Red beans have always been hailed as a symbol of longing, but they are also a common tonic. In summer, the body is mainly nourished by methods of light and gentle tonics, and no amount of medicinal tonic is as effective as a handful of red beans at this time.
Chenpi Red Bean Soup
1. Red beans promote urination
Red beans contain two substances that help the body with diuresis and reducing swelling: saponins and potassium. Every 100 grams of red beans contains over 860 milligrams of potassium. Potassium not only promotes urination and reduces swelling but can also alleviate fatigue, drowsiness, listlessness, and weak limbs caused by excessive sweating in summer.
2. Red beans relieve constipation
The dietary fiber in red beans can prevent constipation, while its heat-clearing and detoxifying properties can improve constipation caused by "internal heat."
3. Regulating high blood pressure, blood sugar, and cholesterol
The crude fiber in red beans can lower blood lipids, regulate blood sugar, and prevent the formation of stones. The large amount of potassium in red beans can help dilate blood vessels and reduce the rise in blood pressure caused by a high-salt diet.
4. Red beans improve skin condition
Red beans can improve the skin condition mainly through two ways. First, they are rich in Vitamin B2, niacin, and Vitamin A, which can improve conditions like dermatitis, acne, and dryness. Second, through the effects of red beans on clearing the intestines, promoting urination, and removing dampness, the body feels fresher and cleaner.
Red Bean Recipes
1. Chinese Yam and Red Bean Soup
Method: Soak red beans in advance, then cook them until tender. Add freshly peeled Chinese yam and cook until the red beans are soft and mushy. Season with osmanthus sugar rock sugar before serving.
Effects: Strengthens the spleen, removes dampness, and promotes urination. Suitable for those with poor appetite and edema in summer.
2. Red Bean Salad
Method: Soak red beans and mung beans overnight, then cook them until soft and drain. Chill in the refrigerator. When serving, add diced fruit and drizzle with yogurt instead of salad dressing.
Effects: Cooling and heat-relieving, reduces "internal fire."
3. Chenpi Red Bean Soup
Method: Soak red beans in advance. Place them in a pot and bring to a boil. Then add dried tangerine peel and rock sugar, stirring continuously until the red beans turn into a paste. You can add cold water as needed during the process.
Effects: Dried tangerine peel has the effects of resolving phlegm, stopping coughs, and aiding digestion. When consumed with red beans, it nourishes the heart, clears the lungs, and strengthens the spleen.
Little-known Facts About Red Beans
1. Red beans and adzuki beans are not the same thing. Adzuki beans are from the legume family, while red beans are from the mimosa family. However, the two are often confused and used interchangeably.
2. Red beans are different from the love bean (jequirity bean). The love bean, also known as sea holly, is highly toxic and inedible.
3. Red beans have a relatively low water content among beans. They can be placed in a cloth bag and heated in the microwave for use as a hot compress or a hand warmer.
4. If you didn't have time to soak the red beans, you can boil them, let them cool, then put them in the freezer. Once a layer of ice forms on the surface, take them out and reheat, and they will cook quickly.
Conclusion: Next time you buy red beans, don't just let them sit. Learn these cooking methods; they are even more effective than medicinal tonics.
Red bean soup