredient called Curcumin present in turmeric is a natural anti-inflammatory agent. It is beneficial to reduce swelling and pain due to trauma. It is also relieves the symptoms of arthritis. Curcumin present in turmeric is also an effective anti oxidant. Turmeric helps to flush out all the toxins collected in body as well as destructs free radicals that damage the body cells. It helps in digestion, improves blood circulation, especially in coronary arteries, and fights against bacteria.
- Coriander: it is used as fresh coriander leaves or as coriander seeds in Thai dishes. Coriander is beneficial for increasing the appetite, reducing gases, bacterial and fungal infection. Coriander is also known as cilantro in many parts of the world.
- Lemongrass: its irresistible lemony fragrance makes Thai food more relishing. Lemongrass is used since centuries for treating common cold, upper respiratory tract infections, fevers, headaches, fungal infections and gastric disturbances.
- Coconut: coconut milk or coconut oil is used in almost all the Thai dishes. Both contain essential fatty acids that aid in reducing LDL cholesterol. It helps to boost immunity, and fights against aging process.
- Chilies: Dried, fresh or powdered, chilies are the core ingredients of ever Thai dish. Studies have suggested that eating chilies have helped patients suffering from insomnia to get better sleep. It keeps healthy heart as well as balances and glucose and insulin level in the blood.
Most Popular And Healthy Thai Food Dishes
- Tom Yum koong: it is made from mushrooms and shrimps. The soup consist many herbs such as lemongrass, lime leaves, galangal that gives an appealing smell. The soup has unique combination of spicy and sour flavor. It can be consumed as a starter dish or in the main course with rice.
- Pad Thai: it is a food for dinner. Pad Thai consists of noodles, tofu, beans and sprouts, added with onions, fish sauce, chili powder and peanuts, crushed not whole.
- Tom Kha Gai: it is the most delicious and refreshing soup. The basic ingredients are coconut milk, lemongrass, Galangal paste, and chicken.
- Besides this, the other healthy options of Thai food include steamed mussel with Galangan. Scallops with mushroom and vegetables such as zucchini are another healthy Thai food options.
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