Get Your Vitamins with the Superfoods of Asia

Looking to get the most out of local foods? Asian superfoods contain all you need for a vitamin packed five-a-day regime.

If eating well and ensuring an adequate daily quota of vitamins, minerals and health promoting properties sounds like a task, it may come as a surprise to learn that many of the foods Asian cultures take for granted are crammed with all the daily goodness we require, and quite a lot more besides. If you’re looking for ways to pack a nutrient-rich punch into your daily diet, look no further than these Asian superfoods:

Soybeans / Edamame

A popular superfood and, thanks to the way our digestive system absorbs amino acids from soybeans better than from meat and eggs, represents a healthier alternative to meat and dairy. However, there is some contention over which types of soy products confer the best benefits, and it is now suggested that processed soy products are not the best choice. Instead, the ideal way to get the most out of soybeans is to eat them blanched and lightly salted directly out of the pod, Japanese style. Products such as fermented soybean tofu, miso and tamari undergo only minimal processing and are also good sources of soy.

Gingko Nuts

These little nuts contain antioxidant and flavonoid properties that are beneficial for circulatory issues and cardiovascular health. Favored by the Chinese as an addition to sweet soups and congees, gingko nuts are traditionally used as a memory enhancer and there is evidence to suggest it is beneficial in the treatment of alzheimers.

Seaweed

Dried sea kelp or nori is an incredibly versatile superfood that can be dried or cooked in a variety of ways and is high in protein, fiber and minerals and vitamins such as B and C, not to mention antioxidant properties. If that wasn’t enough, sea vegetables are also high in iodine, which is good for thyroid health, and contain high levels of folic acid which is beneficial for the female reproductive system.

Daikon

This radish-like vegetable contains a bunch of good stuff including high levels of calcium, vitamins B and C and antioxidants, and is known for its antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and diuretic properties. Daikon has also proven beneficial as a topical treatment for acne.

Asian greens

Bok choy, choy sum and gai lan (Chinese broccoli) are true superfoods thanks to their high vitamin content (particularly vitamins C and A) and because our bodies can process these types of iron-rich vegetables better than veg such as spinach or beets. Asian greens are also a great source of folates and dietary fiber and, with few calories, they make for a cheap and readily available way to get one of your daily five.

Goji berries / wolfberries

Another powerful, antioxidant rich fruit used in Chinese health soups and teas to guard against cancers and the ageing process, goji berries are particularly rich in vitamin C and contain a number of minerals and amino acids.

Noni

This lime-green fruit is common in parts of Southeast Asia and the Pacific Islands. Packed with vitamins such as B3 and essential fatty acids, it has traditionally been used to treat bowel issues, urinary tract infections and even diabetes. Thanks to its high electrolyte content, noni makes for a great natural hangover cure or a refueling for the body after a workout.

Shiitake mushrooms / Chinese black mushrooms

Rich in iron, B vitamins and various essential minerals, these highly versatile fungi are also an excellent source of fiber and vitamin D, hence why these fungi are known as a sunshine food.

Ginger

This root has long been used and recognized as a highly effective anti inflammatory and remedy for relieving arthritis and joint pain, while its antioxidant and anticarcinogenic properties are known to help fight heart disease and cancer. Ginger also contains B vitamins and minerals.

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