As the Chinese New Year festival comes around, it is certain that Thai people of Chinese descent will not miss the opportunity to prepare their offerings fully, to worship the sacred and their ancestors. What’s special is that each type of offering symbolizes good fortune in various aspects. Whoever gets to eat them will only have smiles and happiness.
However, looking at health concerns, Chinese New Year offerings can also have negative impacts on the body if not chosen wisely. Therefore, with goodwill, Bangkok Hospital has compiled a list of popular Chinese New Year dishes that should be considered before eating for good health and staying disease-free in every festival.
Pork Belly
Meaning: Eat well, live well, prosper
Warning: If consumed excessively, it can lead to obesity and belly fat, as well as diseases like kidney disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, cancer, etc., due to saturated fats combined with frying oil making it even greasier.
Stewed Duck
Meaning: Work accomplished in every way
Warning: Check for freshness strictly, do not keep overnight. Proteins from meat that has been stewed, boiled, or braised for long periods may create cancer-causing substances.
Boiled Chicken
Meaning: Career progress and advancement
Warning: Eat in moderation, avoid the skin, as it may lead to gout, high cholesterol. Moreover, the use of incense sticks in chicken meat needs caution due to dyes, lead, mercury, etc., which may cause acute gastroenteritis and be a long-term carcinogen.
(Information from: Matichon Online, 5 Feb 2016)
Stir-fried Vermicelli
Meaning: Longevity
Warning: Vermicelli comes in both smooth white and soft yellow colors. Be cautious and wary of vermicelli using synthetic colors, as it may cause diarrhea, gastrointestinal disorders, and long-term harm.
Candle Cake, Keng Cake
Meaning: Sweet and smooth in every matter
Warning: As they contain a large amount of flour and sugar, they pose a risk for obesity, diabetes, heart, and vascular diseases, etc. Consume in moderation.
No matter the festival, taking care of your health is not difficult. Just think before you eat. This Chinese New Year can also be joyful and healthy.
