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Ginger
As one of the key ingredients in freshZen’s Asian pesto sauce, ginger not only adds that peppery taste with its sweet aroma to your dishes, it is also considered a rock star when it comes to boosting your immunity. The antioxidant-rich ginger is an excellent source of protective compounds that our body needs, which can help reduce the risk of many diseases including the top two leading causes of death in the United States: heart disease and cancer. Simply adding fresh ginger slices into your daily cup of tea can also help with preventing and recovering from the common cold.
Garlic
You’ve probably experienced that pungent smell of garlic, but besides its smell, you should also recognize its powerful ability to fight against germs and viruses. The active compound in garlic, allicin, is known to be a strong antibiotic that is easily released when garlic is crushed or chewed. Thus, garlic should be your go-to addition to your meals especially during the cold and flu season, and of course, during COVID which we all are living in right now.
Red Chili Powder
Here comes a quick crash course about red chili. Due to its high content in potassium, red chili helps to smooth blood vessels and regulate blood pressure. Packed with vitamin C, red chili not only contributes to wound healing but also greatly improves our immune system and helps combat chronic illnesses. If you are thinking of adding a bit more spice to your life, give some red chili powder a try on your next bean stew or grilled chicken.
Fennel
Originating from the Mediterranean regions, fennel has now become a global popular addition to everyday salads and pasta. Besides its role in promoting heart health, fennel also contains selenium, which is scientifically proven to stimulate the production of killer T-cells. This will ensure our body to be well prepared when the time comes to fight against infection. Whether you are going for the crunchy fennel bulb or just fennel seeds, the abundance of powerful antioxidants present in this plant will surely treat you well.
Cinnamon
We know you love cinnamon, especially those sprinkled cinnamon on your favorite home-baked cookies. So we’ve come with a few things to say that will make you feel even better about what you already enjoy eating. With its first use dating back to ancient Egypt, cinnamon was famous for its anti-inflammatory properties. Praised for being an immune booster, this wonderful spice also helps fight against bacterial and fungal infection thanks to the presence of its main compound, Cinnamaldehyde.
At freshZen, we believe food is medicine, and what else is better than boosting your immune system with alternative, natural, and clean ways rather than taking your daily tablets? By simply adding any of these spices to the food that you already enjoy, you will not only garner extraordinary flavors, but also a healthier life.
Tong, as we the Cantonese would call broth, is just as essential to any dining table as rice. Usually composed of a protein (chicken, pork, beef, or fish) combined with vegetables, seeds, and medicinal herbs, Tong is served at the beginning of the meal and consumed throughout mealtime as a beverage.
In fact, many microbes carry essential roles in our bodily functions, such as breaking down the food we eat, working alongside our immune system, providing nutrients for other cells in the body, and regulating metabolism. What’s more, our gut microbiome is able to change its composition based on what food we eat. You’ve probably heard those beneficial probiotics in yogurt a thousand times, but what if I tell you those magical microbes are present in many popular Asian foods as well?
Ruby ruby@freshzenfoods.com
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