Many things and objects around the world are believed to bring good luck. Four-leaf clovers, horseshoes, and lucky charms are just a few examples of cultural symbols that people turn to for fortune and success. In addition to those symbols, most cultures have their own foods that they believe bring good luck.
Interestingly, luck isn’t the only thing that these foods can bring to your life. In fact, many of these "lucky foods” happen to be healthy, and thus, they can be an amazing choice for both your body and your peace of mind. In this article, we’ll discuss 5 healthy foods that might just bring you a little extra luck!
1. Lentils
Lentils are considered to bring good luck in many cultures. The reason is fascinating: people associate lentils with a coin with its shape. As a result, in Italy, for example, people eat lentils for good fortune on New Year’s Eve. They are eaten for good luck in Germany and Brazil as well, but in these countries, people enjoy pairing them with pork or sausage to enhance abundance even more.
But it turns out New Year’s Eve isn’t the only time when people prefer to eat lentils for luck. Surprisingly, horse-betting enthusiasts often add lentils to their meals before attending competitions like TwinSpires horse racing tournaments. As they say, lentils are a great way to keep on their betting streaks.
In general, lentils are considered healthy because they contain various needed nutrients, including vitamin B, magnesium, zinc, and potassium. They have 25% protein and iron, so it is a perfect replacement for meat if you’re a vegetarian, considering many vegetarian foods lack those two nutrients.
2. Black-Eyed Peas
Black and white beans, also known as black-eyed peas, are supposed to bring good luck as well. It is believed so in the Southern United States, where apparently black-eyed peas are historical good fortune food.
History says that during the Civil War, in the battle of Mississippi, the Confederate soldiers ran out of food supplies, but luckily they found black-eyed peas to eat. That’s how they survived. Since then, black-eyed peas have been called the savior food.
These small edible beans are composed of vitamin A, folate, magnesium, and fiber. Those are the nutrients that help with lowering blood pressure, support digestion, maintain a good skin condition, and so much more.
3. Fish
Fish, one of the best sources of protein, is known as lucky food in a lot of countries, including the United States, the Scandinavian countries, Poland, Germany, Italy, China, Japan, and others. That’s because the scales on the fish skin have a resemblance to coins, and some people even keep them in their wallets to bring fortune and money. What’s more, since fish swim in one direction, it symbolizes moving forward in life for a better future.
If you’re a fish lover, you probably know that it’s extremely beneficial for health as well, thanks to omega 3, vitamins D and B2, calcium, and phosphorus — minerals and nutrients that fish contains. Fish is also a source of many necessary minerals like iron, magnesium, zinc, iodine, and potassium.
4. Pomegranates
Pomegranates, with their heart and digestive benefits and much more, are one of the oldest fruits existing in history. Only this fact alone is enough to consider them as an ancient symbol of good luck. In ancient Egypt, specifically, this plant was cherished a lot. Pomegranates used to be connected to reincarnation, and King Tut was even buried with one.
In Turkey, pomegranates stand as the symbol of the human heart, having a meaning of long life and fertility. In Greece, it’s a tradition to smash a pomegranate on a door at midnight on New Year’s Eve for good luck and prosperity. The more seeds get smashed, the more fortune is going to come the following year for a family.
5. Oranges
Oranges are thought to be lucky in many places. Orange slices resemble coins, so they are believed to bring good luck. It is known that in the Philippines people eat 13 slices specifically to achieve prosperity. However, in Europe and the US, 12 slices of orange are eaten, symbolizing all 12 months of the year and believing it will increase wealth through the following year.
In terms of healthiness, oranges are known to be filled with vitamins and minerals that help with certain illnesses, losing fat, and hydration. The best ways to enjoy oranges are by squeezing them, making orange juice, orange peel candies, and, of course, orange chicken.
Bottom Line
Everyone can agree that at difficult times, or even at just regular times, we really need some boost of luck. That’s why it’s nice to know these ‘lucky foods and their explanations. The best thing is that they’re also healthy options that nourish both your body and spirit. So, don’t be surprised if you suddenly feel you’re more confident and optimistic after eating oranges, lentils, or any of those healthy food options.
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