Share:

When you step into a Thai restaurant, you’re not just getting ready for a delicious meal. You’re also taking steps to improve your health and stave off illness. Thai food is considered to be one of the healthiest choices you can make. In fact, the low incidence of chronic diseases in Asian countries has inspired research on the benefits of the traditional Asian diet.

Order any Thai dish and you’ll be treated to a plate or bowl that’s piled high with vegetables, herbs, and spices. Here are the four powerhouse ingredients that give Thai cuisine a healthy boost. 

4 Healthy Ingredients Thai Restaurants Use

1. Coconut Milk

In Sanskrit, the coconut palm is known as kalpa vriksha, which translates to, “Tree which gives all that is necessary for living.” Thai restaurants frequently use coconut milk in curries, soups, desserts and rich sauces. Unlike cow’s milk, coconut milk is lactose-free. It provides an excellent source of fiber, iron, magnesium, phosphorous and vitamins C, E, B1, B3, B5 and B6. Coconuts also contain lauric acid, which the body converts into a compound with antiviral, antifungal, and antibacterial benefits.

2. Chilies

Chili peppers deliver a steady dose of heat in Thai cooking. You will commonly find dried red chili peppers in curry pastes and fiery bird’s eye chilies in sauces and stir-fries. They contain up to seven times the vitamin C of an orange and fight sinus congestion, boost the metabolism, relieve headaches, and ease muscle, joint, and nerve pain.

Thai-restaurant-rochester-ny3. Shallots & Garlic

Chopped shallots and minced garlic are common additions to many dishes at Thai restaurants. Both have been used as antibiotics to treat bacterial, fungal and parasitic infections, as well as for the prevention of certain cancers. Consumption of garlic and shallots also helps lower blood pressure, blood sugar, and cholesterol levels.

4. Fresh Herbs

Thai food is packed with an abundance of fresh herbs, including cilantro, coriander, basil and mint. They add a distinct flavor to everything from desserts to curries, and offer a myriad of health benefits. Thai basil, for example, contains vitamins A, C and E, as well as antioxidants that stimulate healing. Vietnamese coriander also improves digestion, and its leaves are often used to make medicinal teas.  

 

For dinner or lunch that is equal parts healthy and delicious, head to Mamasan’s. Located in the heart of Rochester, NY’s, cultural district, this Thai restaurant has fused the flavors of Vietnam and Thailand since 1984. View their menu online, or give them a call today at (507) 526-3033 for more information.

tracking