9 foods in your kitchen are masters at preventing and curing diseases.

Traditional Chinese Medicine emphasizes the concept of "medicine and food sharing the same source." As early as thousands of years ago, our ancestors discovered that some foods possess medicinal properties and can be used to prevent and treat diseases. Today, these views are supported by modern science. Recently, the American "Rodale News Network" synthesized multiple latest studies, pointing out that there are 9 "food doctors" in the kitchen, all of which are experts at preventing and treating diseases.

Beans: Heart-Protector Experts

"Beans are the cheapest healthy food," Chen Xiaofei, chief nutritionist at Huadong Hospital affiliated with Fudan University, told China Daily. Beans are rich in isoflavones, which can protect the heart and prevent cardiovascular diseases. Beans have a low content of saturated fatty acids and are an excellent source of protein for the human body. In addition, beans are beneficial for bone and prostate health and can alleviate menopausal discomfort in women. Soybeans made into soy products are more easily absorbed, while other beans can be stir-fried, stewed, or used in soups, and their nutrients can be well preserved.

Cranberry Bean Milk

Garlic and Onions: The Sanitizing Guards

Garlic and onions are almost the most cost-effective "medicines" in the kitchen. Both belong to the Allium plant family and contain antibacterial and antiviral compounds that help the body's immune system fight off "invaders." A US study also found that adding onions and garlic to the diet helps prevent esophageal, oral, ovarian, and other types of cancer; the 70 phytochemicals in onions and garlic can reduce the incidence of hypertension by 30%, and they also have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-tumor effects. Chen Xiaofei reminds us that to maximize the antibacterial effect of garlic, it is best to crush it and let it sit for 10-15 minutes before eating, allowing substances like alliin and alliinase to interact and form allicin, which has higher health benefits.

Celery: The Blood and Intestinal Cleanser

Research has found that celery contains a compound called "tetrachlorobenzophthalide," which can lower cholesterol. In addition, everyone is familiar with the fine threads in celery, which are dietary fiber that can promote gastrointestinal motility and expel intestinal waste. From these two points, celery can be worthy of the name "blood and intestinal cleanser." Not only that, celery is also rich in minerals, vitamin C, and phenolic acids, which help the body resist the flu, reduce allergies, and prevent cancer. Chen Xiaofei reminds us that some nutrients in celery leaves are higher than in celery stems; for example, the carotene content is 88 times higher than in the stems. When cooking, don't throw them away. They can be blanched and mixed with dried tofu for a cold salad, or chopped and mixed with meat filling for dumplings.

Cold-dressed Shrimp and Celery

Cinnamon: The Blood Sugar-Lowering Expert

A recent German study on type 2 diabetes patients pointed out that cinnamon can lower blood sugar by about 10%, and cholesterol and triglycerides by about 13%, thus reducing the risk of heart attacks for type 2 diabetics to a certain extent. Chen Xiaofei told reporters that cinnamon is a traditional Chinese medicine with a warm nature. It has been used as an ingredient to produce dietary supplements abroad. In the cold winter, drinking cinnamon as a tea has great health benefits, but the daily intake should not exceed 4 grams.

Citrus Fruits: The Cancer Nemesis

Citrus fruits contain nearly 200 anti-cancer compounds, making them a nemesis of cancer. An Australian study found that daily consumption of citrus fruits can reduce the risk of developing oral, laryngeal, and stomach cancers by 50%. In addition, Chen Xiaofei said that citrus fruits have a low glycemic index, especially grapefruit, which is particularly suitable for diabetic patients. In life, many people like to squeeze oranges, grapefruits, etc., for juice, thinking that this is more conducive to nutrient absorption. In fact, the juicing process loses a lot of dietary fiber, greatly reducing the nutritional value of the fruit. Therefore, it is recommended that everyone eat the fruit directly.

Tomato Citrus Drink

Ginger: The Pain Reliever

Ginger is a natural analgesic and detoxifier. A new study from the University of Miami in the US found that ginger extract can significantly relieve inflammation and reduce knee arthritis pain. Eating 1 ounce (about 30 grams) of ginger daily can have a significant pain-relieving effect. In addition, ginger can also kill the flu virus, fight infections, control cholesterol, and lower blood pressure. Ginger can be used in a variety of ways, such as in stir-fries, marinating meat, or brewing ginger tea. In life, for people who are prone to motion sickness, holding a piece of ginger in the mouth can relieve discomfort such as vomiting, dizziness, and cold sweats.

Mint: The Cooling Specialist

Mint has a cool sensation in the mouth and is often used to make chewing gum and throat lozenges. The mint family includes hundreds of plants, such as basil, rosemary, thyme, and lavender. Shao Qing, an associate professor of traditional Chinese medicine at the Fourth Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, told reporters that mint is pungent and cool, which can relieve wind-heat, clear the throat, and improve symptoms such as fever and cough caused by colds. Other studies have shown that mint contains a compound that can prevent the breakdown of the neurotransmitter "acetylcholine," thus helping to improve memory. In daily life, dried mint leaves can be steeped in water, while fresh mint leaves can be used for tea or in cold salads.

Mint and Egg Pancake

Chili Peppers: The Body-Shaping Assistant

"Chili peppers are very rich in nutrients," Professor Shen Yanying of Beijing Chaoyang Hospital pointed out. A single chili pepper contains various vitamins such as B vitamins, vitamin C, vitamin E, vitamin K, carotene, and folic acid. Moreover, its vitamin C content is even higher than that of oranges and lemons. A study published in the "British Journal of Nutrition" found that women who like to add two spoonfuls of dried chili powder to their meals absorb much less heat and fat than women who don't eat chili, and their figures are slimmer. A study from the University of South Carolina pointed out that chili peppers contain curcumin, which helps muscles recover after exercise and can strengthen muscles. Chili peppers also contain lycopene, one of the strongest antioxidants in plants, with significant anti-cancer effects. Experts remind that although chili peppers are good, they should be eaten in moderation. People with "internal heat," gastroenteritis, or hemorrhoids should eat less or no chili peppers.

Pomegranate: The Youth Protector

The pomegranate aril is as red as agate and sweet and sour, very tempting, but the pomegranate seeds are even more nutritious. Pomegranate seeds are rich in vitamin C, polyphenols, and flavonoids, which are all strong antioxidants that can delay aging and prevent and alleviate diseases caused by aging. Regular consumption of pomegranates can not only make the skin fair and tender but also prevent premature wrinkles and fade age spots. Chen Xiaofei pointed out that it is best to eat the arils and seeds of the pomegranate together. Friends with poor teeth or stomachs can better drink it as juice.

Pomegranate and Grape Juice