Take Inspiration From Cuisines Worldwide, Bring The World on Your Plate, Eat Healthy

As a Masterchef, I have come across a number of interesting international cuisines that have enriched my palette a lot. Since I am on a constant hunt for healthy diets, I have stumbled upon some cuisines which are very healthy and true to the roots of each of their cultures. Here are a few of them that I have zeroed on.

Vietnamese

Vietnamese cuisine is largely based on fresh herbs, vegetables and seafood, and they are utilised with healthy cooking techniques that use water or broth, ditching the usage of oils. When prepared the traditional way, there is less frying and or heavy coconut-based sauces as Thai dishes do and they rely more on the original flavours of vegetables.

The flavours used are major on Thai basil, mint, cilantro, red chilli and star anise. Very similar to Indian cuisine, Vietnamese ingredients are amazing for digestion and they are good for fighting diseases that cause inflammation. The healthiest and the most delicious dish I find is pho, an aromatic, broth-based noodle soup full of antioxidant-packed spices.

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Japanese

If you’ve had the opportunity to go through the book Ikigai, you’ll find that most Japanese live a long time and have the healthiest bodies. Especially on the side of Okinawa, an island close to Japan. Not only is the Okinawan diet rich in cancer-fighting fruits and vegetables, but it's also prepared with the healthiest way possible and that is a light steam or a quick stir-fry.

The practice Hara Hachi Bu, which means "eat until you are eight parts (or 80 percent) full" is one of the simple diet rules which keeps Japanese less vulnerable to breast or colon cancer.

Italian

Traditionally, Italian dishes are identified with fatty foods that are bound to clog your arteries as you grow old. A little known fact is that it is the Americanised version of Italian cuisine which is detrimental to deteriorating health. The idea of having a good Italian dinner is enjoying it properly, which makes it good for digestion. But what makes Italian dishes so popular is that their ingredients: tomatoes, olive oil, parsley, basil, and oregano are really good for our bodies. Tomatoes are a rich source of vitamin C that is great for skin, and the lycopene in tomatoes can help women protect themselves from great cancer.

Italian cuisine is so unique because garlic and traditional Italian herbs provide vitamins A and C. Additionally, the fact that olive oil helps in lowering cholesterol fights heart diseases and is known to burn belly fat. Italians typically use Parmesan or another hard cheese instead of processed cheese, grated in small amounts for a big flavor boost.

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Spanish

The Spanish tradition of eating tapas or small plates of food allows you to sample little portions of tasty and healthy foods. With the high amount of fresh seafood, vegetables, and olive oil, Spanish food becomes a champion for those who wish to maintain their weight. Some dishes that you can order are gazpacho and paella (rich in fresh seafood, rice, and veggies).

Mexican

An authentic Mexican meal can prove to be heart healthy. Forget about the high-fat, calorie-stuffed options that are usually provided in the name of Mexican cuisine. A diet of beans, soups, and tomato-based sauces and its emphasis on slowly digested foods is to provide protection from type 2 diabetes.

My book, Spice Route is very close to my heart. I wrote it when I was travelling all around the world, learning about new cultures and preparations. Easy to follow, it can be your gateway to intercontinental cooking!

For more on food from MasterChef Shipra Khanna, stay tuned to HerZindagi.