Is Chinese Food Unhealthy?

In addition to pizza, Chinese food has to be on of the more popular takeout food for Americans. So, it's bad for you?

Chinese food is a favorite of both native Chinese and American foreigners alike. Their spicy dishes and authentic cuisine suits almost any palate, and has endless possibilities. Unfortunately, sometimes Chinese food can be anything but healthy dinner. Lucky for many lovers of Chinese food, there are healthy alternatives that are equally tasty but less saturated fat and simple carbohydrates.

Choosing the right kind of food when ordering Chinese takeout can make a world of difference in nutritional value you will receive. Picking foods that are high in protein, like chicken or beef dishes, and full of veggies are great healthy choices. As an alternative to fried dishes like sweet and sour or sesame chicken, choose to braised alternatives, such as Indian chicken or beef and broccoli. These dishes provide nutritional value that other traditional plates, such as lack of lo mein. Lo Mein offers several sources of bad fats and carbohydrates due to the large amounts of pasta and stir-fried oil is in. Always make sure you choose a Chinese restaurant serving food with no MSG. There are conflicting reports about the poor nutritional value contained within.

for healthy side dishes, skip the egg roll and fried wontons and instead have a cup of soup. Skip red fried rice. It is unnecessary to supply large amounts of calories. It also contains high concentrations of cholesterol. If available, brown rice is the most healthy alternative to fried or white rice. If possible, the day when you decide to order Chinese takeout, limit your intake of sodium rich foods. Many Chinese dishes are high in sodium content due to the use of soy sauce and other extras. Do not add any more salt than you need a meal arrives! In addition, if you are ordering a dish with peanuts, eat them in moderation. Peanuts can be very useful and contain a lot of good fats and nutrients. However, eating too much can make something healthy eating unhealthy very quickly.

Choosing between inexpensive restaurants and high-end Chinese restaurants, you can also increase or decrease the health food is served. As a generalization, many top Chinese food restaurants will have a special menu with healthy options in particular, as well as a list of its nutritional content.

When all else fails, do not hesitate to question your server or manager of a Chinese restaurant. Most were eager and willing to provide you with information about their native dishes and are usually very knowledgeable about their kitchen. Most restaurants have to have the nutritional content information on the site. It might be useful in helping to decide the best healthy Chinese takeout options.