When it comes to diet, there are actually many things to consider. Eating seasonal vegetables can be seen as following the laws of nature, which is also beneficial to your health. Water spinach, as a seasonal vegetable, is not only refreshing and crisp but also has great health benefits. So, do you know the effects and nutritional value of water spinach? Do you know how to cook water spinach? Today, we will introduce what to eat for clearing heat and detoxifying.
Water spinach, originally named *Weng cai* (蕹菜), is called water spinach because its stem is hollow in the center. Water spinach is rich in nutrients. It is rich in protein, inorganic salts, carotene, and various vitamins, which are very good for the body.
Tests have found that 100 grams of water spinach contains 147 milligrams of calcium, ranking first among leafy vegetables. Moreover, its vitamin A content is 4 times higher than that of tomatoes, and its vitamin C content is 17.5% higher than that of tomatoes.
The Effects of Water Spinach
With its rich nutrition, water spinach has excellent health benefits, such as clearing heat and detoxifying, moistening the intestines to promote bowel movements, preventing cavities, and lowering blood sugar.
First, Clearing Heat and Detoxifying
The crude fiber content in water spinach is extremely rich, composed of cellulose, lignin, and pectin. Pectin can accelerate the excretion of toxic substances in the body, and lignin can enhance the activity of macrophages in engulfing bacteria.
Therefore, in medicine, water spinach is often used for its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects to treat symptoms such as heatstroke, food poisoning, sores, and snake bites.
Second, Promoting Bowel Movements and Preventing Cancer
Water spinach also contains a large amount of fiber, which can promote intestinal peristalsis, accelerate bowel movements, prevent constipation, and reduce the risk of intestinal cancer.
Third, Enhancing Physical Fitness
Water spinach is rich in vitamin C and carotene, which help to enhance physical fitness and prevent diseases.
In addition, the chlorophyll contained in water spinach can prevent cavities and moisturize the skin. Purple water spinach contains insulin components, which has the effect of lowering blood sugar.
How to Choose Water Spinach
When choosing water spinach, it is best to select those with large, properly colored, fresh, tender leaves without yellow spots and evenly stemmed stalks. Also, water spinach does not store for long. If you want to preserve it, you can put it in the refrigerator with the roots still attached.