Thai Food For Health

Thai Basil | Ho Ra Pha

Ho Ra Pha is an annual herbaceous plant. Fresh leaves are narrower and often tinged with reddish purple, compared to regular basil. In Thailand, fresh Ho Ra Pha leaves are either eaten raw or used as a flavouring. It releases its aroma and flavour only when cooked and is most often used in curries. Benefits of Ho Ra Pha include diabetes management, digestion aid, body detoxification and, liver function support.

Ho Ra Pha is found in: Thai Basil, Thai Basil Fried Rice, Thai Basil Noodles, Eggplant Delight, Red Curry, Green Curry, Pineapple Red Curry

Galangal | Kha

Kha is an annual plant with aromatic, ginger-like rhizomes, commonly used in Thai cooking as a flavouring. It is used in curry paste and the famous Thai Tom Yum Soup and Tom Kha. It assists with stomach ulcers, bronchitis, and helps you burn fat. Khao is rich in anti-oxidants, reduces inflammation and can even protect against certain types of infections.

Kha is found in: Tom Yum Soup, Tom Kha Soup, Red Curry, Green Curry, Pineapple Red Curry, Panang Curry, Khao Soi

Thai Chilli | Prik Thai

Prik Thai is a shrub-like herb used as garnish in Thai dishes. There are many different species. All contain capsaicin, a biologically active ingredient beneficial to the respiratory system, blood pressure and, heart. Other benefits include being high in vitamin C, having anti inflammation agents, immunity boosting benefits and, being a powerful anti-oxidant.

Thai Chilli is found in: Red Curry, Green Curry, Pineapple Red Curry, Tom Yum Soup, Any Dish Made Spicy

Kaffir Lime Leaf | Ma Krut

Ma-Krut includes the leaves, peel and juice of the Kaffir Lime which are used as flavouring in Thai cuisine. It contains Fiber, Calcium, and Citric Acid. The major therapeutic benefit of Ma-Krut is that it reduces stess, kills bacteria in acne and bad breath and, has antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus which is a common skin pathogen.

Ma Krut is found in: Fish Lover, Tom Yum Soup, Tom Kha Soup, Panang Curry, Red Curry, Green Curry, Pineapple Red Curry

Tumeric | Kha Min

Kha Min is a member of the ginger family and provides yellow colouring for Thai food. It has the potential to prevent heart disease, Alzheimer’s disease and, cancer. Thai people believe that it helps with digestion and body detoxification.

Kha Min is found in: Satay Chicken, Yellow Curry, Khao Soi

Lemon Grass | Ta Khrai

Ta-Khrai is an annual plant resembling coarse grey-green grass. Fresh leaves and grass are used as a flavouring. It is considered to be one of the best herbs that cure many symptoms. Thai people sometimes make it into a healthy and refreshing drink. Therapeutic properties include aiding in digestion, anti-flu, many anti-oxidants, boosting metabolism and, having anti-microbial agents.

Ta Khrai is found in: Tom Yum Soup, Red Curry, Green Curry, Pineapple Red Curry, Panang Curry, Khao Soi

Shallot | Hom Daeng

Hom-Daeng is an annual herbaceous plant where underground bulbs comprise of garlic-like cloves. Therapeutic properties include the alleviation of stomach discomfort, improvement in blood sugar levels, better circulation and, aids in heart and bone health.

Hom Daeng is found in: Tom Yum Soup,Wonton Soup, Red Curry, Green Curry, Massaman Curry, Yellow Curry, Pineapple Red Curry, Panang Curry, Khao Soi, Thai Basil, Thai Basil Fried Rice, Thai Basil Noodles, Fish Lover, Eggplant Delight

Tamarind | Ma Kham

Ma Kham has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. It can protect against diseases such as heart disease, cancer and diabetes. The seed extract may also help lower blood sugar, while the pulp extract may help you lose body weight and reverse fatty liver disease.

Ma Kham is found in: Pad Thai, Satay Chicken, Fish Lover, Khao Soi

Krachai

There is no English common name for Krachai (Kaempferia pandurata). The ginger family member looks like a bunch of yellow brown fingers. It is a good source such as Calcium, Iron and Vitamins. It is used in the treatment of several inflammatory-related diseases, such as gout, allergy, apthous ulcer and peptic ulcer.

Krachai is found in: Green Curry, Panang Curry

Garlic | Kra Tiam

Garlic is a pungent herb that prevents or clears bacterial infection and lowers fevers by increasing perspiration and reducing blood pressure, cholesterol and sugar levels.

Kra Tiam is found in: Kra Tiam Prik Thai, Freshly Thai Soup, Honey Ginger Stir-Fry

Ginger | Khing

Ginger is a sweet, pungent and aromatic herb that has expectorant properties. The herb increases perspiration, improves digestion and liver function, controls nausea, vomiting and coughing. It stimulates circulation, relaxes spasms and relieves pain.

Khing is found in: Honey Ginger Stir-Fry, Peanut Plate, Magnificent Mango, Squash Soup, Fish Lover, Khao Soi

Cumin

Cumin is a spice made from the seeds of the Cuminum cyminum plant. It promotes digestion, is a rich source of iron and, contains lots of plant compounds that are linked with potential health benefits, including terpenes, phenols, flavonoids and alkaloids.

Cumin is found in: Massaman Curry

Mint | Sa Ra Nae

The Sa Ra Nae leaves are used for flavouring or to eat raw. The beneficial uses include smoother digestion, antiviral and antibacterial properties that can keep mild flu and cold and, anti-inflammatory properties soothe the swelling and keep the mucous at bay.

Sa Ra Nae is found in: Fresh Cold Rolls

Anise

Anise seed is a powerful plant that is rich in many nutrients and boasts a wide array of health benefits. It has anti-fungal, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties and may fight stomach ulcers, keep blood sugar levels in check and reduce symptoms of depression and menopause.

Anise is found in: Freshly Thai Soup, Wonton Soup, Thai Noodle Soup, Eggplant Delight, Massaman Curry

Cilantro | Phak Chi

Phak Chi is essential to many authentic Thai dishes. Not only are the leaves used but also the stems, roots and seeds, all of which impart very different flavours. Both seeds and leaves are rich in oils and act on the digestive system, stimulating the appetite and relieving irritation. Phak Chi has great success in treating loss of appetite and other dyspeptic complaints.

Phak Chi is found in: Mango Salad, Tom Yum Soup, Tom Kha Soup, Freshly Thai Soup, Squash Soup, Kra Tiam Prik Thai, Thai Basil, Thai Basil Fried Rice, Thai Basil Noodles, Eggplant Delight

Holy Basil

Holy basil is also high in anti-oxidants and helps your body detox. Studies show that holy basil can protect your body against toxic chemicals. It may also prevent cancer by reducing the growth of cancerous cells.

Holy Basil is found in: Thai Basil, Thai Basil Fried Rice, Thai Basil Noodles, Eggplant Delight