Cabbage, bok choy, scallions, dark leafy vegetables, and bean sprouts are just a few of the many different kinds of vegetables used. Fruit is another food that is enjoyed on a daily basis, with as much variety as possible. Bananas, mangos, tangerines, watermelon, grapes, and pineapple are examples of the many fruits used for desserts as well as in main courses. Nuts and legumes are the main sources of protein in the traditional Asian diet. They are also good sources of fiber, vitamins, and minerals.
Soybean is a commonly used legume in the Asian diet.
It can be found in many different forms, such as tofu and soy milk. Nuts, seeds, and tofu are often used in soups, salads, noodle dishes, and main courses. Vegetable oils, which are high in unsaturated fats, are used mainly in cooking. This is one of the main differences between the historical Western style diet which uses butter, margarine and other saturated fats in cooking. Medical studies have indicated that a diet high in saturated fats may play a role in some chronic disorders, such as heart disease.