Introduction: As the saying goes, food is better than medicine for nourishment. Therefore, we should pay attention to using foods from our daily lives to care for our health. Experts point out that in our daily lives, there is a wide variety of foods. For example, black foods are beneficial for kidney function, so what about white foods?
Eating "White Foods" for Summer Health: Nourishing, Healthy, Protecting the Heart and Preventing Disease
1. Soybeans
Experts introduce that in the nutritional components of soybeans, the protein content can reach about 40%. At the same time, it contains various amino acids essential to the human body, which can improve immunity and enhance physical fitness. The oils in soybeans are mostly unsaturated fatty acids, and they are also rich in lecithin, which can help emulsify cholesterol in the blood vessels and prevent arteriosclerosis. In addition, soy saponins (a type of phytonutrient) have the effect of lowering blood lipids. Therefore, consuming a certain amount of soy products daily can help prevent cardiovascular diseases and protect the heart.
2. Milk
Milk is a well-known calcium-rich food. The calcium it contains is easily absorbed by the human body, making it an excellent choice for daily calcium intake.
3. Oats, Barley
Oats and barley not contain nearly 10% protein, but they are also a major source for our energy source—carbohydrates.
4. Cruciferous vegetables like white radish and cauliflower
Cruciferous vegetables like white radish and cauliflower contain mustard oil. The spicy taste of mustard oil can promote intestinal peristalsis, prevent constipation, reduce the self-detoxification of toxins in the large intestine, and is beneficial for preventing colorectal cancer.
5. Garlic
Experts state that garlic is a common condiment and one of the earliest medicines used by people to treat diseases and maintain health, possessing high medicinal value. The bioactive components of garlic are various organic sulfur compounds, collectively known as allicin. Allicin has a direct effect against pathogenic microorganisms, and garlic is therefore hailed as a "natural broad-spectrum plant antibiotic." Allicin can stimulate the human immune system, lower total blood cholesterol, inhibit platelet activity, and reduce blood viscosity, thereby preventing the occurrence and development of atherosclerosis. Allicin and its homologs can effectively inhibit the activity of cancer cells, preventing them from growing and metabolizing normally, and ultimately leading to the death of cancer cells. Garlic can also block molds from converting nitrates into carcinogenic nitrites, thus preventing and treating cancer.
6. Onion, grains, and the flesh of many plants
Onion, grains, and the flesh of many plants contain quercetin, a phytonutrient with antioxidant effects. It is the most widely distributed flavonoid compound in the plant kingdom and has been proven to have many pharmacological effects, such as antiviral, antitumor, and cardiovascular protection. (Editor: Shi Yi)
Vegetarian Health: 9 Common Wild Mushrooms with High Nutritional Value
Mushroom foods are characterized by high protein, low fat, low calories, and are rich in vitamins and various minerals. Eating wild mushrooms not only satisfies the palate but also has health benefits. The protein content of mushrooms is much higher than that of other common vegetables, while avoiding the high-fat and high-cholesterol risks of animal-based foods. Mushrooms contain a variety of vitamins and are rich in iron, zinc, copper, selenium, and chromium. Regular consumption can supplement the deficiency of trace elements.
1. Black fungus
Contains about 10% protein, and is also rich in effective nutrients such as iron, calcium, phosphorus, carotene, vitamins B1, B2, and C.
Its rich fiber and a special plant gum can promote gastrointestinal motility, promote the excretion of fatty foods from the intestines, reduce the absorption of dietary fat, and has a weight-loss effect.
2. Shiitake mushroom
In addition to being rich in vitamin B2 and other B vitamins, it also contains β-glucosidase, which can prevent arteriosclerosis caused by high cholesterol, and has various nutrients such as enzymes that can block ultraviolet rays and are rich in ergosterol for vitamin D synthesis.
When buying shiitake mushrooms, medium-sized and uniform ones with thick caps, smooth surfaces, and short, thick stems are the first choice!
3. Enoki mushroom
Contains beneficial components such as protein, fat, crude fiber, B vitamins (B1, B2), and all eight essential amino acids required by the human body. It also has a high zinc content and promotes brain health.
When selecting enoki mushrooms, choose pure white, light yellow, or yellowish-brown fresh and shiny ones that are slightly moist, with no spots, damage, or shrinkage on the cap and stem.
4. Straw mushroom
Fleshy, crisp, and delicious. Straw mushrooms are high in vitamin C, which can promote human metabolism and improve immune function.
Moreover, it can slow down the human body's absorption of carbohydrates, making it suitable for pregnant mothers with gestational diabetes.
5. King oyster mushroom
Rich in sugars and protein. It can promote the human body's digestion and absorption of lipids and the dissolution of cholesterol. Prevents and inhibits tumors, promotes urination, strengthens the spleen and stomach, and aids digestion.
When selecting, choose those with unique shapes and large, thick bodies.
6. Beech mushroom
Contains dietary fiber, calcium, vitamin D, and B2, which can relieve constipation and lower cholesterol.
When selecting beech mushrooms, choose those with very small caps, bright colors, and straight stems.
7. Abalone mushroom
Rich in nutritional value, containing protein, sugar, fat, vitamins, and trace elements such as iron and calcium. It has a crisp and tender texture, a sweet and light taste, and is suitable for stir-frying and stewing.
8. Tiny mushroom
Also known as small flat mushroom, it contains protein, sugar, fat, vitamins, and trace elements such as iron and calcium. It is rich in amino acids and long-term consumption has the function of lowering high blood pressure and cholesterol levels.