Eastern nations like China, Japan, North Korea, South Korea and Thailand share signature eating styles that are based on a combination of religious principles, agricultural factors and cultural traditions. These countries share menus and preparation techniques that are both similar to yet distinct from one another. If you cannot seem to stay out of your favorite Chinese or Japanese food restaurant, the health benefits associated with the Oriental diet offer a great excuse to go back for more.
Menu
Most Eastern countries place a high emphasis on eating natural foods like fruits, vegetables, poultry and seafood. Rice and noodles are staple foods in most Eastern countries and are typically consumed on a daily basis. Oriental diets involve generous servings of fruits and vegetables such as broccoli, peppers, cherries, dates, bok choy, seaweed, pears, cabbage, bean sprouts and oranges. Popular seafood selections include tuna, oysters, scallops, crabs, salmon, shrimp, eel and octopus.
Herbs and Spices
Oriental food is known for its characteristic intense flavors. Eastern cooks use a wide variety of herbs and spices to season and infuse dishes with rich, diverse flavors that can be spicy, sweet, sour or tangy. Popular Oriental spices include garlic, pepper, wasabi, ginger, chilies and basil. Cooks also use sauces like teriyaki sauce, duck sauce and soy sauce to give dishes an added kick.
Nutritional Content
According to Diet.com, the traditional diet of most Eastern countries provides significant nutritional value. Oriental cuisine is typically low in harmful saturated fats and calories. Oriental food also tends to be high in beneficial antioxidant compounds like fiber and omega-3s.
Health Benefits
According to Diet.com, Eastern populations with sufficient access traditional foods tend to enjoy better health and longer life spans than most Western populations. This is because, unlike the West, Eastern countries adhere to dietary practices that de-emphasize foods such as red meat and processed foods that are high in unhealthy saturated fat and sugar. Eating too much saturated fat can increase your risk of developing heart disease and becoming overweight. According to MayoClinic.com, eating foods like fish and vegetables that are high in omega-3s can help decrease your cholesterol, triglyceride and blood pressure levels. This may help reduce your risks of suffering from heart disease. According to Diet.com, this is why Eastern populations tend to have much lower rates of heart disease and obesity than most Western populations.
Preparation
Eastern nations place a heavy emphasis on eating food while it is fresh. In many countries, fresh fruits, vegetables and meats are purchased daily at local markets. Chinese chefs often cook meals in a special type of pan known as a wok. Japanese chefs often fry meat in a light batter known as tempura. Rice is commonly served steamed or fried and may be eaten alone or as part of a main dish.
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