Human beings maintain their lives by eating, and they also need to eat in a way that is flavorful, nutritious, and allows them to fully enjoy the pleasure of food. Seasonings play a huge role in this. Seasonings can give food special flavors, stimulate people's appetite, and help the body absorb and digest. In addition, some seasonings themselves have good nutritional and health benefits.
Vinegar—as a seasoning, it can break down the fishy smell of food, making it more delicious and palatable. It can also promote gastric acid secretion, increase appetite, and has a certain bactericidal effect. When used for cooking pork ribs or small fish, it can make the bones crispy and the meat tender, helping to dissolve and increase the absorption of calcium and phosphorus in the bones. However, it should not be consumed in excess, otherwise it may harm the stomach and damage the teeth.
Soy sauce—its sweet and umami flavor comes from the amino acids it contains, which include the eight essential amino acids needed by the human body, making it quite nutritious. However, it should be noted that soy sauce also contains a relatively high amount of sodium, and excessive intake can easily lead to high blood pressure.
MSG—the active ingredient is sodium glutamate. Glutamine itself is a nutritional amino acid that helps with brain metabolism. However, MSG also contains a high amount of sodium, and if heated for too long or at too high a temperature, it can easily deteriorate. Therefore, patients with high blood pressure should reduce their intake.
Salt—the carrier of salty flavor, it has functions such as adjusting saltiness, enhancing umami, cutting through grease, and has bactericidal and preservative effects.
Paste—a paste made from soybeans, wheat flour, rice, etc., fermented with salt and water, which has a unique color, aroma, and flavor.
Sichuan peppercorn—has the effect of removing fishy smell, eliminating strange odors, and adding fragrance. Stir-fried with salt, it can be made into salt and pepper. Fried in oil, it can be made into peppercorn oil.
Oyster sauce—made from oyster juice, it has a fresh and savory flavor and is used in savory dishes.
Cinnamon, Amomum—Chinese medicinal herbs that have certain health benefits.