Things to keep in mind when preparing a Tet (Lunar New Year) meal.

During Tet (Vietnamese New Year), family meals always include pork, beef, and chicken dishes. However, not all meats are nutritious and should be eaten in large quantities, as some foods, despite being very familiar on Tet feast tables, should be limited.

Chicken is an indispensable dish on the Tet holiday feast table. (Source: Health and Life Newspaper)

According to Dr. Bui Huy Can (working at the University of Medicine and Pharmacy Hospital in Ho Chi Minh City, Branch 3), there is no single type of meat that is entirely "good" or "bad" for everyone. The choice of which meats to eat more of during Tet (Lunar New Year) should be based on nutritional content, preparation methods, and individual health conditions.

Pork

Pork is the most popular type of meat in Vietnamese Tet (Lunar New Year) meals, appearing in dishes such as braised pork, pork sausage, and fried spring rolls. The advantages of pork are that it's easy to prepare, rich in protein, and contains B vitamins.

However, cuts of meat commonly used during Tet, such as pork belly, pork leg, skin, and fat, contain high levels of saturated fat.

If consumed regularly in large quantities, especially in savory, sweet, or fried forms, pork can increase blood fat levels and negatively affect cardiovascular health. For people with high blood fat, high blood pressure, or who are overweight, pork is not a food that should be eaten in large quantities during Tet (Lunar New Year), but rather lean cuts should be chosen and consumed in moderation.

Beef

Beef is rich in protein, iron, and zinc, which are beneficial for people with anemia or those needing physical recovery. However, it is still red meat, containing saturated fat and purines, factors that increase uric acid in the blood.

Eating large amounts of beef in a short period of time can increase LDL cholesterol and raise the risk of gout, especially in people with underlying conditions.

Furthermore, dishes like grilled or stir-fried beef with strong spices or served with salty dipping sauces are not suitable for people with high blood pressure. Therefore, beef should not be consumed in large quantities continuously during Tet, but only in moderation.

Chicken

Compared to pork and beef, chicken – especially chicken breast – is considered a healthier choice and more suitable for consumption during Tet (Lunar New Year). Chicken provides high-quality protein, is low in saturated fat, is easy to digest, and puts less strain on the cardiovascular system.

For the elderly, those with high cholesterol, high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease, or gout, chicken prepared by boiling, steaming, or making soup is a safe and reasonable choice. However, it should be noted that chicken skin contains a lot of fat, so eating a lot of chicken skin or fried/roasted chicken dishes will still increase the amount of fat consumed.

Therefore, if you had to choose one type of meat to eat more of during Tet, lean chicken is a suitable choice for most people.

From a nutritional perspective, Dr. Can emphasized that one should not focus solely on one type of meat throughout the Tet holiday. Alternating between chicken, lean pork, and beef in reasonable amounts, combined with fish, beans, and eggs, will help create a more balanced diet.

In addition, cooking methods and food safety also play a crucial role. You should prioritize boiled, steamed, and soup dishes; limit salty stews and deep-fried dishes; and choose "fresh, clean" food with a clear origin.

Source: https://baoquocte.vn/nhung-dieu-can-luu-y-trong-mam-com-ngay-tet-360685.html