Julie Corliss, executive editor of the Harvard Heart Letter, states that Chinese cuisine offers “a template for healthy eating habits.” Especially, many foods of this cuisine are linked to and promote cardiovascular health. These include vegetables, soy-based ingredients such as tofu, pungent seasonings, and tea. At its best, Chinese food reflects the long history and the philosophic traditions of the culture, where “a balance of color, aroma, texture, and taste” prevail in any given dish.
So, what elevates Chinese food to a heart-healthy cuisine? We at Dining Out found eleven categories that health-focused publications such as the one at Harvard point to as indicators for a healthier heart, and health in general. We’ve picked several of these to help in understanding why Chinese cuisine of the type found at Johnny Chan 2 is good for you, while being tasty too.
First and foremost, Chinese food offers balanced nutrition. In its fundamental composition, typical meals consist of grains, such as rice or noodles, protein in the form of tofu, fish or meat, and a variety of vegetables. This blend, done in proper proportions, provides an essential balance of nutrients, including vitamins and minerals. A hallmark of Chinese cuisine is a diverse array of ingredients in each meal. So, when Jewish diners out go to Johnny Chan 2, the smart choices are those that feature nutritional balance, such as beef with mixed vegetables over rice, or lo mein with chicken or beef, and a number of vegetables.
Another key for me is the saturated fat level, which is low in “smart choice” Chinese selections. Traditional Chinese entrees mostly feature lean protein, veggies, and seafood, and these dishes are almost always lower in saturated fats than dishes found in Western cuisines. In addition, style of cooking influences saturated fat levels. Chinese meals are prepared by stir-frying, steaming, and boiling, using less-fatty cuts of meat. Seafood, tofu, and poultry used in Chinese cooking are leaner sources of protein into the bargain.
Chinese entrée selections often feature ingredients such as ginger, garlic, and colorful vegetables such as peppers, broccoli, carrots, string beans, leafy greens, and eggplant. All are rich in antioxidants, according to medical nutritionists. Antioxidants are compounds that combat the negative effects of free radicals in the body, thereby reducing oxidative stress that heightens the risk of chronic diseases, including diseases of the heart. Also, vegetables such as bell peppers, broccoli, and leafy greens, all commonly found in Chinese dishes, are good sources of vitamins C and E, along with beta-carotene. You’ll find many selections on the Johnny Chan 2 menu that feature the above antioxidant-rich ingredients. And if you are uncertain, ask owner-operator-chef Frank Shi, or a server, and they’ll help. In fact, Shi has said many times that since all dishes are prepared to order, he can adjust an entrée to your preferences.
Yet another key category of benefit when eating Chinese food is stronger metabolism. So happens that Chinese cookery employs a generous use of chili spices, which are known to boost human metabolism. How, you ask? Chili spices contain capsaicin, which nutritionists believe has a “thermogenic effect” on the body, thus increasing calorie burn and enhancing oxidation of fat. Ginger and garlic are reputed to have similar metabolic effects, all of which can aid in weight management by enhancing metabolism. Szechuan and Hunan dishes tend to use more chilis as seasoning, along with ginger and garlic, contributing to the higher spice profile of the entrées. For me, one of the best entrée selections on the Johnny Chan 2 menu is the chicken Szechuan style, loaded with chicken sauteed with broccoli, bamboo shoots, and water chestnuts in a spicy tomato sauce. Other dishes include Hunan beef, Hunan chicken, spicy Szechuan string beans (vegetarian), and Kung Po chicken, which is a widely acclaimed style of Szechuan cooking.
Finally, an important part of eating any food is digestibility and the health of the digestive system. Chinese cuisine offers a number of soups and broths, and food scientists believe that these slower cooked foods contain properties that aid in digestion. Because they are slow-cooked, the nutrients found in them absorb easier and are more digestible. Also, ginger and bone broth promote gut health, and both are found in such soups. My favorite at Johnny Chan 2 is egg drop soup, along with hot and sour soup, and wonton soup. All are winners, and good for you, too. Here’s to healthy eating.
See you at Johnny Chan 2!
