Although delicacies are delicious, they are not necessarily healthy. In China's thousands of years of culinary tradition, our ancestors have left behind some local foods that, while seemingly unremarkable, contribute to health and longevity.
1. Pine nuts clear the intestines and moisturize the skin.
Pearl-like pine nuts, widely used in traditional imperial cuisine, have long been regarded for their nourishing and strengthening properties. The rich oil content of pine nuts not only aids bowel movements but also moisturizes the skin. At the same time, pine nuts are an excellent source of oil, containing polyunsaturated fatty acids that can reduce inflammation.
How to eat it healthily: Pine nuts are high in calories, so it's best to sprinkle a small handful on your meals.
2. Garlic reduces inflammation and kills bacteria.
In an era without antibiotics, garlic played a vital life-saving role. On military campaigns, salt and garlic were essential; salt was used to replenish minerals, while garlic was used for its antibacterial properties and to prevent disease. Recently, garlic has also been found to lower cholesterol. However, raw garlic is pungent and irritating, so people with gastritis, sore throat, hemorrhoids, red eyes, or acne should avoid eating it raw.
How to eat it healthily: Avoid eating garlic on an empty stomach. You can reduce its pungency by boiling, stir-frying, or making it into pickles. Alternatively, eating it with dumplings or noodles can be less irritating to the stomach.
3. Cabbage relieves coughs, reduces phlegm, and has anti-cancer properties.
When all withers in winter, cabbage remains as green as a pine tree and is widely popular. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, cabbage is believed to reduce fever, relieve heat, stop coughs, and dissolve phlegm. Modern science has found that cabbage is highly nutritious, comes in many varieties, and can be eaten year-round, making it a popular anti-cancer "star." Winter is a great season for cabbage, as its abundant fiber and vitamin C can compensate for the lack of fruits and vegetables during the cold months. However, people with a "deficient and cold" constitution should not eat large amounts of raw, cold cabbage, such as in pickles.
How to eat it healthily: When having hot pot, don't forget to add plenty of cabbage to help balance the heat.
4. Congee protects the stomach and replenishes vital energy.
During the simmering process of congee, the active ingredients of the food are released and dissolved into the broth, making it easy to digest and absorb. It is suitable for those with poor appetite or a weak body. The therapeutic effects of congee are varied: congee with scallions has antibacterial properties, celery congee can promote urination and bowel movements, and sprinkling chopped scallions into hot congee can help prevent colds... Furthermore, congee can also help medications achieve better results. For example, traditional Chinese medicines like almonds and Poria must be consumed with congee to sustain their effects and achieve optimal outcomes.
How to eat it healthily: Hot congee is best. Cooking it with broth, vegetable stock, or vegetables into a savory congee is even better, allowing the nutrients to be absorbed all at once.
5. Kelp aids digestion without causing weight gain.
Low in calories and rich in gelatin and minerals, kelp is a very suitable beauty and health food for modern people. Kelp is rich in soluble fiber, which is easier to digest and absorb than regular fiber, helping to promote smooth bowel movements. Its biggest advantage is its low calorie content, so it can be eaten as a late-night snack without worrying about weight gain, making it ideal for beauty-conscious women.
How to eat it healthily: Kelp pairs best with vinegar. Vinegar can soften kelp, so you can try a vinegar-based kelp salad. Adding ice cubes to kelp soup can enhance the sourness of the vinegar, making the taste more refreshing.
6. Buckwheat lowers blood pressure and aids sleep.
Buckwheat contains powerful antioxidants that can lower blood lipids, enhance blood vessel elasticity, and prevent blood clotting, making it an excellent heart-protective food. In addition, its effects on lowering blood pressure and aiding sleep are also very good. Buckwheat is also a great "intestinal cleanser," with six times the fiber content of ordinary white rice, earning it the nickname "intestinal cleansing grass."
How to eat it healthily: You can eat buckwheat noodles cold or in soup. You can also steam buckwheat with rice or cook it into congee.