Top 5 Foods to Stay Healthy Throughout the Year of the Monkey

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The Lunar New Year is finally upon us, and with it are traditions on keeping one's good luck, health, and fortune throughout the whole year. For those who are looking to improve their health this year, here are some traditional Chinese foods that symbolize good fortune, luck, and health that you can add to your daily dishes.

1. Chinese broccoli. Commonly called gai lan or kai lan, this green, leafy vegetable has crisp, thick stems and dark green leaves that are so enticing and very healthy to eat. According to Fraser Health, it's best served steamed with a light drizzle of oil, just like a salad. Gai Lan is filled with beta-carotene, folate, vitamin E, iron, and calcium, as per Taste. It can be easily be blanched in boiling water or stir-fried to perfection.

2. Chicken. This great source of protein represents wholeness and togetherness of a family, as per Fraser Health. According to Livestrong, a 3-ounce boneless, skinless chicken breast has as much as 27 grams of protein and amino acids essential for good health. Protein is necessary to build muscular tissue in the body, so if you're working out, make sure to include chicken or other protein sources in your meals.

3. Fish. According to Gothamist, the Chinese word for fish is "yu," which also sounds like the word for excess. The Chinese believe that consuming fish will bring them more fortune into their lives. Those who do consume fish will not only get fortune but also a good number of omega-3 fatty acids for heart and brain health. Add steamed or grilled fish to diversify your diet and improve your overall health.

4. Dumplings. In China, dumplings are a symbol of prosperity. Fuchsia Dunlop, author of Shark’s Fin and Sichuan Pepper, told Chowhound that Jiaozi dumplings are commonly made of pork and cabbage, and wrapped in dough. It's also made in the shape of "an old silver ingot," and eating them is believed to bring prosperity.

5. Oranges. Doris Lum, president of the Association of Chinese Cooking Teachers told Chowhound that the Chinese words for "gold" and "orange" sound alike, while the word for "tangerine" may also mean "luck." Lum says that oranges with leaves are better because leaves symbolize longevity. But more than these beliefs, oranges have been found to contain over 170 different phytochemicals and more than 60 flavonoids that have anti-inflammatory properties and antioxidant effects, as per Medical News Today.