Drinking bitter melon tea is the most beneficial way for the body to absorb it, as confirmed by modern medical research. This method allows 80% of the nutrients in bitter melon to be released and most easily absorbed by the human body.
There are many secrets to longevity and many "longevity vegetables." Today, we will introduce one of them:
Amaranth, also known as mi xian, chi xian, cai xian, qing xiang xian, yan lai hong, etc., is the stem and leaf of Amaranthus, an annual plant of the Amaranthaceae family. Amaranth is divided into three types based on its color: red amaranth, green amaranth, and red-green variegated. It is cultivated all over the north and south of China and is one of the main vegetables.
Amaranth has many leaves, is tender in texture, with slender and soft stems. It is refreshing, delicious, and easy to digest and absorb. Amaranth is very rich in iron, calcium, and protein. As the saying goes: "June amaranth is as good as an egg; July amaranth is more precious than gold." This shows its high nutritional value. Every 100 grams of amaranth contains 2.5 grams of protein, 0.4 grams of fat, 5 grams of carbohydrates, 200 milligrams of calcium, 46 milligrams of phosphorus, 4.8 milligrams of iron, 1.92 grams of carotene, 1.3 grams of niacin, and 35 milligrams of ascorbic acid (Vitamin C). In addition, amaranth also contains vitamins B1, B2, etc.
Amaranth also has good medicinal value, especially red amaranth. The Compendium of Materia Medica by Li Shizhen of the Ming Dynasty records that amaranth is "sweet, cold, and non-toxic, with the functions of replenishing qi, removing heat, benefiting the small intestine, and treating early-stage dysentery." Traditional Chinese medicine believes that amaranth has the effects of detoxifying and clearing heat, nourishing blood to stop bleeding, antibacterial and anti-diarrheal, anti-inflammatory and reducing swelling, and promoting urination. The people have always regarded amaranth as a "wonderful vegetable for nourishing the blood," hence it is also known as the "longevity vegetable."
Modern research has found that amaranth leaves contain a high concentration of lysine, which can supplement the defects in the amino acid composition of grains. It is very suitable for infants, children, and adolescents to eat, as it has a good effect on promoting growth and development, especially for infants fed with milk powder and other milk substitutes. It can not only add rich vitamins and minerals but also help with digestion, relieve constipation, and has the effect of clearing heat and detoxifying.
Okinawa in Japan is a famous place for longevity. One of the local secrets to longevity is to eat more bitter melon, drink bitter melon tea, and drink bitter melon juice. Japanese nutritionists have shown that bitter melon is a "comprehensive" longevity food with nutritional value, and drinking bitter melon tea and juice is the healthiest way to consume it for the body.
Method 1: Bitter Melon Tea That Is Easily Absorbed by the Body
Bitter melon can prevent and relieve heatstroke and is also a good food for lowering blood sugar. The components of the flesh and seeds of bitter melon can promote sugar decomposition and inhibit sugar absorption.
Drinking bitter melon tea is the most beneficial way for the body to absorb it, as confirmed by modern medical research. This method allows 80% of the nutrients in bitter melon to be released and most easily absorbed by the human body. Tip: How to make bitter melon tea
1. Cut the bitter melon into 1-2 mm thick slices and stir-fry them in a dry pan until all the moisture is gone.
2. After stir-frying, the bitter melon will turn brown. Let it cool, then pack it in a sealed jar and store it in the refrigerator. It can be preserved for 2 months.
3. Soak in hot water and drink. Drink 3-4 cups a day. Method 2: More Nutritious Bitter Melon Juice
The vitamin C in bitter melon can prevent skin aging and lower blood cholesterol. However, vitamin C is not heat-resistant. Although other nutritional values of bitter melon are not destroyed by heating, if you want to use bitter melon to prevent skin aging and lower cholesterol, eating it after heating will not achieve the desired effect. Therefore, squeezing bitter melon into juice is the best choice. Tip: How to make bitter melon juice:
1. Grate the bitter melon with a grater, then squeeze the bitter melon juice in a cup using a tea filter or gauze.
2. Add half a cup of water; the amount of water can be adjusted freely.
3. If you are afraid of it being too bitter, you can add lemon juice or apple puree to adjust the flavor.
Drink half a cup to 1 cup a day.