Healthy Eating & Traditional Chinese Diets
China is becoming one of the largest markets in the world for healthy eating, according to Forbes. Booms of rising incomes and wholesome lifestyle awareness are largely contributing to this market growth. According to a BCG survey, China is the worlds most health conscious country.
Cleansing
Among the healthy ways of life developing in China are methods of detox and juice cleansing. Research from Mintel shows that plant protein based drinks are becoming popular with around 87% of the population drinking plant based drinks. Coconut water, another natural cleanser, has grown over 30% in consumption as well. A company called V Cleanse, which was founded in 2013 by Tian Tian Mayimin, has grown steadily through its sale of different types of cleansers such as hot infusions and soups. Similarly, a company called Totox sells an all natural herbal cleanser in the form of a hot beverage that targets a younger auidence and currently has around 2 million users.
Traditional Diet
Traditional Chinese diets are historically praised for their disease-fighting abilities. Filled with plant based foods and moderate meat usage, it is a much different approach to the classical meaty American diet. Chinese diets are frequently complimented by the use of herbs and spices as they aid in digestion from a historical point of view. A traditional meal would potentially feature steamed vegetables, a starch of some sort (i.e. rice, noodles, or dumplings), accompanied by a small serving of meat or fish. Chinese culture views meat as more of a side dish or compliment to the meal while western cultures tend to base a meal around the meat dish. As far as the effect on health goes while looking at traditional Chinese meals, T. Colin Campbell notes in his study titled "The China Study" that lower meat consumption is "the primary factor in their lower rates of heart disease, diabetes, and obesity." He also concludes that the more frequent usage of vegetables and spices promote more healthy qualities among the Chinese.
This video shows some of the most popular dishes from the different regions in China. You can see the prominent use of vegetables and starches in the meals. Looks delicious!
Traditional Chinese Medicinal Practice for Mealtime
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Eat naturally (avoid processed foods)
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Eat seasonal fruits and vegetables
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Always make sure vegetables are cooked
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Eat in a quiet place
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Chew the food well
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Eat slowly
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Pay attention to the tastes of the food
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Don't skip meals
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Rest after meals
Summary
Traditional Chinese cuisine demonstrates the use of healthy ingredients and preparation. Different than classical western dishes, the use of vegetables, spices, and minimal use of meats promotes the clear health benefits associated with Chinese dishes. The emphasis on mealtime in traditional Chinese culture is much higher than the fast moving west where meals are often skipped or forgotten about amongst the chaos. The healthy foods market in China also boasts a booming amount of plant based cleansers and detox drinks to add to the seemingly endless amount of beneficial foods and drinks the almost 80 billion dollar healthy foods market contains.