Asian Superfoods

Traditional Asian cuisine is known for being exceptionally healthy, which has made it popular all

over the planet. You need to know about these Asian superfoods because they combine a high nutrition content with a low calorie content.

1. Shiitake mushrooms

We know that shiitake mushrooms boost the immune system and may prevent certain types of cancer. They also help to protect against cardiovascular disease, especially atherosclerosis, and are an excellent source of crucial B and D vitamins and minerals. They taste great too – try shiitake mushrooms with spinach, mushroom and pine nuts in a baked risotto.

2. Bok choy

100g of bok choy provides around half of your daily requirement of vitamin C and 30% of vitamin A. It also contains glucosinolates, which are currently being investigated for cancer preventing qualities. Our bodies absorb the iron from greens like bok choy, choy sum and gai lum more efficiently than from other iron-rich leafy vegetables like spinach and silverbeet.

3. Turmeric

Research is focusing on turmeric’s ability to improve high cholesterol, colon cancer and Alzheimer's disease, and it is recognised as a natural drug to treat people with digestive problems, arthritis and other joint diseases, as it neutralises the free radicals that cause the inflammation in such diseases.

4. Ginger

Ginger's superpowers are that it offers relief from osteoarthritis, reduces nausea from motion sickness and pregnancy, and it is being researched as helpful for natural pain relief, cardiovascular benefits and boosted immunity. Try ginger with steamed ocean trout and bok choy, or with apricot and honey in cookies.