Introduction: In recent years, Western nutritionists have finally unraveled this mystery through in-depth research. It turns out that the occurrence of myopia is greatly related to insufficient intake of a nutrient called "lutein".
Lutein belongs to the "carotenoid" family and is found in high concentrations in fresh green vegetables and citrus fruits. According to scientific research, lutein plays an important protective role in the "macula" of the retina. A deficiency of lutein can easily lead to macular degeneration and blurred vision.
Eat more citrus to prevent vision degeneration
Rural children consume a sufficient amount of lutein because they eat green vegetables picked directly from the fields every day. Urban children, on the other hand, usually eat high-protein, high-nutrient foods and rarely eat fresh green vegetables, so their lutein intake is correspondingly much lower than that of rural children. This is the main reason for the huge difference in vision between urban and rural children.
In view of this, nutritionists recommend: eat more citrus fruits daily to prevent vision degeneration.
A roundup of summer thirst-quenching drinks for exam candidates
The college entrance examination period is right in the scorching heat of midsummer. Parents of exam candidates all want to provide their children with refreshing drinks to beat the heat. Although the drinks in supermarkets are dazzling, few are suitable for candidates. The following drinks not only contain brain-boosting and intelligence-enhancing ingredients, but also contain essential carbohydrates, vitamins, proteins, and trace elements for the human body, especially lecithin, which is essential for the brain.
(1) Lotus Seed, Reed Rhizome, and Lily Drink
Ingredients: 30g lotus seeds, 30g reed rhizome, 45g lily, 30g sugar.
Method: Boil the reed rhizome in 500ml of water for 20 minutes, then discard the reed rhizome. Add the lily, lotus seeds with their cores, and sugar and simmer until tender.
The lotus seeds with their cores strengthen the spleen and nourish the heart, clearing heat and relieving vexation. Lily can regulate the central nervous system to a normal state, has a calming and brain-boosting effect. Eat one bowl daily in the afternoon.
(2) Royal Jelly and Rock Sugar Water
Ingredients: 10g royal jelly, 10g rock sugar.
Method: Dissolve the rock sugar in boiling water, then add a glass of cold water. Pour the royal jelly into a glass and stir well.
Royal jelly is a brain-boosting food containing a variety of biologically active substances. Rock sugar is cooling, can replenish qi, and provide energy. The combination of the two can significantly improve intelligence. Drink one cup every morning until the exam period ends.
(3) Banana Ice Cream
Ingredients: 500ml fresh milk, 2 eggs, 2 bananas (mashed), 10g Poria powder, 3 spoons of fine cornmeal, 10 raisins, 150g sugar.
Method: Whisk the eggs thoroughly. Add the cornmeal and Poria powder mixed with water, pouring while stirring. Continue stirring for two more minutes after all is added. Bring the milk to a boil, slowly add the egg and cornmeal mixture while stirring, then add sugar. Place in the freezer to freeze, stirring every 20 minutes until it becomes slushy. Sprinkle with raisins before serving.
(4) Salted Tea Drink
Ingredients: 10g green tea, 2g salt.
Method: Steep with boiling water and drink. It has the effects of promoting saliva to quench thirst, clearing heat, and relieving vexation. It is suitable for daily drinking and is a good drink for preventing heatstroke and lowering body temperature.
(5) Mung Bean Soup
Ingredients: 200g mung beans, 300ml water.
Method: Boil to make a soup and drink the liquid (sugar can be added as desired). It has the effects of clearing summer heat and quenching thirst, promoting urination to reduce swelling, and clearing heat and detoxifying.
(6) Honeysuckle and White Chrysanthemum Drink
Ingredients: 10g honeysuckle, 10g white chrysanthemum.
Method: Steep with boiling water, add 3-5g sugar, and drink frequently. It has the effect of clearing heat and detoxifying.
(7) Elsholtzia Drink
Ingredients: 2g Elsholtzia, 5g hyacinth bean, 5g magnolia bark.
Method: Decoct in water and drink the liquid. It has the effects of releasing the exterior to dispel cold, transforming dampness, and harmonizing the middle jiao.
(8) Ophiopogon and Hawthorn Drink
Ingredients: 10g ophiopogon root, 10g hawthorn.
Method: Steep with boiling water, let it cool, and then drink. It has the effects of strengthening the spleen and stomach, promoting saliva to quench thirst, and detoxifying to dispel stasis.
(9) Corn Silk Tea
Ingredients: 20g corn silk.
Method: Wash and steep in boiling water, then drink. It has the effect of promoting bowel movements and urination.
(10) Cassia Seed Tea
Ingredients: 100g cassia seeds.
Method: Gently roast over low heat until slightly yellow (do not burn), then place in a sealed glass jar for later use. Each time, take 5g of cassia seeds, steep in a covered cup with boiling water, and drink. It has the effects of dispersing heat and expelling wind, clearing the liver and brightening the eyes.
(11) Schisandra and Goji Berry Drink
Ingredients: 50g Schisandra berries (placed in a small gauze bag), 50g goji berries.
Method: Place in a clay pot with 1500ml of clean water, simmer over low heat until the liquid is obtained and the dregs are discarded. Pour the liquid into a covered cup, add 20g of sugar, stir well, and drink in portions. It has the effects of strengthening the spleen and stomach, nourishing the liver and kidneys, and promoting saliva to quench thirst.