Tag: Chinese food myths

According to research, many people mistakenly associate Chinese cuisine with unhealthy elements like deep-fried dishes and high-sodium sauces, primarily based on the Americanized takeaway version. However, the reality of traditional Chinese food is often quite different, focusing on fresh ingredients and balanced preparation methods.

A single 1-cup serving of restaurant-style General Tso's chicken can contain over 15 grams of net carbs, and often much more in larger portions, according to nutrition data. The answer to how many net carbs are in General Tso's chicken depends heavily on its preparation and portion size, revealing a significant hidden carb load.

Over 100 years ago, a Japanese chemist first isolated monosodium glutamate (MSG) from seaweed, identifying it as the source of the unique umami flavor. This flavor-enhancing additive, MSG, is the primary answer to the question, "What is the additive they put in Chinese food?" but its use has been widely misunderstood.

A single restaurant serving of General Tso’s chicken can pack over 1,500 calories, far exceeding the recommended energy intake for a single meal. This statistic alone sheds light on the common question: are General Tso's chickens healthy?