Konjac powder, lotus leaf powder, green tea powder, kudzu root powder... Currently, many urban women are popularly consuming various powdered foods. Some do it for weight loss, some for beauty, and some even replace their regular meals with these powders. However, nutrition experts advise against迷信 (blindly believing) in the weight loss effects of these powders while neglecting the nutritional intake from a normal diet.
If you pay attention, you'll notice that recently, many women's office desks have a new small bag on them, with names like mulberry leaf powder, red bean powder, and more. Many even mix a scoop of powder with water for their lunch. "It's quite convenient," says Xiao Chen, who works at a website and has recently become fond of eating powders. She told reporters she has bought five or six different kinds, sometimes mixing them into milk for a drink, or into her congee to add flavor. However, these bagged powders don't all taste that good, but when she thinks about the effects listed on their packaging, she feels she must persist to see results. Like Xiao Chen, many women have become infatuated with various powders for beauty or weight loss purposes, and they are keen on exchanging information about the weight loss effects among themselves.
It was learned that the trend was initially sparked by a popular women's magazine in China that introduced the effects of these powders, leading to the current craze. Reporters saw on Taobao that recently, the number of merchants selling these powders has surged, and the daily sales volume is also considerable. The types of powders include Centella asiatica powder, tomato powder, brown rice powder, and twenty or thirty other varieties. Almost any edible plant can be made into a powder, with prices ranging from a few to over ten yuan. Looking at the descriptions of their effects, they are indeed tempting for women. For example, the "green tea powder + lotus leaf powder weight loss method" is described as being "very effective for dry mouth, prone to acne, poor blood circulation, loose and sagging facial skin, and obesity"; while rose pollen is said to "soothe the liver, regulate qi, invigorate blood, dispel stasis, and moisturize and soften the skin."
Are these powders really that magical? Among the women who have tried them, opinions are mixed. Some feel they have slimming effects, while others find they don't achieve the results promised on the packaging. Experts from the Chinese Nutrition Association state that not everyone is suitable for consuming these powders, as some can have certain effects on pregnant and breastfeeding women. Consuming too many mixed powders can also lead to adverse reactions, and those with sensitive constitutions should be cautious. In fact, much of the necessary nutrition can be obtained from daily foods and does not require additional supplementation.