By Kai Curry
NORTHWEST ASIAN WEEKLYIn February, matters of the heart are often pinned to Valentine’s Day. But the organ also needs physical care, in addition to emotional care. Heart health relies in part on our diet and exercise habits—and Asian cuisine, like all cuisines, has both healthy and unhealthy options that can impact the health of our hearts.
“The overall goal of eating heart-healthy is to improve our cardiovascular system and body, and to also provide the nourishment, vitamins, and minerals for optimal functioning,” said Angel Planells, MS, RDN, a Seattle-based registered dietitian nutritionist and national media spokesperson for the Academy of Nutrition & Dietetics.“People from different parts of the world eat in so many ways,” said Dr. Shanshan Chen, a Bastyr University associate professor in the Department of Nutrition and Exercise. “There are some famous healthy diets…such as the ‘Mediterranean Diet’ [and] there are healthy parts in a lot of different cuisines.” Bastyr Healthy Plate graphic, Courtesy of Bastyr University. According to the experts the Northwest Asian Weekly spoke to, a heart-healthy food means food that is high in fiber, healthy fats, lean protein, antioxidants, and is low in sodium. Foods to avoid, or eat in moderation, are those with high saturated and trans fats, a lot of sodium or refined sugar, and/or a lot of processed ingredients.Because of this, it’s a good practice to eat fresh whenever possible. When you make your meals at home, you are able to have more control over what goes into them.
“Everything that we eat” is made up of fat, carbohydrates, and protein, explained Dr. Archana Rajan, medical director and doctor of family medicine at Virginia Mason-Franciscan Health in Bonney Lake.Rajan also sees patients for weight loss management.“It’s going to be the amount of those macronutrients that matters. Look for higher protein, moderate carbohydrates, and lower saturated fat,” she advised, adding that there is no single best diet for everyone. Rajan also considers the lifestyle of her patients, from what time they eat to how much of the day they spend sitting.
All diets have pros and cons. When it comes to […]
When it comes to heart health, Asian cuisine has a lot to offer
