Chinese cuisine is known for its vibrant flavors, diverse dishes, and rich cultural significance. It is also packed with nutrients and antioxidants, making it a great way to improve your overall health and well-being. One of the most important concepts in Chinese cuisine is the five elements: wood, fire, earth, metal, and water. These elements are associated with different organs and bodily functions, according to traditional Chinese medicine. By incorporating foods from all five elements into your diet, you can create a healthy and balanced meal that will nourish your body and mind. However, please note that these dishes are not a substitute for professional medical advice and should not be relied upon to treat or prevent specific medical conditions.
VISION HEALTH
(si lik gin hong)
Insights:
Chinese cuisine promotes eye health with beta-carotene-rich ingredients like carrots, broccoli, and leafy greens, which are packed with vision-supporting vitamin A. Additionally, ingredients like goji berries and wolfberries, often used in Chinese cuisine, are renowned for vision-enhancing antioxidants like zeaxanthin and lutein. Stir-frying, a common Chinese cooking technique, preserves the nutritional value of these ingredients.
Our Picks:
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Choy Sum in Oyster Sauce
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Carrot and Red Date Soup
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Congee with Yam and Goji Berry
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Stir-fried Broccoli with Mushrooms
BRAIN HEALTH
(nou gin hong)
Insights:
Chinese cuisine is a feast for brain health, featuring ingredients that nourish the mind. Dishes often incorporate brain-boosting elements like fatty fish, nuts rich in omega-3 fatty acids, aiding cognitive function and memory. Gingko biloba, used in Chinese cooking, is renowned for improving circulation and enhancing brain function. Nutrient-packed tofu, with its high protein and iron content, also supports brain health.
Our Picks:
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Steamed Fish with Ginger and Scallion
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Ginko Nut Soup
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Tofu and Spinach Jade Dumplings
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Honey Walnut Shrimp
MENTAL WELL-BEING
(sám lei gin hong)
Insights:
Chinese cuisine offers a wealth of ingredients and cooking methods that can enhance mental well-being. For example, ginger and ginseng have calming properties, while black fungus and bamboo shoots provide essential nutrients like iron and B6, crucial for brain health and oxygenation. Balanced cooking methods like steaming and stir-frying preserve the nutritional value while maximizing the mental health benefits.
Our Picks:
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Chicken Hot and Sour Soup
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Buddha's Delight
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Ginseng Chicken Soup
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Bamboo Shoot with Oyster Mushroom
HEART HEALTH
(sám lei gin hong)
Insights:
Chinese cuisine promotes heart health, like garlic, which lowers blood pressure and heart disease risk. Leafy greens, like Bok choy and Chinese broccoli, are potassium-rich, aiding blood pressure and heart health. Hawthorn berries enhance circulation and lower blood pressure with antioxidants and flavonoids. Soy products, like tofu and edamame, improve blood vessel function, and promote a healthier heart.
Our Picks:
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Chinese Broccoli in Oyster Sauce
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Red Date Cake
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Mapo Tofu
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Edamame and Mushroom Stir-Fry
CHOLESTEROL REDUCTION
(geong dáám gu ceon)
Insights:
Chinese cuisine supports healthy cholesterol levels through ingredients like garlic, ginger, and Chinese black beans. These ingredients are rich in antioxidants that reduce cholesterol levels. Chinese dishes often feature lean protein sources like chicken and fish, which are low in fat. Red yeast rice contains natural compounds that inhibit cholesterol production in the liver, helping to maintain healthy cholesterol levels.
Our Picks:
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Fish in Black Bean Sauce
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Steamed Garlic Shrimp
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Stir-fried Ginger Chicken
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Qingbuliang Herbal Soup
LUNG HEALTH
(fái ging hong)
Insights:
Chinese cuisine offers a breath of fresh air for lung health. Garlic and ginger, has anti-inflammatory properties, soothes respiratory issues. Shiitake and maitake mushrooms boost immune responses with antioxidants like beta-glucans. Radishes help clear mucus and improve respiratory function. Lotus root improves lung function and reduces inflammation. Herbs like eucalyptus and mint in Chinese dishes also enhance lung function.
Our Picks:
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Stir-fry Lotus Root with Sugar Snap
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Daikon Radish Cake
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Stir-fry Chicken with Mint
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Braised Tofu with Mushrooms
DIGESTIVE AIDS
(siu fáá zo sau)
Insights:
Chinese cuisine supports your digestive system with ingredients like ginger, which aids digestion and reduces bloating. Chinese black vinegar enhances digestion and nutrient absorption. Fiber-rich foods such as leafy greens and bamboo shoots promote regular bowel movements and digestive wellness. These ingredients are frequently stir-fried or steamed in Chinese dishes, offering a tasty route to better digestive health.
Our Picks:
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Pork and Bamboo Shoot Stir-fry
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Fish and Vegetables in Black Vinegar
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Chinese Lettuce in Ginger Soy
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Steamed Chicken with Chinese Herbs
LIVER DETOXIFICATION
(gon páái duk)
Insights:
Chinese cuisine promotes liver detoxification through the use of specific ingredients such as bitter melon, commonly found in Chinese dishes, contains compounds that support liver function and detoxification processes. Chinese artichokes, with their high fiber content, help remove toxins from the body and aid liver health. Chinese herbal teas like dandelion and milk thistle can also play a role in liver detoxification.
Our Picks:
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Stuffed Bitter Melon with Pork
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Seaweed Soup
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Chinese Artichoke Soup
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Sauteed Dandelion Greens
DIABETES MANAGEMENT
(tong niu gon lei)
Insights:
Chinese cuisine offers a savory approach to diabetes management with its selection of ingredients that can help regulate blood sugar levels. Bitter melon, has been shown to improve insulin sensitivity and lower blood glucose. Foods like Chinese black beans, rich in fibre and protein, contribute to better blood sugar control. Tofu, a versatile soy product, provides plant-based proteins that can aid in blood sugar management.
Our Picks:
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Stir-fry Pork in Black Bean Sauce
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Chicken and Soft Tofu Casserole
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Stir-fried Bitter Melon with Black Bean
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Stir-fried Chicken with Bok Choy
PRENATAL NUTRITION
(wán kei jing joeng)
Insights:
Chinese cuisine offers prenatal nutrition through ingredients rich in essential nutrients for both the mother and baby during pregnancy. Leafy greens like spinach provide vital folate, while lean proteins such as chicken and tofu offer high-quality protein and iron. Chinese black sesame seeds are a calcium-rich option for bone and tooth development. Use of ginger in Chinese dishes may also help alleviate pregnancy-related nausea.
Our Picks:
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Spinach and Tofu Stir-fry
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Diced Chicken with Walnuts
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Black Sesame Steamed Buns
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Ginger Soy Fried Fish
POSTPARTUM NUTRITION
(cáán háu jing joeng)
Insights:
Chinese cuisine aids in the recovery of new mothers. Traditional wisdom guides mothers to avoid fried, spicy, salty, and sugary foods while opting for easy-to-digest proteins and grains. High-calcium greens are recommended to support bone health. Healthy, complex starches are preferred to boost energy levels. Additionally, Chinese soups with ginger, goji berries and red dates are classic warming ingredients.
Our Picks:
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Pork Rib Herbal Soup
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Tofu with Pickled Mustard Greens
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Spring Onion Ginger Fish Fillets
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Ginger and Vegetable Rice Congee
ANEMIA PREVENTION
(fong zi pán hyut)
Insights:
Chinese cuisine offers a natural defense against anemia with its selection of iron-rich ingredients. Besides traditional choices like spinach, Chinese dishes often include iron-rich foods like salmon, tuna, beans, and red meat. These ingredients support healthy blood cell production and help prevent anemia, making Chinese cuisine a flavorful and nutritious choice for those seeking to combat this condition.
Our Picks:
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Prawns in Sweet and Sour Sauce
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Braised Chicken with Chestnuts
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Pickled Long Beans with Pork
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Oyster Beef with Chinese Broccoli
CALCIUM SUPPLEMENT
(bou goi)
Insights:
Chinese cuisine is a source of natural calcium supplementation. Bok choy, Chinese cabbage, tofu, sesame seeds, and dried shrimp are rich in calcium, supporting bone health. These nutrient-packed foods can be prepared in various Chinese dishes, offering a delicious way to meet your calcium needs and promote strong bones. Chinese cooking techniques such as steaming and stir-frying help to preserve the nutrients in food.
Our Picks:
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Chinese Cabbage Stir-fry with Pork
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Bok Choy with Dry Shrimps and Yam
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Steamed Stuffed Tofu with Pork
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Almond Jelly
ENERGY BOOSTER
(náng loeng zeng koeng)
Insights:
Chinese cuisine offers a natural boost of energy. Ginger, a common component in Chinese dishes, is known for its ability to increase alertness and reduce fatigue. Ginseng, another staple of Chinese cuisine, has adaptogenic properties that can help combat fatigue and enhance energy levels. Green tea, a popular beverage in Chinese culture, contains caffeine and antioxidants that promote mental alertness and sustained energy.
Our Picks:
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Ginseng Pork Bone Soup
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Stir-fry Pork with Ginger
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Shandong Braised Prawns in Oil
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Steamed Pork Belly with Salted Radish
WEIGHT CONTROL
(hung zái tái zung)
Insights:
Chinese cuisine features ingredients that foster fullness and well-being. Mushrooms, water chestnuts, bamboo shoots, and snow peas are calorie-light and fiber-rich, effectively curbing appetite. Chinese mustard greens are a nutritious choice for weight management, while tofu skin serves as a low-calorie protein source. Additionally, garlic also supports weight loss by boosting metabolism and reducing cravings.
Our Picks:
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White Cut Chicken with Dipping Sauce
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Stir-fry with Beef and Bamboo Shoot
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Braised Mushrooms and Black Moss
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Stir-fried Shrimp with Snow Peas
HEALTHY SKIN
(gin hong pei fu)
Insights:
Chinese cuisine promotes healthy skin through ingredients that nourish and rejuvenate. Green tea, popular in Chinese culture, is packed with antioxidants that protect your skin from damage. Chinese herbs like ginseng enhance the skin’s elasticity and vitality. Tofu aids in tissue repair and regeneration. Additionally, ingredients like red dates, lotus seeds, mung bean sprouts, and seaweed contribute to clear and youthful skin.