Healthy Thai Cuisine Ingredients: Common Spices and Herbs

While it may seem true that ‘tasty food is unhealthy, and healthy food is untasty’ at times, you can savour the best of both worlds with Thai cuisine. Enriched with many Thai herbs and spices, it offers a delectable and wholesome culinary experience. We’re here to introduce you to some of the healthy yet commonly used Thai spices and herbs, dispelling any doubts about the healthiness of Thai cuisine.

The Common Thai Herbs and Spices Used in Thai Cuisine

Thai cuisine is famous for using herbs and spices, such as lemongrass, turmeric, galangal, coriander, basil, etc. These traditional Thai herbs and spices add a unique aroma to Thai cuisine and make it more flavourful. 

In addition to delivering sensational tastes, these herbs and spices are packed with remarkable health benefits. So, as you embark on a delightful culinary journey through Thai cuisine in the future, take a moment to savour the rich flavours and the potential wellness advantages it offers.

How Are Thai Herbs and Spices Integrated Into Thai Cuisine?

Thai herbs and spices find their way into Thai cuisine in various forms. They are skillfully transformed into sauces, pastes, powders, and even used as garnishes. These culinary elements do more than just enhance the taste – they also serve as decorative additions when freshly placed on the dish.

When these herbs and spices are crafted into pastes, they offer remarkable convenience in the cooking process. This is especially advantageous for busy working adults with limited meal preparation time. When they return home, they can easily whip up delicious dishes like Tom Yum, green curry, or Pad Thai with these ready-made pastes.

5 Health Benefits Of Thai Herbs And Spices

1. Increase Immunity

Turmeric and garlic are well known for their anti-inflammatory properties, with demonstrated effectiveness in treating bacterial inflammation. They also stand out as nature’s antibiotics, enhancing your body’s immune system. Embracing more turmeric and garlic in your Thai dishes is a delicious way to bolster your health and well-being.

Turmeric is a commonly used spice in many Thai dishes, contributing both its vibrant yellow colour and distinct earthy flavour. Some examples include grilled chicken (Gai Yang), Khao Mok Gai (Thai Chicken Biryani), and Yellow Thai Fried Rice (Khao Pad Saffron).

2. Enhance Digestion System

You may occasionally encounter digestive discomfort after indulging in a hearty Thai feast. Whether you’re dealing with bloating or nausea, a few slices of Thai ginger from a dish like Gai Pad King can work wonders. Not only do gingers assist in easing indigestion, but they also offer relief from discomfort and pain, making them a valuable addition to your post-meal remedy.

Ginger isn’t just a versatile ingredient in Thai cuisine; it also plays a vital role in traditional beverages. One of the most popular ways to enjoy the benefits of ginger is through a soothing and aromatic ginger drink.

Thai ginger drinks are beloved for their remarkable blend of spicy warmth and invigorating freshness. They’re often prepared by simmering fresh ginger root in water, allowing its natural compounds to infuse the liquid. The result is a beverage that not only warms you from the inside but also offers a range of health benefits.

3. Stress Relief

Thai herbs and spices offer many benefits, from physical well-being to mental health. For instance, Kaffir lime leaves are renowned for their stress-reduction properties, while lemongrass and mint leaves are often used as natural stress relievers. 

Kaffir lime leaves are a versatile ingredient in various Thai dishes, such as tom yum soup, green curry, larb, and others. You don’t need to invest in costly essential oils; you can find these natural and budget-friendly Thai herbs and spices to nurture your physical and mental health.

4. Boost Metabolism

Additionally, Thai chilli paste is a beneficial culinary remedy for revving metabolism. 

With ingredients like ginger and bird’s eye chilli commonly found in Thai curry, it positions Thai curry as a wholesome choice in Thai cuisine that supports metabolic health. It’s important not to underestimate the impact of a well-functioning metabolism, as it plays a pivotal role in influencing the rate of weight loss.

5. Repel Mosquitoes

Lemongrass is a frequent and delightful addition to various Thai dishes, imparting its unique citrusy and aromatic character. Notable Thai dishes that showcase lemongrass include iconic choices such as Tom Yum soup, Tom Kha Gai, Larb, and even soothing lemongrass tea.

Beyond its culinary contributions, lemongrass’s remarkable properties extend to acting as a natural and effective mosquito deterrent, making it a beneficial and versatile Thai herb.

If you’re eager to explore more of the healthful wonders of Thai cuisine, enriched with traditional Thai herbs and spices, pay a visit to our SOI55 Thai Restaurants in KL and Selangor  today.