Nuts are a snack that the vast majority of people enjoy, but did you know that nuts also have the functions of nourishing the stomach and tonifying the kidneys? Below is a detailed introduction to the health benefits of various nuts.
Long-life Fruit—Peanuts Since ancient times, peanuts have been known as the "long-life fruit." According to modern scientific measurements, peanuts contain about 30% protein, and their nutritional value is comparable to that of eggs, milk, and lean meat, and is easily absorbed by the human body. Peanuts are rich in fat, lecithin, vitamin A, vitamin B, vitamin E, and elements such as calcium, phosphorus, and iron. Regular consumption can have the effect of nourishing and prolonging life. An experiment by the U.S. Department of Agriculture also showed that the resveratrol compounds in peanuts can help reduce the chances of cancer and heart disease.
Black Hair King—Walnuts Walnuts are known as the "Black Hair King" by the world and are recorded in many health classics. Walnuts have the functions of nourishing health, moisturizing the skin, and darkening hair. The protein in walnut kernels is high-quality protein, which is a basic nutrient for maintaining life activities. The phospholipid component can increase the activity of cells and plays an important role in maintaining brain nerve function, making the skin delicate, and promoting hair growth. In addition, other components it contains are effective for coronary heart disease, high blood pressure, arteriosclerosis, deficiency of qi and blood, neurasthenia, and habitual constipation. The various vitamins in walnuts can also alleviate histamine-induced bronchial smooth muscle spasms, and have the effect of calming asthma and relieving coughs.
Life Fruit—Chestnuts People commonly call chestnuts the "Life Fruit," and they are called the "king of dried fruits" abroad. "Compendium of Materia Medica" lists chestnuts as a superior grade among dried fruits, and its nourishing function for the human body can be compared to great tonifying products like ginseng and angelica. Chestnuts are cheap and easy to obtain, making them an affordable tonic for the general public. Modern medicine also believes that chestnuts have the effects of nourishing the stomach and spleen, tonifying the kidneys and stopping bleeding, strengthening muscles and activating blood circulation.
Fairy among Fruits—Pine Nuts Both ancient and modern times have called pine nuts the "Fairy among Fruits." Traditional Chinese medicine believes that pine nuts are sweet in taste and warm in nature, and have the effects of tonifying the heart and kidneys, nourishing blood, moisturizing the skin, stopping coughs, and moistening the intestines. They are suitable for symptoms such as old age and weakness, premature aging, memory loss, dizziness, blurred vision, and habitual constipation. The "Xinxiu Bencao" of the Tang Dynasty records: "This thing moistens the stomach and intestines, and long-term use makes the body light and prolongs life without aging." At the same time, some classics contain records of a nutritious breakfast with pine nuts: take 30 grams of pine nuts, cook with 100 grams of brown rice, add an appropriate amount of sugar, and eat it for breakfast every day to have the effect of prolonging life.
Immortal's Food—Black Sesame Ancient people believed that long-term consumption of black sesame could lead to a light body and eternal youth, calling it the "Immortal's Food." Black sesame is rich in lecithin, protein, vitamin E, and various minerals. It has a sweet and neutral taste and enters the liver and kidneys, making it a good tonic and strengthening agent. "Bencao Xinbian" describes it as "tonifying the liver and kidneys, nourishing the five organs, darkening the hair, and moistening the intestines," which summarizes the effects of black sesame.
Intelligent Food—Pumpkin Seeds According to recent scientific measurements, in addition to being rich in protein, pumpkin also contains phenylalanine, which is an essential amino acid for the human body and a chemical substance that transmits between the brain and nerve cells. In the human body, it is converted into norepinephrine and dopamine. Both are stimulating transmitters that can improve the body's sensitivity and vitality. Pumpkin seeds mainly have four effects: reducing hunger; increasing sexual desire; improving memory and thinking agility; and eliminating depression. Therefore, pumpkin seeds are called "intelligent food."
Beauty Food—Almonds Because almonds have a good effect on skin care, they are known as the "beauty food." Almonds contain amygdalin, fatty oil, protein, and various free amino acids. They have a bitter taste and enter the lungs and large intestine. "Compendium of Materia Medica" states that it can "kill insects, treat various scabies, reduce swelling, and treat facial wind and eczema." The beauty soup of Yang Guifei, recorded in Qing dynasty's fictional notes, is related to almonds. Its preparation method is: 10 grams of almonds, 30 grams of Ophiopogon japonicus, and 50 grams of rice. First, wash the almonds, Ophiopogon japonicus, and rice with water, then put them in a pot with an appropriate amount of water. Bring to a boil over high heat, then simmer over low heat for 30 minutes before eating. In "Compendium of Materia Medica," Ophiopogon japonicus is said to "improve complexion and delight the skin." The congee made from the two has a miraculous effect on treating and beautifying facial skin.