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年年有餘 (nián nián yôu yú) is an auspicious saying to wish people to have abundance every year
Feast for Health: Chinese New Year Foods that Nourish Your Body and Mind
Chinese food is known for its harmonious blends of different flavors, incorporating sweetness, sourness, saltiness, and bitterness into one plate of food. Its savory cuisine leaves an everlasting impression, making it one of the most popular cultural foods in the world.
Fix Your Heart With Fish:
年年有餘 (nián nián yôu yú) is an auspicious saying to wish people to have abundance every year, whether that is in food or money. They want people to have a surplus of the things they own so that they can prepare for the next year. The last Chinese character, 餘 (yú), has a similar pronunciation to the word, 魚 (yú), which means “fish”. Because of this saying, people serve a whole fish on Chinese New Year and the fish has to have the head and tail all intact. This symbolizes the wish for luck and prosperity from the beginning and end of the year ahead of them. Lots of fish contain numerous health benefits. For example, cold-water fatty fish, such as salmon, mackerel, tuna, herring, and sardines, contain high amounts of Omega-3 fatty acids.
Why is this important? Omega fatty acids are beneficial for your heart and blood vessels
They can lower your triglyceride levels, which are a type of fat found in your blood
They lower the possibility of developing an irregular heartbeat
They slow down the buildup of plaque, which is a combination of fat, cholesterol, and calcium, that solidifies and blocks your blood vessels
They help in reducing your blood pressure
FUN FACT: Omega-3 fatty acids are found most in a fish’s liver! (which is edible too!)
Adding oranges to your dinner table not only brings fortune to your family but also provides numerous health benefits that will help your physical well-being throughout the new year.
Mandarin oranges: The OG Vitamin Pill
Mandarin oranges are a staple fruit for the Chinese in the winter as their harvest season is typically around November to December. It is called “橘子” (jú zi) or “桔子” (jí zi) in Chinese, which sounds similar to the word “吉” (jí), meaning luck and happiness. Oranges contain large amounts of vitamin C, which are crucial for our body’s immune system. Vitamin C is an excellent source of nutrients that is needed for our body to function properly. They help form cartilage, blood vessels, muscles, and collagen in our bones. Adding oranges to your dinner table not only brings fortune to your family but also provides numerous health benefits that will help your physical well-being throughout the new year.
Dumplings: Full of Love and Nutrients
Dumplings are an important part of Chinese New Year because of their meaningful symbolism and delicious taste. Dumplings are shaped like money pouches so Chinese people believed that eating them would bring good fortune and prosperity to their household. Over a couple of years, dumplings have become one of the most beloved foods as they can bring warmth and comfort to those who eat them. Believe it or not, dumplings do bring some health advantages because of their balanced nutrients. With the combination of meat and vegetables for the stuffing, they bring carbohydrates and proteins to your body. Furthermore, steamed dumplings are proven to be the healthier option because they eliminate the need for additional fat and can be lower in calories and saturated fat.
Trying traditional Chinese New Year dishes is a wonderful way to celebrate the beginning of a new year and also is a great way to start adopting a healthier lifestyle and diet. Hope our blog can help you prepare for the next Chinese New Year dinner table!
x Angelina, Our Anatomy, and the Broncology Team
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