New suite of free Asian heritage food and cooking resources now available from the American Heart Association in Washington and Oldways

SEATTLE, May 16, 2025 — To increase nutrition information for community members from East, Southeast and South Asia, the American Heart Association, a global force changing the future of health for all, and Oldways, a nonprofit nutrition education organization dedicated to the healthy and sustainable joys of the old ways of eating, have developed resources highlighting the nutritional strengths of cuisine from the different regions of Asia while offering heart healthy preparation tips for dishes. Healthier meals are easier to prepare if individuals are familiar with nutritious ingredients and recipes reflect cultural heritage. The U.S. Census Bureau reports that as of 2022, more than 24 million Asian Americans live in the United States. 

 

According to the American Heart Association, an overall healthy eating pattern includes whole foods, lots of fruits and vegetables, lean protein, nuts, seeds, and cooking in non-tropical oils such as olive and canola. These recommendations are the same for everyone, but specific ingredients may vary. For example, whole grain choices with origins in traditional Asian cooking, might include millet, soba noodles, black rice and whole grain roti. Seasoning foods with spices instead of salt is a swap all individuals should employ, but flavoring swaps that might feel more familiar to the Asian American community could include lemongrass, cardamom, turmeric or gingerroot.

 

"Food is an expression of culture and plays a crucial role in our physical and mental well-being,” said Ka Hei Karen Lau, MS RD, LDN, CDE, Asian heritage diet scientific advisor for Oldways. “There are ways to honor traditions and build a healthier plate. Our hope is that by creating these resources, community members can enjoy a heart healthy diet while also nourishing their soul.”

 

Along with an infographic that outlines Oldways’ Asian Heritage Diet Pyramid, the resources include recipes from East, Southeast and South Asian, including Adobo-Inspired Vegetables and Spring Vegetable Rolls with Shrimp. Each recipe further illustrates heart healthy preparations. For example, in the recipe for Adobo-Inspired Vegetables, low-sodium soy sauce is blended with a variety of zesty and savory seasonings to create bold flavor without a lot of sodium. Matchstick-sized strips of colorful veggies in Spring Vegetable Rolls with Shrimp, give the rolls a satisfying crunch when bitten into, eliminating the need for deep frying. 

 

“Often simple swaps can lead to large improvements in the overall heart healthy properties of a dish,” said Elena O'Callahan, RDN, community impact director, American Heart Association, Washington. “And following a healthier diet is one step we can all take in the prevention of high blood pressure, high cholesterol, type 2 diabetes and other health conditions.” 

 

All resources are being made available to the community at heart.org/eatsmart and oldwayspt.org. 

 

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The American Heart Association is a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. Dedicated to ensuring equitable health in all communities, the organization has been a leading source of health information for more than one hundred years. Supported by more than 35 million volunteers globally, we fund groundbreaking research, advocate for the public’s health, and provide critical resources to save and improve lives affected by cardiovascular disease and stroke. By driving breakthroughs and implementing proven solutions in science, policy, and care, we work tirelessly to advance health and transform lives every day. Connect with us on heart.org, Facebook, X or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1. In Washington, visit heart.org/Washington, or follow us on Facebook, Instagram or X.

 

Francesca Minas: francesca.minas@heart.org

Valerie Koch: valerie.koch@heart.org

For Public Inquiries: 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721)

heart.org and stroke.org