What to Eat During Tết for Good Luck and Beauty? A Delicious Dish for Eternal Youth and Luscious Hair.

Bitter melon has detoxifying properties that promote skin whitening and hydration, keeping your skin soft and supple during the dry winter months.

Aside from its symbolic meaning, this soup is also packed with nutritional benefits. Bitter melon is known for its ability to detoxify and promote skin health. It boosts metabolism and is effective in treating acne. Additionally, dermatologists have found that bitter melon can help lighten the skin, giving it a youthful and smooth appearance.

The high water and vitamin content in bitter melon help replenish and regenerate the skin, providing much-needed moisture to combat dry skin during the colder season.

2. Carp Fish

Carp fish is a traditional dish in some Northern regions of Vietnam during the Lunar New Year celebrations. According to folklore, carp is believed to transform into dragons when they successfully leap over a mythical gate, known as “vu mon”. Consuming carp during the first three days of the new year is thought to bring success and good fortune in all endeavors.

The protein in carp is particularly beneficial for maintaining healthy skin, especially for women.

Beyond its symbolic significance, carp is also a highly nutritious food with a multitude of health benefits. Ancient Chinese people considered carp fins to be one of the “eight treasures”, placing them on par with bear paws. Dao Huang Jing, a renowned physician of the Later Liang Dynasty in China, referred to carp as “the leader of all fish and the most delicious food.”

Carp is not only good for your health, but it also contains amino acid protein in quantities similar to what the human body requires. This makes it easily absorbable for collagen synthesis. It is also a high-quality source of protein and fiber, with a higher water content. Regular consumption of carp can result in smooth, radiant, and youthful-looking skin for women.

3. Chicken

Chicken is an indispensable part of the Lunar New Year celebrations in Vietnam. Eating chicken during the first days of the new year is believed to bring abundance, good luck, and ease throughout the year. Nutritionally speaking, chicken is indeed one of the healthiest types of meat, offering essential nutrients and serving as a fantastic ingredient for a well-rounded and healthy diet.

Boiled chicken is rich in protein, keeping you feeling full for longer without consuming excess calories, which is great for weight loss and maintaining a healthy figure.

Due to its low-calorie and high-protein content, chicken is especially beneficial for weight management. Research has shown that increasing protein intake during meals enhances satiety, aids in maintaining lean body mass, and reduces the accumulation of body fat. When combined with regular exercise, protein also promotes muscle growth.

However, when preparing chicken, it is advisable to avoid deep-frying or battering, as these methods increase the carb and calorie content. Instead, opt for steaming, boiling, stir-frying, or grilling the chicken until it is just cooked to retain the most nutritional value while avoiding excess fat.

4. Papaya

Papaya is a common fruit found on the “five-fruit tray” displayed during the Lunar New Year celebrations in Vietnam. Its name, “du du”, conveys the meaning of abundance and prosperity.

Papaya is renowned for its beauty benefits, especially for women.

Papaya is well-known for its skin-enhancing properties, particularly for women. It is rich in antioxidants such as lycopene, which can effectively combat visible signs of aging and improve skin elasticity, reducing the appearance of wrinkles. Additionally, the enzymes papain and chymopapain found in papaya help reduce inflammation and remove dead skin cells that can clog pores.

According to a 2012 study, the vitamin A content in papaya also has positive effects on hair health. It helps the scalp produce sebum, which nourishes, strengthens, and protects your hair. The compounds in papaya, including lycopene, can stimulate robust hair growth.

5. Watermelon

In Vietnamese culture, watermelon symbolizes joy and good fortune. Its round shape, taut skin, green exterior, and red interior represent hidden happiness and luck. After indulging in lavish New Year feasts, a refreshing slice of watermelon is always a welcome treat.

Watermelon is rich in antioxidants, protecting your skin from sun damage. It is also a great source of hydration without the extra calories, making it a perfect snack for weight management.

Watermelon is especially beneficial for skin health due to its high antioxidant content. It boasts high levels of vitamins A and C, which protect cells from damage and combat the formation of free radicals, thus slowing down the aging process and maintaining healthy skin.

Additionally, vitamin C boosts collagen production and safeguards against sun damage, while vitamin A is crucial for cell health and protection against UV rays.

Despite its natural sugar content, watermelon is packed with vitamins and minerals and is low in calories, making it an excellent choice for those watching their weight.