You already know Thai food is delicious. From curry simmering in coconut milk to vegetable dishes sprinkled with garlic flakes, it’s hard not to salivate when reading a Thai menu. But did you know all those aromatic herbs and spices also provide a variety of health benefits?

Most Thai dishes are made from scratch using fresh ingredients with disease-fighting and immune system-boosting properties. For years now, dishes like the zesty Tom Yum Gung have even been recognized for cancer-fighting properties. Here are just a few reasons why Thai food is the best healthy food option out there.

Why Thai Food Is Good for You

Minimal Use of Dairy

Adults with lactose intolerance or those who want to eliminate dairy from their diet should eat more Thai food. Dairy is not commonly consumed in Thailand, so fewer dishes feature fattening ingredients like butter and cream.

Instead, many dishes often feature coconut milk. This derivative has a variety of health benefits, such as supporting the immune system, providing valuable fatty acids, and lowering bad cholesterol while promoting good cholesterol.

Focus on Raw Sides

You’ll often find raw herbs and vegetables like cucumbers, long beans, sweet Thai basil, chives, and bean sprouts served alongside main meals at Thai restaurants. These fresh sides serve as a nutritious supplement that isn’t always present in cooked dishes.

Healing Herbs & Spices

Most distinctly, Thai dishes feature a medley of herbs that provide a host of health benefits. Some of the most common ingredients are turmeric, garlic, lemongrass, coriander, and cayenne pepper.

Turmeric is prized for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Garlic also contains antioxidants, and it aids in digestion and reduces blood pressure, too. Cayenne pepper is another spice that helps lower blood pressure, thanks to the presence of capsaicin, which also has pain-relieving properties. Lemongrass is an excellent source of iron and potassium, and is also effective in treating yeast infections. Finally, coriander provides dietary fiber and is packed with vitamins and minerals.

Plenty of Vegetables

Most dishes in Thai cuisine contain a generous serving of vegetables, which are rich in vitamins, iron, and antioxidants. Meals often come loaded with produce like mushrooms, bamboo shoots, carrots, and bell peppers. Not only will eating more vegetables help trim your waistline, but it will also reduce the risk of chronic disease such as diabetes, heart disease, and certain types of cancer.

Experience the health benefits of Thai food at Thai Chef Restaurant in Lahaina, HI. Since its opening in 1985, each dish has been made from scratch using homegrown herbs and the freshest ingredients available. Whether you’re a meat lover or a vegan, you’re guaranteed to find something you love at this Thai restaurant. View their entire menu of award-winning Thai dishes online. For more information, call (808) 667-2814.