Eating right is the best way to stay fit. With so much junk food around, it’s easy to fall prey to temptation and indulge in unhealthy meals. Eating healthy doesn’t always have to be boring; exotic cuisines from around the world have delicious dishes to offer that are also very nutritious. Read on to find out what the healthiest cuisines are from around the world.
Each of these cuisines offer balanced meals that don’t compromise on quality or taste. Enjoy lip-smacking dishes without worrying about how it’s going to impact your health.
Greek
Traditional Greek food has a lot of dark leafy vegetables, high-fibre beans, lentils, grains and olive oil. Most of the dishes are extremely healthy for the heart. Loaded with saturated fats and vegetables, Greek food fights diseases and improves metabolism. Omega-3 rich fish also contributes to fighting cancer. Harvard University research has proven that a Mediterranean-style diet is associated with reduced risk of death from heart disease and cancer.
A healthy, wholesome Greek dish you could feast on is a Greek salad or lemon basil shrimp (whole wheat) pasta.
Japanese
The Japanese tend to eat food in small portions, which promotes easy digestion. These small portions have a lot of colourful vegetables like cabbage, eggplant and green onion. Each of these has their own nutritional value. As a culture, the Japanese emphasize on eating healthy and using seasonal ingredients to cook their food. They are very particular about selecting the right ingredients based on what season it is.
Staple food in Japan includes antioxidant-rich yams and green tea; cruciferous, calcium-rich vegetables like bok choy; iodine-rich seaweed (good for your thyroid); omega-3-rich seafood; shiitake mushrooms (a source of iron, potassium, zinc, copper, and folate); and whole-soy foods. People in Japan drink green tea with their meals which is loaded with anti-oxidants.
Also Read: Why is Japanese Cuisine Healthy?
Indian
Indian food famously incorporates healthy fat found in legumes into its dishes. The rich spices have health-boosting properties, while the herbs help lower blood pressure. The presence of grains and fibre in the India diet is greatly beneficial to the digestive system. Curd and lentils is also a staple among Indians, which have significant amounts of folate and magnesium. Packed with flavour, Indian food is healthy and delicious!
Thai
Thai food is cherished for its delicious flavour and taste. Not too many people are aware that Thai food is also very healthy. Many elements of Thai cooking help boost the immune system and assist with digestion. A famous Thai soup, Tom Yung Gung, is known to have potential cancer-fighting properties. The soup is made with shrimp, coriander, lemongrass, ginger and other Thai herbs. All of these ingredients are strong anti-oxidants and inhibit cancer growth.
Thai food does not rely too much on fats and meats. The dishes are laden with fresh vegetables, seafood and have spices added which replenish vital nutrients in the body. Staple Thai food uses a lot of ginger, turmeric and lemongrass. These ingredients have been used in Asian medicine to treat a variety of illnesses.
Also Read: 14 Lip-Smacking Thai Dishes To Feast On when You Visit Thailand
Korean
Korean food is a great combination of light and healthy meals. Most Koreans ensure that they eat a vegetable with every meal. Basic seasonings in Korean food are a mix of red pepper, green onion, bean paste, garlic, ginger, sesame, and vinegar. All of these ingredients are a great addition to any diet. They also eat a lot of steamed food, which is much healthier than deep fried options. Their nutrition rich, low-fat food diet is an excellent example of healthy eating. Kimchi, miso soup, steamed vegetables in chilli paste are some traditional Korean foods. Tofu, noodles, eggs and fish are also common food items in Korean households.
Also Read: 13 Delectable Korean Dishes to Try in South Korea
Scandinavian
Scandinavian food is regarded as one of the healthiest diets in the world. Obesity rates in many Scandinavian countries are very low, with Sweden’s rate falling below 10%. The diet consists of simple food that is made from scratch. It includes a lot of cabbage and root vegetables such as carrot or beet. People from Scandinavian countries also eat a lot of whole-grain rye bread and Brussels sprouts which are high in vitamin C and K.
Danish cuisine specifically is very nutritional, containing food that is loaded with vitamins, minerals and proteins. Their desserts are also very healthy and mostly include berries like lingonberries and cloudberries.
Vietnamese
Vietnamese food’s most distinct quality is that it uses water or broth instead of oil while cooking. This is instantly beneficial to overall health. Fresh herbs, lots of vegetables and seafood are frequently found in different dishes. Instead of a heavy dessert, fruit is generally served at the end of the meal. Traditional Vietnamese ingredients like cilantro, mint, Thai basil and red chili are renowned for their medicinal properties. Cilantro and anise specifically help with digestion and fight inflammation.
Vietnamese noodles are made with rice instead of gluten, which makes it easier to digest. Popular Vietnamese dish Pho is a delicious broth enriched with vegetables and your choice of meat. It’s very healthy and amazingly tasty!
Ethiopian
Ethiopian food mostly comprises grains, spicy peppers, lentils, cabbage, kale, tomato, lamb, and eggs. It is devoid of red meats like pork. The food is high in fibre and protein. Lentil soup is a staple in the country. Its high fibre content makes it great for health issues like irregular bowel incontinence. Injera is a staple in Ethiopia and is encountered at every meal. It is a spongy flatbread and is thought to be one of the healthiest sources of carbohydrates in the world.
Have we missed any of your favourite healthiest cuisines from around the world? If so, be sure to share them in the comments below.
