According to medicine, the liver is very active in late spring, making it the ideal season for liver detoxification with事半功倍 results. And among detox methods, dietary therapy is undoubtedly the most suitable. Nutritionists point out that eating more of the following foods can help with detoxification.
1. Cucumber — Cool the body and promote metabolism
Modern medicine believes that cucumber contains cellulose, which helps promote intestinal peristalsis and speed up excretion. Fresh cucumbers also contain malic acid, which can inhibit the conversion of carbohydrates into fat. However, cucumber is considered cooling in nature, so people with weak spleen and stomach, or those who have been ill for a long time, should eat it in moderation. Cucumber is great for cold salads, such as cucumber with wood ear fungus or garlic cucumber salad. People with a weak spleen and stomach can stir-fry cucumber or make cucumber-filled dumplings.
Sliced Pork with Garlic Sauce
2. Wood Ear Fungus — The blood vessel scavenger
The vegetable gelatin in wood ear fungus has strong adsorption properties. It can concentrate and adsorb dust and impurities left in the human digestive system and then expel them, thereby playing a role in detoxifying and cleansing the stomach. At the same time, it is also rich in nutrients such as iron, which can make the skin ruddy and prevent iron-deficiency anemia. Wood ear fungus can be stir-fried, used in cold salads, or made into soup.
Cold-dressed Wood Ear Fungus
3. Asparagus — Cool the body and prevent dry mouth
Asparagus has a sweet and cold nature, with the effects of clearing heat and promoting urination. It can relieve common spring symptoms such as dry mouth and irritability. Asparagus is rich in water-soluble vitamins, but overcooking can easily cause these vitamins to be lost and also affects the crunchy texture of asparagus. The suitable cooking methods are blanching followed by stir-frying or making a cold salad.
Oil-drizzled Garlic Asparagus
4. White Radish — Aid digestion and prevent constipation
Radish is pungent in taste and cool in nature, with the effects of clearing heat and promoting fluid production, aiding digestion and resolving stagnation, and regulating qi and resolving phlegm. Modern medicine believes that radish has a good diuretic effect, and its cellulose can promote bowel movements, which is beneficial for weight loss. If you want to use radish for detoxification, you can eat it raw, by juicing it or in cold salads and pickles.
Pickled White Radish
5. Kelp — Absorb fat and reduce bloating
Kelp contains a substance called fucoidan, which can absorb cholesterol from the blood and expel it, keeping blood cholesterol levels normal. Kelp is an ideal food for detoxification and beauty. It is commonly eaten in cold salads or in soups. However, people with a weak spleen and stomach and pregnant women should not eat too much of it.
Kelp and Egg Roll