The main side ingredients for Mala Xiang Guo are dried chili peppers, Sichuan peppercorns, and bay leaves. While they effectively stimulate the appetite, most of them are considered to be "warm" or "hot" in nature. "It's best to pair them with fresh vegetables, which have a cooling, detoxifying, and heat-clearing effect. Additionally, you can opt for more mushrooms and bean products to achieve a balanced diet." advises Professor Li Huiming, a nutrition expert from the Xiangya Hospital of Central South University. Celery, asparagus lettuce, and white radish are top choices. Cabbages and bok choy can also clear heat and detoxify, but leafy vegetables tend to absorb excessive oil, making them less suitable for Mala Xiang Guo.
Furthermore, eating more seaweed can help reduce fat accumulation. You can also choose 1-2 types of mushrooms, such as oyster mushrooms, straw mushrooms, or fresh shiitake mushrooms. These mushrooms contain various amino acids that can stimulate the taste buds to create a savory flavor, which is better than the flavor of pure MSG and is less likely to cause thirst.
When selecting meat dishes, the reporter noticed that most people choose processed meat products like fish balls, ham sausages, and luncheon meat. However, from a nutritional perspective, it is better to choose pure meat options like chicken wings or squid.
Inferior fish balls and luncheon meat are basically made of starch, offering little nutrition and adding to calorie intake. Squid, on the other hand, is rich in calcium, phosphorus, and iron, which are highly beneficial for bone development and blood production. The large amount of taurine in squid can relieve fatigue, restore vision, and improve liver function, making it a healthy, low-calorie food, especially for the oily and heavily seasoned Mala Xiang Guo.
Additionally, when eating Xiang Guo, you might as well ask for a small dish of vinegar to dip your food in. This not only makes the flavor more delicious but also helps to cut through the grease and richness.