Mooncakes, as an indispensable traditional delicacy for the Mid-Autumn Festival, symbolize reunion and harmony. Although their high sugar and oil content does not entirely align with modern health eating concepts, tasting mooncakes during the festival remains a custom. To enjoy this festive food in a healthier way, the choice and methods of consumption become particularly important.
Chinese mooncake culture has a long history and can generally be categorized into five major styles: Beijing-style, Cantonese-style, Su-style, Yunnan-style, and Teochew-style. Beijing-style mooncakes are moderately sweet with a balanced crust and filling; Su-style mooncakes are known for their flaky crust and sweet fillings; Yunnan-style mooncakes tend to be salty and are famous for ham mooncakes, which are relatively refreshing; while Cantonese and Teochew mooncakes excel in the combination of lotus seed paste and salted egg yolk, offering a unique taste, but are also comparatively higher in calories.
While enjoying mooncakes, it is essential to be aware of their potential health impacts on specific groups of people. For instance, diabetic patients should consume them with caution to avoid blood sugar spikes. Mooncakes may also stimulate gastric acid secretion, which is detrimental to the recovery of patients with gastric or duodenal ulcers. Patients with cardiovascular diseases should also eat them sparingly to prevent increased blood viscosity, which could burden the heart. Moreover, individuals with seborrheic dermatitis and liver diseases should avoid excessive consumption to prevent aggravating their conditions or triggering other complications.
Therefore, during the festive celebration of the Mid-Autumn Festival, choosing mooncake varieties suited to one’s health condition and consuming them in moderation is essential to better balance the festive atmosphere with a healthy lifestyle.
