There are some cuisines in the world that are inherently healthy. If we look for them in their pure state and not as a fusion, we can find delicious dishes that are also good for health.   In all the kitchens of the world, there are dishes that are better and worse for us, there's no doubt about that. What is certain is that some of them carry a tradition of good nutrition at their core. Some of the countries mentioned may surprise you, but it is also important to understand that much of the international offerings we know have been altered to suit local palates. The idea is to seek these cuisines in their purest form as this is how they present themselves in their best nutritional shape.  

Greek

There is a reason why doctors love the Mediterranean diet. Its consumption of omega-3-rich fish, healthy proteins, fiber, lentils, and vegetables supports the immune system in fighting everyday diseases. In fact, Harvard University has linked the Greek diet to the prevention of cancer in women. Speaking of calories, there’s no need to worry; the consumption of beneficial dairy products like yogurt and the intake of healthy fats like olive oil helps the digestive system and aids in weight loss.

Recipe for Greek Moussaka

Ingredients: - 3 eggplants - 1 chopped onion - 2 cloves of garlic - 1/2 lemon sliced - 1 bunch of chopped fresh parsley - 1 bunch of chopped fresh oregano - 1 kilo of ground lamb or ground beef - 3 tablespoons of tomato puree - 450 grams of tomatoes - 250 grams of feta cheese - 1 cup of parmesan cheese - 1 cup of breadcrumbs - olive oil Click here to find out the steps to prepare this recipe.  

Vietnamese

Vegetables, fish, steamed rice, and the use of broths for cooking instead of oil or breading. These are just some of the characteristics of this cuisine that keeps over 90% of its population strong and healthy. Another interesting point is that this cuisine uses spices to flavor its dishes; herbs such as mint, basil, chili, and star anise are some of its most prominent flavor agents.

Recipe for Vietnamese Soup (Pho Ga)

Ingredients: - 500 grams of thinly sliced beef steak - 1 kilo of beef bones for broth - 4 teaspoons of grated fresh ginger - 2 chopped onions - 3 teaspoons of brown sugar - 10 star anise - 6 cloves - 1 package of oriental noodles - 3 chopped green onions - 1/3 cup of chopped cilantro - 1 cup of wheat germ - 1/3 cup of basil leaves - 1 chopped serrano pepper - 3 lemons sliced - 1/3 cup of crushed chili - 7 cups of water - salt to taste Click here to find the steps to prepare this recipe.  

Japanese

Research states that the Japanese diet is the least caloric in the world. One can see it represented in its purest form in Okinawa, where the highest percentage of healthy individuals over 100 years old is found. One of the protagonists of their diet is green tea, which plays important roles in digestion and fat distribution. The consumption of raw fish is another reason why their diet is so healthy, as it is only accompanied by sauces based on soy or tofu, which are equally nutritious. One idea to borrow from them is their famous hara hachi bu, a phrase that refers to eating until one feels 80% full to avoid the danger of overeating.

Recipe for California Sushi

Ingredients: - 4 cups of sushi rice - 1 tablespoon of lemon juice - 4 sheets of nori seaweed - 1 cucumber peeled and seedless, cut into julienne - 1 avocado in julienne (add lemon juice to prevent browning) - 4 sticks of surimi (imitation crab) - 1/4 cup of masago (fish roe) Prepare this recipe by following the steps you will find here.  

Italian

I know it may sound strange since in Mexico we consider Italian cuisine to be filled with carbohydrates due to pasta and pizzas, but the reality is that its culinary base is extremely healthy. It is based on olive oil, tomatoes, oregano, basil, etc. Even the way they use cheese like parmesan is rarely melted or baked; rather, it is sprinkled or served in large pieces to share, which helps reduce the amount consumed.

Recipe for Ground Beef Lasagna

Ingredients: - 2 tablespoons of olive oil - 1/2 chopped onion - 2 cloves of minced garlic - 1 chopped carrot - 1 slice of salad tomato cut in half - 1 large can of tomato puree - 1 finely chopped onion - 1 clove of minced garlic - 1 kilo of ground beef - 1 glass of dry white wine - 3/4 kilo of ricotta cheese - 2 eggs - 1/2 slice of grated mozzarella cheese - 2 cups of grated parmesan cheese - 1/2 cup of chopped parsley - lasagna sheets - salt - pepper - nutmeg Find the steps to prepare this recipe by clicking here.  

Spanish

This is another case that may seem strange, but the idea of eating in the form of tapas is brilliant when one wants to watch their figure. Eating varied and slowly are some of the best tips for losing weight. Iberian cuisine at its core is healthy because if we think of gazpachos, paellas, anchovies, fish, and even octopus a la gallega, we are talking about wholesome foods always accompanied by olive oil and vegetables. Of course, we must steer clear of patatas bravas and croquettes, but there’s no need to worry—there's plenty to choose from.

Recipe for Gazpacho

Ingredients: - 2 red bell peppers, seeded and chopped - 8 tomatoes - 2 small cucumbers, peeled and seeded - 2 cloves of garlic - 1 slice of bread - 1 teaspoon of vinegar - 1 onion - salt to taste - olive oil Find the steps to prepare this recipe by clicking here.  

"Do you prefer these cuisines or Mexican cuisine?"