I am a Filipino by birth and by heart but my surname “Guo, Que” is a constant reminder that I have Chinese blood coursing through my veins. As the Filipino-Chinese celebrate the new year, I’d like to share about the health benefits of the traditional Chinese way of eating.
Chinese cuisine has acquired a bad reputation for being greasy, high fat, high caloric, high sodium and generally BAD FOR EVERYONE’S HEALTH. I would put the blame on a number of restaurants who bastardized the Chinese traditional way of preparing food by adding ingredients and modifying cooking methods which made the dishes high in fat and sodium.
My grandmother is turning 94 this year and she is very healthy. My grandfather joined our creator at the age of 90. He had no known diseases related to poor diet. I grew up having lunch and dinner with them everyday for 14 years! And believe me when I say, I literally ate Chinese food everyday. The word burger was alien to me. Even when we would eat out, my family would go to a Chinese restaurant.
My grandparents’ diet were patterned after the healthy Chinese traditional way of preparing food and eating. They had three square meals and snacks in between. They never worried about their caloric intake but still managed to stay healthy for a very long time. Even more than the average life expectancy of 71 years. One thing is for sure. The food that they ate were very different from the unhealthy Chinese dishes we are so familiar with nowadays.
Yin foods (moist) are carbohydrates like rice and noodles that cool the body down. Yang foods (dry) are protein sources like fish and meat that heat the body up. Balance is important. Carbohydrates and protein rich foods should be eaten together to maintain normal blood sugar levels and decrease the risk of developing diabetes.
Bowls are frequently used instead of plates simply because Chinese people love soup. None of those thick cream-based soups of course. Chinese soups are broth-based. These are low in fat, keeping the body well hydrated and making one feel fuller thus decreasing the amount of food eaten.
Vegetables are not considered side dishes. They are a major part of Chinese meals. Increased intake of fruits and vegetables have been linked to decreasing health risks like cancer, heart diseases and diabetes. Green leafy vegetables are also rich in calcium.
Eleven years ago, I traveled to China with my parents and I remember my father said that he already tasted each and every tofu dish China has to offer. We were fed tofu in every meal for almost two weeks! You may not want to eat tofu every day but I suggest you try to eat it often because it is good for the heart and it helps relieve symptoms of menopause among women. Tofu helps decrease bad cholesterol and is a good source of calcium and protein. If you are taking thyroid medications for hyperthyroidism, allow at least four hours before consuming soy products to ensure absorption of your medication.
Chinese people drink tea the way we Filipinos drink water. I learned that when I ask for water in China, I will be served tea. Tea is rich in flavonoid, an antioxidant that has been proven to promote heart health. Tea also cleanses the digestive system.
Eat smart the next time you go to a Chinese restaurant. Remember to practice portion control to avoid weight gain thus increasing your health risks. Avoid foods that have thick sauces, are breaded and fried. Go easy on the Peking duck, fried rice and noodles. Choose the following healthy choices:
• Broth-based soups like wonton and hot-and-sour
• Steamed spring rolls and dumplings
• Vegetable dishes with chicken, scallops and shrimps
• Steamed brown or white rice
• Soft noodles
• Steamed fish
• Grilled, steamed and simmered dishes
• Tofu
Happy Chinese New Year!
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