10 Asian Foods with Potent Medicinal Properties

April 2, 2023April 7, 2023 Oudam Em

The phrase “Let food be thy medicine and medicine be thy food” is often attributed to Hippocrates, an ancient Greek physician considered to be the father of Western medicine. The quote emphasizes the importance of a healthy diet in promoting overall health and preventing disease.

The idea is that food can be used as a form of preventative medicine, and that a healthy diet can help maintain good health and prevent illness. Choosing nutrient-rich foods with medicinal properties can support our bodies in their natural healing processes. Herbal medicine has been used for centuries in Asia, and it continues to play an important role in traditional healthcare systems in many Asian countries.

As traditional Asian medicine has long relied on food as a form of healing, Asian cuisine is known for its variety of healthy and nutritious dishes that are both flavorful and satisfying.

Here are 10 Asian foods with potent medicinal properties to include in your diet.

1. Turmeric

Turmeric has been used for centuries in traditional medicine in Asia due to its numerous health benefits. Here are some of the potential health benefits of turmeric:

Anti-inflammatory properties: Turmeric contains a compound called curcumin, which has potent anti-inflammatory properties. It has been shown to help reduce inflammation in the body, which may help prevent or alleviate chronic diseases such as heart disease, cancer, and Alzheimer’s.
Antioxidant properties: Curcumin is also a powerful antioxidant, which means it can neutralize harmful free radicals in the body that can damage cells and contribute to chronic diseases.
Pain relief: Turmeric has been shown to have pain-relieving properties, particularly for joint pain caused by inflammation. It may also help reduce muscle soreness after exercise.
Improved brain function: Some studies have suggested that curcumin may have neuroprotective properties and may help improve memory and cognitive function in people with age-related cognitive decline.
Reduced risk of chronic diseases: Turmeric may help reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease, cancer, and Alzheimer’s due to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.

It’s worth noting that the health benefits of turmeric may vary depending on the individual and the form of turmeric used (such as fresh or powdered). Additionally, consuming turmeric in moderation as a part of a healthy, balanced diet is recommended, as excessive consumption may cause digestive issues for some people.

2. Ginger

Ginger has been used for centuries in traditional medicine in Asia due to its numerous health benefits. Here are some of the potential health benefits of ginger:

Anti-inflammatory properties: Ginger contains compounds called gingerols and shogaols, which have potent anti-inflammatory properties. It has been shown to help reduce inflammation in the body, which may help prevent or alleviate chronic diseases such as heart disease, cancer, and Alzheimer’s.
Digestive health: Ginger has been used as a natural remedy for digestive issues such as nausea, bloating, and indigestion. It may also help stimulate the digestive system and promote bowel regularity.
Pain relief: Ginger has been shown to have pain-relieving properties, particularly for muscle pain and menstrual cramps.
Improved brain function: Some studies have suggested that ginger may have neuroprotective properties and may help improve cognitive function and reduce symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease.
Immune system boost: Ginger has been shown to have immune-boosting properties and may help reduce the risk of infections.
Reduced risk of chronic diseases: Ginger may help reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease, cancer, and diabetes due to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.

It’s important to note that the health benefits of ginger may vary depending on the individual and the form of ginger used (such as fresh, dried, or powdered). Additionally, consuming ginger in moderation as a part of a healthy, balanced diet is recommended, as excessive consumption may cause digestive issues for some people.

3. Garlic

Garlic is a popular ingredient in Asian cuisine and has been used for centuries in traditional medicine due to its numerous health benefits. Here are some of the potential health benefits of garlic:

Immune system boost: Garlic has been shown to have immune-boosting properties and may help reduce the risk of infections.
Cardiovascular health: Garlic has been shown to help reduce high blood pressure and improve cholesterol levels, which may help reduce the risk of heart disease.
Anti-inflammatory properties: Garlic contains compounds called allicin and other sulfur compounds, which have potent anti-inflammatory properties. It has been shown to help reduce inflammation in the body, which may help prevent or alleviate chronic diseases such as heart disease, cancer, and Alzheimer’s.
Antioxidant properties: Garlic is also a powerful antioxidant, which means it can neutralize harmful free radicals in the body that can damage cells and contribute to chronic diseases.
Improved brain function: Some studies have suggested that garlic may have neuroprotective properties and may help improve cognitive function and reduce symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease.
Digestive health: Garlic may help promote the growth of beneficial gut bacteria, which can improve digestion and overall gut health.

The health benefits of garlic may vary depending on the individual and the form of garlic used (such as raw, cooked, or aged). Additionally, consuming garlic in moderation as a part of a healthy, balanced diet is recommended, as excessive consumption may cause digestive issues for some people and may interact with certain medications.

4. Green Tea

Green tea is a popular beverage in Asia and has been used for centuries in traditional medicine due to its numerous health benefits. Here are some of the potential health benefits of green tea:

Antioxidant properties: Green tea contains catechins and other antioxidants, which can help neutralize harmful free radicals in the body that can damage cells and contribute to chronic diseases.
Cardiovascular health: Green tea has been shown to help reduce high blood pressure and improve cholesterol levels, which may help reduce the risk of heart disease.
Weight management: Green tea contains compounds that have been shown to help boost metabolism and aid in weight management.
Improved brain function: Green tea contains caffeine and L-theanine, which have been shown to improve cognitive function, attention, and mood.
Reduced risk of chronic diseases: Green tea may help reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as cancer, Alzheimer’s, and Parkinson’s due to its antioxidant properties and other beneficial compounds.
Dental health: Green tea contains compounds that have been shown to help improve dental health by reducing the growth of bacteria that can cause cavities and gum disease.

It’s worth mentioning that the health benefits of green tea may vary depending on the individual and the quality and preparation of the tea. Additionally, consuming green tea in moderation as a part of a healthy, balanced diet is recommended, as excessive consumption may cause caffeine-related side effects for some people.

5. Ginseng

Ginseng is a popular herb in Asian traditional medicine and is known for its numerous health benefits. Here are some of the potential health benefits of ginseng:

Improved cognitive function: Ginseng may help improve cognitive function and memory in both healthy individuals and those with cognitive impairments.
Immune system boost: Ginseng has been shown to have immune-boosting properties and may help reduce the risk of infections.
Reduced stress: Ginseng may help reduce stress and anxiety by regulating the levels of stress hormones in the body.
Anti-inflammatory properties: Ginseng contains compounds that have potent anti-inflammatory properties and may help reduce inflammation in the body, which may help prevent or alleviate chronic diseases such as heart disease, cancer, and Alzheimer’s.
Improved physical performance: Ginseng may help improve physical performance and endurance by increasing energy levels and reducing fatigue.
Reduced risk of chronic diseases: Ginseng may help reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as cancer, diabetes, and heart disease due to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

Note that the health benefits of ginseng may vary depending on the individual and the quality and preparation of the herb. Additionally, consuming ginseng in moderation as a part of a healthy, balanced diet is recommended, as excessive consumption may cause side effects such as headaches, digestive issues, and high blood pressure.

6. Shiitake Mushrooms

Shiitake mushrooms are a popular ingredient in Asian cuisine and have been used for centuries in traditional medicine due to their numerous health benefits. Here are some of the potential health benefits of shiitake mushrooms:

Immune system boost: Shiitake mushrooms contain beta-glucans, which have been shown to have immune-boosting properties and may help reduce the risk of infections.
Cardiovascular health: Shiitake mushrooms contain compounds that have been shown to help lower cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of heart disease.
Anti-inflammatory properties: Shiitake mushrooms contain compounds that have potent anti-inflammatory properties and may help reduce inflammation in the body, which may help prevent or alleviate chronic diseases such as heart disease, cancer, and Alzheimer’s.
Antioxidant properties: Shiitake mushrooms are also a good source of antioxidants, which can help neutralize harmful free radicals in the body that can damage cells and contribute to chronic diseases.
Improved gut health: Shiitake mushrooms contain compounds that have been shown to help promote the growth of beneficial gut bacteria, which can improve digestion and overall gut health.
Cancer-fighting properties: Some studies have suggested that shiitake mushrooms may have cancer-fighting properties and may help reduce the growth of tumors.

It’s worth noting that the health benefits of shiitake mushrooms may vary depending on the individual and the quality and preparation of the mushrooms. Additionally, consuming shiitake mushrooms in moderation as a part of a healthy, balanced diet is recommended, as excessive consumption may cause digestive issues for some people.

7. Seaweed

Seaweed is a type of marine algae that is commonly used in Asian cuisine and has been used for centuries in traditional medicine due to its numerous health benefits. Here are some of the potential health benefits of seaweed:

Rich in nutrients: Seaweed is a good source of various nutrients, including vitamins (such as vitamin C, A, and K), minerals (such as iodine, calcium, and iron), and antioxidants.
Improved thyroid function: Seaweed is a rich source of iodine, a mineral that is essential for thyroid function. Adequate iodine intake can help regulate thyroid hormone production and maintain overall thyroid health.
Improved gut health: Seaweed contains fiber and prebiotics, which can help promote the growth of beneficial gut bacteria, improve digestion, and support overall gut health.
Reduced inflammation: Seaweed contains compounds that have potent anti-inflammatory properties and may help reduce inflammation in the body, which can help prevent or alleviate chronic diseases such as heart disease, cancer, and arthritis.
Lowered blood pressure: Some studies have suggested that seaweed may help lower blood pressure levels, which may help reduce the risk of heart disease.
Anti-cancer properties: Some compounds found in seaweed have been shown to have anti-cancer properties and may help reduce the growth of cancer cells.

The health benefits of seaweed may vary depending on the type of seaweed and the individual’s dietary needs and health status. Additionally, consuming seaweed in moderation as a part of a healthy, balanced diet is recommended, as excessive consumption may cause high iodine intake and other potential side effects.

8. Reishi Mushrooms

Reishi mushrooms, also known as Lingzhi mushrooms, are a type of mushroom that has been used for centuries in traditional Chinese medicine due to their potential health benefits. Here are some of the potential health benefits of Reishi mushrooms:

Boosts the immune system: Reishi mushrooms contain beta-glucans, polysaccharides, and other compounds that have been shown to have immune-boosting properties and may help reduce the risk of infections.
Anti-inflammatory properties: Reishi mushrooms contain compounds that have potent anti-inflammatory properties and may help reduce inflammation in the body, which may help prevent or alleviate chronic diseases such as heart disease, cancer, and Alzheimer’s.
Antioxidant properties: Reishi mushrooms are also a good source of antioxidants, which can help neutralize harmful free radicals in the body that can damage cells and contribute to chronic diseases.
Improved sleep quality: Reishi mushrooms contain compounds that may help promote relaxation and improve sleep quality, making them a popular natural remedy for insomnia.
Reduced anxiety and depression: Some studies have suggested that Reishi mushrooms may have anxiolytic and antidepressant effects and may help reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression.
Potential anti-cancer properties: Some compounds found in Reishi mushrooms have been shown to have anti-cancer properties and may help reduce the growth of cancer cells.

The health benefits of Reishi mushrooms may vary depending on the individual and the quality and preparation of the mushrooms. Additionally, consuming Reishi mushrooms in moderation as a part of a healthy, balanced diet is recommended, as excessive consumption may cause digestive issues for some people.

9. Goji Berries

Goji berries, also known as wolfberries, are a type of fruit that have been used in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries due to their numerous health benefits. Here are some of the potential health benefits of Goji berries:

Rich in nutrients: Goji berries are a good source of vitamins (such as vitamin C, A, and B2), minerals (such as iron, zinc, and copper), and antioxidants.
Improved immune system: Goji berries contain polysaccharides, which have been shown to have immune-boosting properties and may help reduce the risk of infections.
Improved eye health: Goji berries are a rich source of carotenoids, including zeaxanthin and lutein, which are essential for eye health and may help reduce the risk of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and other eye diseases.
Anti-inflammatory properties: Goji berries contain compounds that have potent anti-inflammatory properties and may help reduce inflammation in the body, which can help prevent or alleviate chronic diseases such as heart disease, cancer, and arthritis.
Lowered blood sugar and cholesterol levels: Some studies have suggested that Goji berries may help lower blood sugar and cholesterol levels, which may help reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes and heart disease.
Anti-cancer properties: Some compounds found in Goji berries have been shown to have anti-cancer properties and may help reduce the growth of cancer cells.

The health benefits of Goji berries may vary depending on the individual and the quality of the berries. Additionally, consuming Goji berries in moderation as a part of a healthy, balanced diet is recommended, as excessive consumption may cause digestive issues for some people.

10. Tuna

Tuna is a type of fish that is low in fat and calories but high in protein, vitamins, and minerals. Here are some of the potential health benefits of consuming tuna:

Good source of protein: Tuna is a high-quality protein source that is rich in essential amino acids, which are important for muscle growth and repair.
Rich in omega-3 fatty acids: Tuna is a good source of omega-3 fatty acids, which have been shown to have numerous health benefits, including reducing the risk of heart disease, improving brain function, and reducing inflammation in the body.
Promotes heart health: The omega-3 fatty acids found in tuna can help reduce triglyceride levels, lower blood pressure, and prevent blood clots, all of which are important for heart health.
Good source of vitamins and minerals: Tuna is rich in vitamins B3, B6, and B12, as well as minerals such as selenium, magnesium, and potassium.
Lowers risk of stroke: Consuming tuna and other fatty fish has been associated with a lower risk of stroke, due in part to the anti-inflammatory effects of omega-3 fatty acids.
May improve mood and cognitive function: Omega-3 fatty acids found in tuna may help improve mood and cognitive function, and may also reduce the risk of depression and dementia.

It’s worth noting that consuming tuna that is high in mercury can be harmful to health, particularly for pregnant women and young children. It is recommended to choose tuna that is low in mercury, and to consume it in moderation as part of a balanced diet.