Chinese food has a healthy reputation for being healthy. In fact, it is one of the healthiest cuisines in the world. However, not all Chinese dishes are healthy and there are many healthy Chinese foods that you should know about to be able to make an informed decision when you go out or cook at home. Below are four healthy Chinese foods that you should know.
1) Steamed vegetables with soy sauce
One healthy Chinese food you should know about is steamed vegetables with soy sauce.
Soy sauce is made by fermenting boiled soybeans, wheat flour, salt and water for several months or years. The result of the fermentation process is a thick liquid that gives flavor to dishes without adding too much salt or oil. Soy sauce has been used in China since at least the 10th century BC as both an ingredient and condiment. Since it’s healthy, it can be used on cooked meat like chicken or pork chops; fish like salmon; shrimp; tofu (a soft cheese-like product); rice noodles; vegetables like bamboo shoots; green beans, mushrooms and snow peas; eggs like hard-boiled eggs on top of fried rice, and more.
Steamed vegetables with soy sauce is healthy Chinese food that everyone should know about.
2) Soybean milk
In China, soybean milk is a healthy drink that can be consumed anytime of the day. In Western countries, soybean milk may not be as popular because it has a strong flavor and tastes different from cow’s milk. Soybean milk contains no cholesterol or saturated fat unlike cow’s milk. It also has more protein than cow’s milk and contains phytochemicals called isoflavones which have been shown to help prevent cancer in some studies. It may also improve blood pressure and lower risk for heart disease. Some people who are lactose intolerant still consume soybean milk because it does not contain lactose like regular dairy products do. Soybeans are high in fiber too so it lowers the risks for stomach cancer. Soybean milk is healthy for the brain too because it contains healthy fats which are healthy for the brain, meaning that people who drink soybean milk are less likely to suffer from Alzheimer’s disease or memory loss as they age.
3) Green Tea
Green Tea has many healthy benefits to it. It contains antioxidants, which are healthy substances that fight the damage caused by free radicals in your body. The antioxidants found in green tea can help protect you against cancer, heart disease, and strokes. Green tea also helps with weight loss because of its caffeine content. If you drink 3-4 cups of green tea per day before meals, then you are more likely to have a higher metabolism and burn more calories throughout the day while at rest or exercising than someone who does not drink any green tea at all!
4) Congee
Congee is a healthy Chinese food that contains rice, water and salt. It can be eaten at any time of day or night, even for breakfast.
It’s also a healthy choice because it’s low in calories and high in fiber. Congee is a popular dish in China, Nepal and Vietnam. In Japan it goes by the name “chazuke”. The Japanese will often eat congee for dinner with small amounts of toppings like green onions or seaweed on top to add flavor.
The key to making great congee is cooking the rice slowly over low heat with lots of water until all the liquid has been absorbed by the grains of rice which makes them soft enough to break apart with your spoon but still firm enough to maintain their shape. While there are a lot of different types of congees, a healthy bowl is usually made with white rice, water and enough salt for flavor.
