Last Updated on 18 March 2025 by Brisbane Livewell Clinic
Each month we explore interesting and lesser-known or used plant-based foods from a different region of the world, some with real value as therapeutic food or Food as Medicine. This month we focus on Asia. Covering a vast and contrasting area geographically, Asian cuisine encompasses a range of flavours. The diversity of culinary specialities makes it an exciting and versatile cuisine to experience and experiment with.
We can see similarities to other food preparation cultures like fermented Kimchi (similar to sauerkraut) and the native flora like Goji berries (comparable to Acai berry in antioxidant capacity). At the same time, Matcha tea is Asia’s answer to coffee!
Asian cuisine often signifies more medicinal properties and therapeutic value – especially for immune health and longevity. For Asia’s flavours, we take a look at the well known Shitake mushroom and the lesser-known member of the soy family Natto and the exotic lotus root.
Shiitake
Mushrooms have been highly regarded as possessing enormous nutritive and medicinal values(1), and Shitake mushrooms are no exception. Different studies demonstrate this fungus’ potency and conclude that it can be applied as functional food-based therapeutics, for example, against cardiovascular diseases. (1) It has also been observed that Shitake’s regular consumption resulted in improved immunity while the test subjects were found to have less inflammation than before consumption. (2)
With a rich, earthy taste, these potent fungi are often sourced dried and make a wonderful addition to healing broths, a twist on risotto while fresh mushrooms add serious umami to stir-fries.
We have a wonderful Shitake Mushroom stir fry recipe HERE.
Natto
Natto (fermented soybeans) has been consumed as a traditional food in Japan for thousands of years and reports have suggested that natto contributes significantly to Japanese people’s longevity. (3) It has been found to contain more than 100 times as much vitamin K2 as various cheeses(4) however, its mildly unpleasant odour and stringy texture limit its use as a common food outside of Japan. (3)
Medicinally, Natto is regarded as a miracle food due to the fibrinolytic enzyme Nattokinase (NK) it contains which can break down blood clots. (3) Various clinical trials have demonstrated that NK improves blood circulation and helps decrease the risk of various cardiovascular diseases without adverse side effects. (3) With this to consider, it could be a worthy addition alongside its humble counterparts tofu, tempeh and miso, all derived from soybeans. We encourage you to try it once and draw your own conclusions.
Lotus root
Lotus root, an aquatic plant, is a popular food in Japan and Southeast Asia(5) known by several common names (such as Indian lotus, Chinese water lily, and sacred lotus) and is extensively cultivated primarily for food and as herbal medicine. (6) The root contains dietary fibre, vitamin C and abundant polyphenolic compounds. (5) Different parts of lotus, including the leaves, roots, seed and petals have been studied extensively for their anti‐obesity properties, attributed to both the flavonoids and alkaloids it contains. Alkaloids are considered more effective at inhibiting fat absorption, whereas flavonoids are more effective at inhibiting fat accumulation. (6)
Keep an eye out for this interesting plant at specialty stores for a point of difference in an Asian style meal. When purchased dried, it can be soaked and rehydrated and added to soups or stir-fries, while the soak water can be reserved and drank as a tea.
Plant-Based Foods
From fungi to fermented to fat-fighting, these plant-based food options are more ways to broaden your diet choices being inspired by traditional foods and understanding their potency from a modern-day perspective. The power of plants is fascinating! If you are considering embracing a wonderful Plant-Based Foods lifestyle, you may find this BLOG informative.
Our Amazing Naturopaths at Brisbane Livewell Clinic
Shella Hall (Sunshine Coast and online)
Amy Angus (Wavell Heights and online)
Jen Strachan (Cannon Hill and online)
Nicole Odlum (Wavell Heights and online)
Dominique Johanson (Wavell Heights and online)
Locations We Service – Naturopathy
Naturopath Caloundra
Naturopath Wavell Heights
Naturopath Cannon Hill
Naturopath Sunshine Coast
Naturopath Noosa
Naturopath Brisbane Northside
Naturopath Brisbane
Naturopaths Brisbane
Brisbane Naturopaths
Naturopathy Brisbane
Naturopaths Near Me
Best Naturopaths Near Me
Best Naturopath Near Me
Natural Therapies Brisbane
Therapists Brisbane
Relevant Naturopath links
- How Naturopathy Can Help You Recover Your Health
- Seeing a Naturopath: The Ultimate Guide
- Naturopaths
- Guide to Seeing a Children’s Naturopath
- The 6 Naturopathic Principles that Protect a Naturopath’s Patients
- ADHD Naturopath
- Brisbane Wellbeing
- Natural Dispensary Brisbane
Why You May Wish to Consult a Naturopath
Gut Health
- Gut Health
- Naturopath for Gut Health
- Solving Gut Issues by Treating SIBO
- SIBO Test Brisbane
- Daily Ritual Gut Health
- 6 Digestive Problems that Cause Weight Gain
- How Stool Testing Helps IBS Sufferers Part 1: Digestive Markers
- How Stool Testing Helps IBS Sufferers Part 2: Microbial Markers
- Gut Health with Parasite Cleanse
- Natural Parasite Cleanse Australia
- The Gut-Brain Connection to Mental Health
- The Gut-Brain Connection: How to Feed Your Brain
- Controlling Constipation and Bloating
- How Stool Testing Helps Find the Causes of IBS and Other Digestive Health Problems
- Gut Health Brisbane
- Gut Health Specialist Brisbane
- Gut Microbiome Testing Australia
- Gut Health Test Australia
- Probiotics for Thrush
Hormone Health and Thyroid Issues
- Hormonal Health and Thyroid Issues
- PCOS and the Insulin Connection
- Identifying Insulin Resistance
- Looking at Luteal Phase Deficiency
- Experiencing Painful Periods? Here’s What Might Be Causing It
- When You Suspect You Have Thyroid Issues
- Subclinical Hypothyroidism: When You Suspect You Have a Thyroid Issue
- Thyroid Disorders from a Naturopathic Aspect
- Thyroid Health for the Winter Months
- Thyroid Disease: A Brief Guide to Common Disorders
- 3 Lifestyle Changes Women Need to Make After 40
- Naturopathic Thyroid Specialist Near Me
- Hyperthyroidism
- Hypothyroidism and Hashimoto’s
- Thyroid
- Hyperthyroidism and Graves’ Disease
- Test Cortisol at Home
- Cortisol Test Australia
- How to Get Hormone Levels Checked in Australia
- Blood Analysis Cost in Australia
Detox and Cleansing
- Heavy Metal Toxicity: Strategies for Detoxing
- Detoxing Your Lifestyle, Not Just Your Body
- Heavy Metal Detox for Kids
- Naturopathic Detox Cleanse
- Naturopath Detox
- Do I Need a Heavy Metal Detox?
- Heavy Metal Detox Australia
Insomnia and Sleep Health
- Save Your Sleep with What You Eat
- Insomnia Linked to Mineral Deficiency
- Solving Insomnia: Naturopathy’s Five-Step Solution
- 5 Ways Insomnia Can Affect Your Life and What You Can Do About It
- Natural Treatment for Insomnia
- Naturopathic Remedies for Insomnia
Autoimmune Conditions
Mental Health
- The Gut-Brain Connection to Mental Health
- The Gut-Brain Connection: How to Feed Your Brain
- Treating Depression with Naturopathy: What You Should Consider
- A Naturopath’s Guide to Improving Mental Health
- Naturopathic Anxiety Medication
- Naturopath Anxiety
- Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD): How a Naturopath Helps
- Pyrrole Disorder
Women’s Health
- Women’s Health
- Hormonal Imbalance
- Naturopath Women’s Health
- Women’s Health Week: It’s All About Women’s Wellness and Wellbeing
- Treating Vaginal Thrush the Natural Way
- The Lowdown on Low Libido
- Regulating Menstrual Cycles with Chaste Tree
- Painful Periods and Naturopathy
- Preventing Post-Pill Acne
- Menopause Clinic Near Me
- What is Menopause?
Fertility and Pregnancy
- Pregnancy
- Pre-Pregnancy Fertility Care with Naturopathic Nutrition
- Fertility Naturopath Brisbane
- Acupuncture and Naturopathy for Pre-Conception Care
- Pregnancy Care and Naturopathy
- Maximising Nutrition Before and During Pregnancy
- Getting Quality Sleep in the 3rd Trimester of Pregnancy
- Pregnancy Wellbeing and Naturopathy are Great Partners
- Naturopathy for the Management of Constipation During Pregnancy
- Prenatal Naturopath
- Postpartum Depression and Anxiety
- Keeping Calm About Colic
Men’s Health
- Men’s Health
- The Sperm Health Decline
- Better Prostate Health with Natural Medicine
- Naturopathy and Men’s Health
- Support Your Thyroid Health Naturally
- Men’s Health Supplements
DNA Testing
- DNA Testing & Personalised Medicine
- DNA Testing Brisbane
- DNA Testing Brisbane, Australia
- Methylation Test Near Me
- Testing Functional Medicine
- Genetic Methylation Test Brisbane
- DUTCH Test Providers Near Me
- Full Genetic Testing Australia
Leaky Gut Syndrome
Food Intolerances and Allergies
- 7 Useful Strategies for Overcoming Food Intolerance
- Hayfever and the Gastrointestinal Immune System
- Food Intolerance, Hypersensitivity, and Allergies Explained
- Everything You Need to Know About Food Intolerance
- Food Allergy Testing Near Me
- Food Intolerance Testing Brisbane
- Food Allergy Testing
- Food Intolerance Testing
- Food Intolerance Testing Package
- How to Get an Allergy Test in Australia
Weight Loss
- Can Irritable Bowel Syndrome Cause Weight Gain? (IBS)
- Naturopathy for Weight Loss
- Natural Weight Loss for Summer
- A Naturopathic Approach to Achieving an Ideal and Healthy Weight
- Intermittent Fasting: A Naturopath’s Guide to Success
- Weight Loss Naturopath
- Kick-Start Weight Loss: 5 Science-Backed Tips
- Combining Therapies for a Healthy Weight
- Naturopath’s Weight Loss Programme
Nutrition and Mineral Deficiencies
- Nutrition and Naturopathy: Healthy Diet
- Optimising Nutrition for Skin Health
- The Seriousness of Sugar
- The Importance of Mindfulness and Meditation in Natural Medicine
- Nutrition Deficiency: Visible Body Look Signs
- Helping Cardiovascular Disease in Women
- Sports Nutrition and Your Ideal Protein Requirements
- Creating a Healthy Diet for Good Health and Wellbeing
- Maximising Nutrition Before and During Pregnancy
- Nutrition and Naturopathy: Healthy Diet
- Combining Therapies for a Healthy Weight
- Intermittent Fasting: A Naturopath’s Guide to Success
- Iron Deficiency and Anaemia: When Things Go from Bad to Worse
- Naturopathic Medicine: What You Need to Know
- National Herbal Medicine Week
- The Role of Nutrition and Naturopathy in Wellbeing
- Clinical Nutrients
- Mood & Food
Parasites
- Natural Parasite Cleanse Australia
- Parasites from Traveling
- Natural Treatments for Those Pesky Parasites
- Clean Your Body of Parasites
- Parasite Cleanse
Exhaustion / Tired
