Popular Vietnamese dish that makes French President admire: Rich in calcium, good for the heart

(Dan Tri) - From rustic vermicelli soup with crab, stir-fried morning glory with garlic to the aroma of perilla leaves, lunch in the heart of Hanoi's Old Quarter is not only a culinary cultural experience but also a "gift" of health.

On the third day of his visit to Vietnam, French President Emmanuel Macron and his wife enjoyed Vietnamese dishes at a restaurant in the heart of the old town.

According to Mr. Didier Corlou - restaurant owner - crab noodle soup and stir-fried morning glory with garlic are two of the pure Vietnamese dishes that the French President and his wife enjoyed during lunch in the heart of Hanoi's Old Quarter.

Notably, the French head of state was particularly impressed with the taste of perilla leaves, a familiar spice in Vietnamese kitchens.

On the third day of his visit to Vietnam, French President Emmanuel Macron and his wife enjoyed Vietnamese dishes at a restaurant in the heart of the old town (Photo: Provided by the character).

From a nutritional science perspective, this meal is not only rich in Vietnamese culture but also very beneficial for health.

Menu of dishes served to the French President and his wife at the restaurant (Photo: Provided by the character).

Bun rieu: A refreshing dish, rich in calcium

According to the National Institute of Nutrition, a traditional bowl of crab noodle soup includes field crab, tofu, tomatoes, fried onions and garlic, fresh vermicelli, sometimes with added blood, ham, shrimp or ribs.

Field crabs are a rich source of calcium, zinc, iron, vitamin B12 and easily digestible protein. The fat from crab roe also provides omega-3, a heart-healthy fatty acid.

Crab noodle soup is refreshing and rich in calcium (Photo: Getty).

Research from the Journal of Nutrition & Food Sciences shows that meals supplemented with seafood protein such as crab and shrimp help improve bone density and reduce the risk of iron deficiency anemia in the elderly.

In addition, crab broth combined with ripe tomatoes is rich in lycopene - an antioxidant - proven to reduce the risk of prostate cancer and cardiovascular disease.

When served with perilla leaves, the vermicelli soup not only becomes more delicious but also adds perilla aldehyde essential oil, which has antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and digestive benefits.

According to a report in the Korean Journal of Medicinal Crop Science, perilla extract helps relieve respiratory symptoms and boost the immune system due to its high flavonoid content.

Stir-fried water spinach with garlic: A golden combo for the heart and immune system

Water spinach is a popular leafy green vegetable that is rich in fiber, magnesium, potassium, vitamin C, and polyphenols. A study published in the Asia Pacific Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that water spinach helps regulate blood pressure and support kidney function thanks to its high potassium content.

Stir-fried water spinach with garlic is a rustic dish but very nutritious (Photo: Tu Anh).

When cooked with garlic - one of the natural superfoods rich in allicin - stir-fried vegetables are not only delicious but also have strong antibacterial effects, reduce blood cholesterol and improve blood circulation. According to WHO, Allicin in garlic has been proven to help reduce the risk of atherosclerosis and cardiovascular events.

Especially during the changing seasons or epidemics, stir-fried water spinach with garlic also helps the body increase resistance, helping to prevent sore throats and flu thanks to its natural antiviral effects.

Source: https://dantri.com.vn/suc-khoe/mon-viet-binh-dan-khien-tong-thong-phap-tam-tac-giau-canxi-bo-tim-mach-20250528122723951.htm