In today’s fast-paced lifestyle, stress has become a constant companion for many people. Instead of relying solely on mental relaxation techniques, more individuals are turning to nutrition to support emotional well-being. Interestingly, Vietnamese foods include many familiar ingredients that naturally help relax the body, reduce anxiety, and improve overall mental health.

Thanks to its diverse ingredients and refined cooking techniques, Vietnamese cuisine offers comforting dishes that are both flavorful and soothing. If you’re looking for simple, accessible ingredients to help boost your mood, VeeFood has rounded up 5 Vietnamese foods worth adding to your daily meals.

1. Ginger – A Warming Ingredient That Helps Soothe the Nervous System

Ginger is a traditional ingredient found in countless Vietnamese dishes. With strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, ginger promotes healthy blood circulation - helping ease fatigue and relieve stress.

How to use ginger effectively:

• Brew ginger tea with honey for a refreshing morning drink
  
• Add a few slices to soups, braised dishes, or stir-fries
  
• Use fresh ginger in steamed dishes to enhance aroma and digestion

Ginger is not only a spice but also a natural “remedy” that helps calm your mind every day.

Buy now: Ginger*2ib

Ginger is a natural 'remedy' that helps you gently relieve stress every day

2. Bananas – A Natural Source of Tryptophan for Better Mood

A staple fruit in Vietnamese households, bananas are rich in tryptophan - an amino acid that helps the body produce serotonin, often called the “happy hormone.” Serotonin promotes relaxation and deeper sleep.

Easy ways to add bananas to your routine:

• Eat them directly as a convenient snack
  
• Blend banana smoothies with almond milk
  
• Incorporate bananas into Vietnamese desserts like steamed banana cake or baked banana cake

Affordable, accessible, and highly nutritious, bananas are a powerful mood booster.

Bananas are a fruit rich in nutrients beneficial for health

3. Lotus Seeds – A Golden Ingredient for Calmness and Better Sleep

Lotus seeds are widely known in Vietnamese cooking for their calming effects. With natural sedative properties, they help reduce anxiety, relax the body, and improve sleep quality.

Ways to enjoy lotus seeds:

• Lotus seed & red date sweet soup to cool down and relieve stress
  
• Chicken hầm with lotus seeds - a nourishing dish perfect after tiring days
  
• Lightly roasted lotus seeds as a healthy snack

Lotus seeds support not just emotional health but also overall wellness.

Popular products you can buy:

• TMF Lotus Seed – Coconut – Seaweed Granola Bars (150g x 3)

• LV Food Lotus Seed & Chestnut Combo (500g)

• Minh Ngọc Low-Sugar Lotus Seed Green Bean Cakes (280g)

Lotus seeds help reduce anxiety, relax the body, and support deeper sleep

4. Pennywort (Rau Má) – A Refreshing Drink That Calms the Nervous System

Pennywort juice is a beloved Vietnamese drink, especially during hot weather. Rich in B vitamins and triterpenoids, pennywort helps calm the nervous system, reduce stress, and improve focus.

Suggested uses:

• Drink fresh pennywort juice 2–3 times a week
  
• Mix pennywort with coconut for natural sweetness
  
• Add pennywort to salads or refreshing Vietnamese-style gỏi dishes

Its natural cooling effect brings quick relaxation after a stressful day.

Buy now: CT Choice Pennywort & Green Bean Powder (Combo 2 boxes, 98g each)

Centella asiatica juice helps regulate the body and the digestive system

5. Salmon or Vietnamese Basa – Omega-3-Rich Foods for Better Mood Stability

Omega-3 fatty acids are well-recognized for supporting brain health and stabilizing emotions. In Vietnam, basa and tra fish are widely accessible, mild-flavored, and versatile - making them excellent sources of omega-3.

Delicious ways to cook them:

• Traditional Vietnamese caramelized basa (cá kho tộ)
  
• Lightly pan-seared fish with vegetables
  
• Southern-style sour fish soup (canh chua), refreshing and nutrient-rich

These easy-to-eat fish dishes are perfect for a balanced, mood-supporting diet.

Salmon is a dish rich in nutrients beneficial for health

6. Tips for Using Vietnamese Foods to Reduce Stress

To maximize the benefits of these ingredients, keep in mind:

• Incorporate a variety of foods instead of relying on only one or two
  
• Avoid deep-frying to preserve nutrients
  
• Add more fiber-rich vegetables to support digestion
  
• Choose fresh ingredients and proper food storage for the best quality
  
  

A balanced approach between nutrition and flavor helps promote long-term mental well-being.

7. Where to Buy Vietnamese Foods – Recommendations From VeeFood

If you’re looking for high-quality Vietnamese foods with convenient online ordering, VeeFood is a trusted choice for Vietnamese communities in the U.S. They offer fresh produce, dried goods, imported products from Vietnam, and cooking essentials ideal for fans of Vietnamese cuisine.

VeeFood highlights:

• Online ordering with 3–5-day home delivery
  
• Free shipping on orders over $49.99
  
• 14-day exchange or return policy
  
  

You can also explore authentic products at CT Produce and Cho Viet My, well-known shopping destinations for overseas Vietnamese.

Adding these 5 stress-reducing Vietnamese foods to your daily diet is a simple yet effective way to naturally support your emotional well-being. With their accessibility and familiar flavors, these ingredients help promote relaxation while nourishing your overall health. And if you're searching for fresh, safe, and convenient online shopping options, remember to visit VeeFood for more delicious Vietnamese ingredients.