Thai food: The tastiest medicine to add to your daily diet

Raise your hand if you love Thai food! But did you know that your cherished bowl of Red Curry or the Papaya Salad could also be the best remedy for a bad cold?

One of the world’s most popular cuisines and an American favorite, Thai food is a fine balance of taste, health, and visual delight. The flavorful combination of fresh tropical ingredients with fragrant herbs and spices works wonders on your taste buds and your overall health at the same time. You could say it is essentially the world’s tastiest medicine. Here’s why –

For starters, most Thai dishes are heavy on lean protein like fish and seafood which is probably the best source of minerals and Omega fatty acids. Other proteins like tofu, nuts, lean meat, etc. also have their own benefits.

The spices and herbs used in Thai food are known to have immense health benefits. In fact, each of the quintessential herbs like holy basil, chilies, lemongrass, galangal, ginger, and garlic have proven medicinal values. For instance,

Turmeric – Used mostly in yellow curry and other Southern Thai dishes, is a natural digestive, antiseptic, and antibacterial.

Chili peppers – Fresh chilies and peppers are rich in Vitamin C, which is, as we all know, the best natural remedy for cold, flu, sore throat, and congestion. Also, it is incredible for your skin and hair.

Lemongrass – Just like chilies, lemongrass is also a naturally occurring decongestant and helps with infections and minor bacteria.

Holy Basil – Basil is an anti-inflammatory herb and rich in vitamin A and C, and iron, perfect for your daily dose of greens.

Garlic – Though not everyone’s favorite, garlic is a natural antibiotic and can boost your immune system.

Other herbs like Kaffir lime, galangal, ginger root, coriander root, etc. are also rich in essential nutrients and enzymes that help heal minor ailments like cold and indigestion. These herbs and spices are also known to boost your overall immunity and the functions of your vital organs.

Thai food you could use as home remedies –

Tom Yum Soup – Made with peppers, lemongrass, garlic, and galangal, this bowl of light and spicy concoction is a miracle cure for cold and cough, congestion, or even a headache.

Cucumber- Pineapple Salad – A refreshing meal for a hot summer day, this fresh, crunchy salad can relieve you from dehydration and boost your vitamin C levels.

One-Pot meals – Want to start a healthy diet? One-pot Thai meals like Pad Thai or rice bowls could be a great idea to incorporate flavors and nutrition.

Next time you feel a little under the weather, try your favorite Thai dish, and it might be the best medicine to have!