The health benefits of Japanese cuisine are widely known. Japanese people live longer than those in just about any other country. Sushi is now eaten throughout the West, and protein-packed tofu is available at many local supermarkets. Many people in the West drink green tea on almost a daily basis.

Here are five foods that you may not know, but which, for your health’s sake, you ought to try. Be adventurous. Your body will thank you for it.

* Atsu-age – these are cakes of deep-fried tofu, and are often available where regular tofu is available. They are probably best described as tofu for Westerners who don’t like tofu. Deep frying in oil gives them a nutty texture and crunch, yet, inside, this food retains the softness and smoothness of fresh tofu, along with all the health benefits.

* Katsuo-bushi – this is dried flakes of the cooked bonito fish, and resembles wood shavings. It is absolutely delicious when used as a stock for soup or stews. Like tofu, it is full of protein. You should find it sold in large packages at good Asian supermarkets. It is also available in powder form.

* Gobo – the English name for this root vegetable is burdock. It has been used in China and Japan for many centuries as a medicine. Many people believed it could help recovery from illness, as well as boost energy. Today it is reputed to lower cholesterol. You may find it available canned, but if possible buy it fresh and stew or fry.

* Kikuna – this is a type of edible chrysanthemum leaves, also known as shungiku. It can be eaten raw, but is more commonly included in stews, or deep-friend as tempura. Take care not to overcook, or the taste may become bitter. It is said to be good for fevers.

* Daikon – the giant white radish is one of the most common ingredients in Japanese cooking. It is commonly included in stews of all kinds, and is also a regular garnish with sushi and many other uncooked dishes. It is also often added to dipping sauces, such as for tempura. It is a short stumpy vegetable, and so ingrained is it in Japanese culture that people with fat legs are said to have “daikon legs.” The best daikon has a somewhat sharp taste, but often it is rather bland, although it is absolutely delicious when pickled. It is so important in Japanese cooking that you should be able to find it any Asian supermarket that sells fresh produce. It is especially good in aiding digestion, particularly for oily foods.

Malaysia’s geographical location and mild weather are a great reason for tourists from around the world to visit and enjoy. Malaysia is a tropical country with rich heritage and abundance of natural and man made tourism destinations. A country with lush green planes and crystal blue water is a heaven on earth, a natural destination for tourists and nature lovers to spend time and enjoy the beauty of nature.

Malaysia is not just famous due to its travel and tour advantages, but has recently become a destination of choice for tourists seeking health and wellness. People who are finding it difficult to get early appointment for complex procedures of heart and orthopedics, plastic and cosmetic surgery, dental and fertility procedures. One can be booked over night if a medical tourist is fit for surgery and does not need long standing investigations to confirm diagnosis to proceed for procedures. Medical tourists in Malaysia can find a good number of highly trained and skilled surgeons and doctors in all major specialties like plastic surgery, orthopedic surgery, heart or cardiac surgery etc.

Advantage Malaysia for medical tourists is its cost and quality of service provided; Medical procedures are far less expensive than it’s competitive in Singapore. Medical tourism procedures offered are from highly reputable, accredited hospitals with international accreditations. Doctors performing these procedures are well trained at local and international institutions of recognition, from countries like, USA, UK and Australia. Malaysia has other advantages of English speaking nurses and other hospital staff. Medical staff which believes in high touches rather hi fi care.

Medical Tourism or Medical Travel to Malaysia offers wide range of procedures to its patients/ tourists and through its medical tourism facilitators like Wellness Visit offers very personalized services. Its just a click away to find out costs of procedures like tummy tuck, face lift, liposuction, or hip replacement, knee replacement in orthopedics, heart procedures like open heart surgery etc. Also Wellness Visit offers services to book hotels, travel and tour trips. Wellness Visit offers its tourists concierge services and free pick and drop services to airport.

Health Travel or Medical Tourism Malaysia is eagerly waiting for tourists from all around the world to embark on this journey of wellness and rejuvenation. Seek treatment for complex procedures like hip replacement, knee replacement, face lift, liposuction, open heart surgery, valve replacement. Also seek affordable packages of health screening and check up. Malaysia health travel also offers, wellness tours at destinations of natural spas, massage centers, acupuncture treatments and traditional methods of healing and wellness.