Health Benefits of Banh Chung
Banh Chung, a traditional Vietnamese sticky rice cake, offers a plethora of health benefits and is considered a precious remedy in traditional medicine. According to Dr. Bui Dac Sang, a renowned polyclinic from the Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology and Hanoi Oriental Medicine Association, each ingredient in Banh Chung contributes to its nutritional value and therapeutic properties.
The cake is made from glutinous rice, mung beans, pork, and a blend of spices, wrapped in dong leaves. Glutinous rice, with its sweet taste and warm nature, is believed to strengthen the lungs and stop sweating, making it beneficial for those with weak digestion, excessive perspiration, and dizziness.
Pork, known as ‘tru nhuc’ in Vietnamese, has a sweet and salty taste and a cooling nature. It nourishes the skin and promotes healthy blood circulation, benefiting the five vital organs. Pork is also an excellent source of protein, providing the body with essential energy.
Mung beans, referred to as ‘luc dau’ in Oriental medicine, possess a sweet taste and cooling properties. They help clear heat, benefit the five viscera, detoxify the body, improve skin texture, and promote eye health. Mung beans are rich in protein, amino acids, lipids, and vitamins A, B1, and B2, making them highly nutritious.
Dong leaves, with their mild sweet taste and cooling nature, possess detoxifying and blood-cooling properties. When combined with other ingredients, they aid in digestion and help alleviate alcohol intoxication.
Salt, an essential ingredient, provides sodium, which helps maintain stable blood pressure and balance electrolytes.
Peppercorns, with their warm and spicy nature, stimulate digestion, expel phlegm, and warm the middle burner. They are used to treat abdominal coldness, fullness, and poisoning, and are effective in relieving vomiting.
Banh Chung: An Indispensable Delicacy During Tet Holiday
Who Should Avoid Consuming Banh Chung?
While Banh Chung offers numerous health benefits, it may not be suitable for everyone.
– Individuals with Weight Concerns
Banh Chung is calorie-dense, and excessive consumption can lead to weight gain. Therefore, those who are overweight, obese, or aiming to lose weight should limit their intake, especially the fried version of Banh Chung.
– People with Kidney Disorders
The cake contains significant amounts of energy and fat, which may aggravate conditions like chronic kidney disease, hypertension, and dyslipidemia. Increased blood fat levels can further complicate kidney disorders.
– Individuals with High Blood Pressure and High Cholesterol
Consuming large quantities of Banh Chung can lead to short-term spikes in blood sugar and cholesterol levels. Additionally, the high-fat content, particularly from the pork fat, makes it unsuitable for those with high cholesterol and hypertension.
– People with Acne
The primary ingredient, glutinous rice, has a heating effect on the body. Individuals prone to acne or those with existing skin eruptions should refrain from consuming Banh Chung to avoid exacerbating their skin condition.
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