BMS Organics - Chef Wan Wants Malaysians To Eat Healthy

Having a healthy, balanced diet is an essential part of maintaining a healthy lifestyle. However, more often than not, it is easier said than done in Malaysia, a multiracial country renowned for its Malay, Chinese, Indian and Peranakan cuisines. It becomes even harder when most of us believe that healthy food offers less pleasure to the taste buds.

Celebrity chef Datuk Redzuawan Ismail or fondly known as Chef Wan, is now on a mission to help Malaysians eat healthy and to dispel the misconception about healthy foods. To achieve this, a strategic collaboration has been formed between Chef Wan and BMS Organics, a leading retail chain in promoting healthy organic living.

"BMS Organics and Chef Wan share a common vision to help Malaysians eat healthy and lead a wholesome lifestyle. By harnessing Chef Wan's culinary passion and expertise, we can create delicious, nutritious Malaysian dishes by using our organic, eco-friendly produce and products," said BMS Organics COO, Mr. Terry Lee in the ­ official opening ceremony of BMS Organics store in Mid Valley Megamall, its latest and 43rd outlet in the country.

Together, Chef Wan and BMS Organics are dishing out 3 Malaysian favourite dishes like Nasi Lemak, Organic Soya Milk Curry Laksa and Asam Laksa Vermicelli Soup, each given a new twist.

"We Malaysians love our lip-smacking cuisines, especially curry and meat, but our passion for flavoursome food has become increasingly unhealthy. As a chef, I take it my calling to help Malaysians develop a healthy eating culture," said the internationally renowned chef.

According to a 2013 study by UK medical journal Lancet, Malaysia has been rated as the highest among Asian countries for obesity. Compared to global rates of around 30%, nearly 45% of Malaysian men and 49% of Malaysian women are overweight or obese. Obesity is known to be one of the risk factors of diabetes and heart diseases―the number one silent killer in Malaysia.

"It is generally known that our daily diet tends to lack wholesome fibre. That's why in this quest for a healthier Malaysia, I have given our most-loved dishes extra fiber power by choosing fresh organic vegetables and products from BMS Organics," said Chef Wan. He also shared his three recipes during the cooking demonstration held  after the opening ceremony of BMS Organics store in Mid Valley Megamall. 

The three wholesome organic recipes by Chef Wan will be made available on BMS Organics' official website at bmsorganics.com.  

Less Meat, Better Health

In fact, many leading health organizations in the world now encourage people to cut down on their meat intake to promote overall well-being. A 2010 study by Oxford University’s Department of Public Health discovered that eating meat no more than 3 times a week could prevent 31,000 deaths from heart disease, 9,000 deaths from cancer and 5,000 deaths from stroke. A study by American Diabetes Association found that people following a meatless diet had a decreased risk of Type 2 diabetes too.

As organic foods are rich in fiber but low in sugar and fat, they help to reduce the risk of high cholesterol and high blood pressure caused by unhealthy diet. Certified organic produce and products are free from pesticides, artificial flavours, colours and preservatives. As such, they also help lower exposure to chemicals that are harmful to our health. 

  

In line with the increasing awareness of the health benefits that accompanies the reduction in meat consumption, a movement popularly known as Meat-Free Monday is now growing across the globe. It encourages people to skip meat on Monday to improve their health and the health of the planet. This is because meat production generates nearly 20% of man-made greenhouse gasses that accelerate climate change and consumes 20 times more fuel to make feed for beef than plant-based protein.   

"Their collaboration with Chef Wan is part of our initiative to promote Meat-Free Monday. By skipping meat on Monday every week or once a week and substitute it with tasty, healthy meatless meal, we can make a world of difference to our health and the planet," said Terry Lee.

The three wholesome organic recipes by Chef Wan will be made available on BMS Organics' official website at bmsorganics.com.  

About BMS Organics

BMS Organics is the Largest Organic Retail Chain in The Malaysia Book of Records. It offers an extensive range of organic and eco-friendly products such as personal care and skincare products, health supplements, food and beverages as well as other household items. Among others, its flagship brands include Biogreen, O'Forest, Andalou Naturals, Bugs' Paradise, RadianceOn, O'Choice, O'Clean and other renowned international brands such as Benecos from Germany, Herbatint from United Kingdom, CKJ from Korea and Rampal Latour from France. It is also the winner of Sin Chew Business Excellence Award 2014 and MRCA Brand Achievement Award 2014.

Nasi Lemak 

The new Nasi Lemak recipe is composed of wholesome brown rice  seasoned with coconut oil, tasty rendang made with fresh spices like galangal to prevent free radicals, lemongrass to promote metabolism and organic soy milk as the substitute for high cholesterol coconut milk as well as protein-rich organic beancurd skin (Tou Bao) as faux meat.

Organic Soy Milk Curry Laksa 

The savoury curry paste is made with freshly ground galangal, turmeric and dried chilies. It is cooked with organic virgin coconut oil to promote metabolism and add a delicate coconut aroma to the dish. Instead of coconut milk, organic soy milk is used to reduce cholesterol intake and the probability of stomach upset. Served with a healthier choice of unbleached flour noodle or brown rice vermicelli to satisfy your appetite without burdening the body.

Asam Laksa Vermicelli Soup 

Fresh tomato, tomato purée and apple cider vinegar are used to replace dried tamarind (asam). Apple cider is rich in active enzymes, potassium and minerals to promote digestion and detoxification. Served with wholesome unbleached flour noodle or brown rice vermicelli.