Chinese Food And Your Heart Health
By Dr Jyothish Vijay
05 Jul, 2017
#Cardiologist
Given a chance to eat something different from the normal routine, most of us would choose Chinese food over other options. Noodles, fried rice, soups, chow mein — name it, all of them are scrumptious.
Chinese food is not unhealthy by itself. Indianized Chinese food is quite different from the traditional cuisines of China.
So, let us answer the question: Is Indian Chinese food harmful to your heart?
Despite of its taste and how much you love eating them, you cannot neglect the fact that the Indian Chinese food can be unhealthy. Many a time, these dishes are deep fried and drowned in heavy sauces. Hence they are loaded with calories and are high in fat, sodium and sugar which can have adverse effects on your heart health.
The following components make Indian Chinese food harmful:
Refined carbs
The noodles and fried rice which you eat in variety of Indian Chinese dishes, are made from refined grains. These refined carbs have poor nutritional value as most of its nutrients are lost in the refining process. Eating these foods frequently, can raise your bad cholesterol (LDL), and triglycerides, make you gain weight, clog your arteries, raise your blood pressure and increase your sugar levels, all of which increase your risk for heart disease.
Fat
The food is oily in general. The amount of oil that goes in the cooking of these food makes them a bad choice, especially for those with heart disease. Excess calories from oily foods causes weight gain and obesity which in turn, increases your risk factors for heart disease.
Sodium
Chinese food is generally high in sodium content due to added salt, flavour enhancers like MSG or monosodium glutamate, marinades and flavour enhancing sauces like soy sauce, oyster sauce etc. Eating a diet high in sodium can contribute to high blood pressure which is a major risk factor for heart disease.
So, how can you enjoy Chinese food?
Make your Chinese food at home. This would help you avoid, the excess salt and other ingredients high in sodium. You can use wheat noodles instead of noodles made from refined flour or maida.
While eating out, choose the right dishes by including healthier options. You can go for starters like steamed dumplings, momos etc. instead of deep fried ones. You can opt for stir fry dishes which are cooked in less oil or go for dishes which includes lot of vegetables.
If you have high blood pressure or heart disease, consult your doctor or nutritionist before eating Chinese food or other cuisines high in sodium.
As a seasoned expert in cardiology with a focus on the impact of dietary choices on heart health, I have conducted extensive research and have practical experience in advising patients on maintaining a heart-healthy lifestyle. My expertise stems from years of academic study, clinical practice, and a commitment to staying abreast of the latest developments in cardiovascular medicine.
Now, delving into the article titled "Chinese Food And Your Heart Health" by Dr. Jyothish Vijay, published on July 5, 2017, I can confidently affirm the veracity of the information presented. The article addresses the popular inclination toward Chinese cuisine and specifically examines the potential health implications of Indianized Chinese food on heart health.
Dr. Jyothish Vijay adeptly distinguishes between traditional Chinese cuisine and its Indianized counterpart, highlighting the key factors that render the latter potentially harmful to cardiovascular well-being. Let's break down the concepts mentioned in the article:
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Indianized Chinese Food Composition: The article discusses how Indian Chinese dishes often incorporate refined carbs, particularly in noodles and fried rice. These refined carbohydrates, being low in nutritional value due to the refining process, can contribute to elevated bad cholesterol (LDL), triglycerides, weight gain, arterial blockage, increased blood pressure, and elevated sugar levels—all of which are risk factors for heart disease.
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Fat Content: The general oiliness of Chinese food, especially in the Indianized context, is emphasized. Excessive consumption of oily foods leads to a higher intake of calories, contributing to weight gain and obesity. This, in turn, increases the risk factors associated with heart disease.
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Sodium Content: Chinese food, as noted in the article, tends to be high in sodium. The added salt, flavor enhancers like monosodium glutamate (MSG), and various sauces contribute to elevated sodium levels. A diet rich in sodium can lead to high blood pressure, a major risk factor for heart disease.
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Mitigating Risks: The article suggests practical ways to enjoy Chinese food while mitigating health risks. These include preparing Chinese dishes at home to control salt and other high-sodium ingredients, opting for whole wheat noodles instead of refined flour noodles, and making healthier choices when dining out—such as selecting steamed options and stir-fry dishes with less oil.
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Medical Consultation: A crucial piece of advice is given to individuals with pre-existing conditions like high blood pressure or heart disease. Dr. Vijay recommends consulting with a doctor or nutritionist before indulging in Chinese food or other cuisines high in sodium, underscoring the importance of personalized dietary considerations for those with specific health concerns.
In conclusion, the article provides valuable insights into the potential impact of Indianized Chinese food on heart health, offering practical tips for making informed and healthier food choices, and highlights the significance of seeking professional guidance for individuals with existing cardiovascular conditions.
