As the Spring Festival draws near, those shopping for New Year's goods to prepare for the holiday are busier than ever. For readers passionate about wellness, health-focused New Year's gifts remain the top choice. So, what health-related New Year's goods are associated with the "ox" for the Year of the Ox? Let's follow the experts to select distinctive New Year's goods with the flavor of the Year of the Ox!Correspondent Yang Pu Yangtze Evening News/Ziniu News Reporter Cai Yunqi 1. Meat-Based Wellness New Year Goods — Beef Meat is indispensable in Chinese family feasts, especially the New Year's Eve dinner. Beef often serves as the main ingredient in dishes, prepared as cold cuts, stir-fries, main courses, soups, or hotpot ingredients.Sun Gang, Director of Gastroenterology at Nanjing Hospital of Integrated Traditional and Western Medicine, explains that beef is highly nutritious. Per 100 grams, it contains 20.1 grams of protein—3.3% more than pork and approximately 10% more than lamb—making it an excellent high-protein food. Additionally, beef is rich in calcium, iron, phosphorus, and vitamins. It is believed to fortify the spleen and stomach, boost qi, and strengthen bones and muscles. However, different types of beef vary in their properties and effects.For instance, the Bencao Jing (Compendium of Materia Medica) notes: "Water buffalo meat is cold in nature; yellow cattle meat is warm." The Diannan Bencao (Yunnan Materia Medica) records: "Water buffalo meat can stabilize pregnancy and replenish blood." The Hanshi Yitong (Comprehensive Medical Treatise by Han) states: "Yellow cattle meat replenishes qi, with effects comparable to Astragalus membranaceus."
2. Root Vegetables for New Year Wellness—Burdock
Fresh burdock is generally available at larger supermarkets and markets in China. Due to its astringent taste, burdock should be soaked in water with white vinegar after cutting to remove bitterness and prevent oxidation and discoloration.Additionally, excessive consumption may cause abdominal discomfort, so moderation is advised. Individuals with qi deficiency or diarrhea should avoid it.
Yan Yanfeng, a renowned TCM practitioner and Chief Physician of Geriatrics at Nanjing Hospital of Integrated Traditional and Western Medicine, explains that according to TCM, burdock root dispels wind-heat and reduces swelling and toxicity.It is used to treat wind-heat colds, headaches, coughs, heat-toxin swelling, sore throat, rheumatic pain, masses and lumps, boils, and malignant sores. The inulin in burdock is not broken down into glucose when ingested, aiding in blood sugar reduction. Its burdock glycosides also help prevent strokes and hypertension.Additionally, burdock's high dietary fiber content promotes bowel movements and helps lower cholesterol levels. 3. Beverage-Based Health Products for the New Year—Milk During the Spring Festival, many readers purchase beverages, with milk being the most common choice. Opt for "pure milk" without additives, and within the same price range, select options with higher fat content for better quality.Healthy adults and children should opt for whole milk, as it retains the maximum amount of nutrients. Those with high blood lipids or needing to control weight should choose low-fat milk to manage calorie intake. Dr. Yang Xiaohui, Deputy Director of the Preventive Medicine Department at Nanjing Integrated Traditional and Western Medicine Hospital, explains that milk protein is easily digested and absorbed by the human body and can complement the protein in grains nutritionally. Milk is not only rich in calcium but also has high absorption rates, making it the best dietary source of calcium.Milk is also a good source of B vitamins, providing significant amounts of vitamin B2—a nutrient often deficient in Chinese diets. It contains numerous bioactive substances like lactoferrin, immunoglobulins, and bioactive peptides that support health. Warm milk can help alleviate insomnia symptoms.
4. Wellness New Year Gifts—Buffalo Horn Comb
The Spring Festival marks a fresh start, and health is no exception. Combing hair is a gentle yet beneficial exercise. Treat yourself to a buffalo horn comb this New Year! Crafted from buffalo horn, these combs measure 10cm-20cm in length.A quality horn comb feels smooth and warm like jade, with a substantial weight. The horn's luster is rounded and pleasant to the touch, and it doesn't generate static electricity. Du Changming, Director of Dermatology at Nanjing Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine Hospital, explains that combing stimulates peripheral nerves in the scalp, improving and enhancing blood circulation in the head. This has therapeutic effects on hair loss, alopecia areata, and premature graying;It also alleviates scalp numbness, pain, dandruff, and excessive oiliness. Regular combing improves hair quality, reduces hair loss, promotes better sleep when done before bed, and refreshes the mind when done upon waking. Consistent combing further protects hair health, enhances complexion, and boosts vitality. For optimal health benefits, each combing session should last at least 3 minutes.