While traditional treats such as candies, fruits, and nuts are popular during the Lunar New Year celebrations, many people are now exploring unique flavors such as dried beef, pork, spicy beef jerky, and lemon chicken. These delicacies have become a trendy choice for the festive season. However, from a nutritional and health perspective, these products may not offer significant benefits.
According to renowned nutrition expert, PGS.TS.BS Nguyen Xuan Ninh, while these dishes are popular, they are not exactly innovative, as they have been used for food preservation during challenging times. From a nutritional standpoint, fresh produce always provides the best nutritional value to our bodies.
Dried meats may offer high protein content, but they lack balance in other essential nutrients.
Moreover, to enhance the flavor and appeal of these dishes, vendors often use a combination of various spices during preparation. However, these heavily spiced dishes may not be the healthiest option. Dr. Ninh warns that protein-rich foods, especially when dried, can lead to an imbalanced diet. As the temperature rises during the drying process, vitamins and fats are lost, resulting in a higher calorie intake, which can contribute to uncontrolled weight gain.
Additionally, there is a risk of bacterial and mold contamination in these foods, which may not be visible to the naked eye and can pose health hazards. Excessive consumption of spicy, salty, and sweet flavors can irritate the stomach and adversely affect kidney health, as Dr. Ninh advises.
PGS.TS.BS Nguyen Thi Lam, former Vice President of the National Institute of Nutrition, also emphasizes that smoked and dried meats tend to be very salty, leading to excessive salt intake, especially during the Lunar New Year celebrations. In reality, the side dishes and dipping sauces that accompany these meats further increase salt consumption, surpassing the WHO’s recommended daily limit of 5g.
High salt intake can have severe health consequences, increasing the risk of chronic diseases such as cardiovascular issues, high blood pressure, and kidney problems. Studies have shown that a diet rich in nitrites and nitrates can elevate the risk of heart disease, as warned by Dr. Lam.
Both experts agree that during the festive season, it is advisable to consume these delicacies in moderation, limiting intake to around 50g per day and avoiding consecutive days of consumption. Moreover, they caution against pairing ready-to-eat processed foods with alcohol, as this combination can accelerate health risks.
To mitigate health risks associated with protein-rich foods, it is essential to include a generous serving of vegetables and fruits in your diet. These plant-based foods contain antioxidants that aid in digestion and help eliminate toxins. Always read the instructions and ingredient lists on food products to make informed choices and protect your health.
Include plenty of fruits and vegetables in your diet to counteract the negative effects of processed meats.
Here is a list of individuals who should limit or avoid processed meats and smoked foods:
– People with kidney and gout issues: These foods, being high in protein and salt, can exacerbate their condition.
– Individuals with stomach ailments: Spicy and heavily seasoned processed foods can irritate the stomach and trigger digestive problems.
– Hypertensive individuals: Processed meats often contain high levels of saturated fat, which can be detrimental to those with high blood pressure. A cautious diet is necessary for these individuals.
– People with high blood lipid levels: As these meats are also rich in protein, they may not be suitable for those with high blood lipid levels and should be consumed with caution.
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