2770 E. Bidwell St., Folsom • 916-984-8988 • thaiparadisefolsom.com

Thai food has been known for it healthfulness, so we asked Alex Fleming at Thai Paradise to tell us more. He was introduced to Thai food in San Francisco by a college friend back in the 1970’s. He immediately fell in love with the flavors and was impressed with its healthy ingredients so he began to search it out throughout California, around the country and even in his European travels! That led him to find what he deemed the best Thai food he ever tried.  He ended up marrying this remarkable woman!  His new wife,  Jarunee, cooked food in their home only to set off the smoke alarm so often that they decided to open a restaurant so she could have the proper equipment. Jarunee says she really opened the restaurant so she could cook her delicious and authentic Thai recipes and make people happy with her food.

What makes Thai food so healthy is how it is cooked and the ingredients used in cooking such as rice bran oil, which is much more healthy than other oils. Thai Paradise also uses local Farm-to-Fork ingredients, fresh vegetables and meats purchased daily.

Healthy ingredients include Turmeric. Galanga, Lemongrass, Coriander, Chilies, and Coconut Milk, all of which have been shown to aid digestive health,  may fight colds and infection and may even be considered to have anti-aging properties!

Looking for proof of the benefits of Thai cuisine? The data on obesity might be indicative of its healthfulness. In Thailand approximately 25% of adults are overweight or obese (per PMC - US National Library of Medicine). In the United States almost 40% of the adult population is obese (per the CDC (Center for Disease Control)). Thai food is a win-win – delicious and healthy!

 by PATRICK CRONIN