Introduction: Red beans have excellent medicinal value. Traditional Chinese medicine considers red beans to be neutral in nature with a sweet and sour taste, and non-toxic. They have the functions of nourishing and strengthening the body, strengthening the spleen and nourishing the stomach, promoting urination to remove dampness, harmonizing qi and expelling pus, and promoting lactation. Red bean seeds can be used for both food and medicine, and are often used to make congee and bean paste. The editor recommends 4 red bean recipes for you to enhance your complexion.
For more red bean recipes, please see the special feature: The Language of Beans
Red beans, also known as small beans or adzuki beans, are common minor grains that ripen in autumn. "Red beans grow in the southern land, in spring they send out a few branches. I urge you to pick more, for this thing is the most lovesick." Red beans are not only a token of lovesickness, but also a common tonic food for people.
4 major benefits of eating red beans for autumn health preservation
1. Nourish the heart and replenish blood
The ancient Li Shizhen called red beans "the grain of the heart," emphasizing its heart-nourishing effect. Red beans can clear heart fire and replenish heart blood. It is rich in crude fiber, which clinically helps to lower blood lipids, lower blood pressure, and improve heart function; at the same time, it is rich in iron, which can promote qi and blood circulation, making it very suitable for heart blood. It can keep your hands and feet from being cold in winter.
2. Strengthen the spleen and stomach
The spleen and stomach have relatively strong digestive and absorptive abilities. Therefore, people who are relatively weak should intensify their tonic intake in winter to prepare for next year's nutritional reserves, so that they will have more energy and strength next year and will not get sick. Red beans, known as "Chi Xiaodou" in traditional Chinese medicine, also have a significant effect of strengthening the spleen and stomach.
3. Reduce edema
In addition to being rich in potassium, the saponins in the outer skin of red beans also have a strong diuretic effect, which can well improve the swelling of the face and feet caused by beriberi and kidney dysfunction. Therefore, red beans are a must for treating edema.
4. Remove dampness and clear heat
When body fluids cannot flow with qi and blood and stagnate between human cells, the body swells rapidly. Red beans are rich in B vitamins and iron, and also contain protein, fat, carbohydrates, calcium, phosphorus, niacin and other ingredients, which have the effects of clearing heat and promoting urination, removing dampness and detoxifying.
Recommended 4 Red Bean Recipes
Red Bean and Purple Rice Soup
Method: Wash 20 grams each of red beans and purple rice and soak overnight. Discard the soaking water, add new water and cook until done, then simmer over low heat until thoroughly cooked. In autumn, you can add an appropriate amount of honey when eating to replenish blood.
Effect: Red beans themselves have a diuretic effect, which helps improve edema. They have a high carbohydrate content and can be used as a daily food. However, purple rice is not easy to digest, so it should not be consumed in excess at one time.
Red, Green, and Lily Soup
Method: Soak 20 grams each of mung beans, red beans, and lily for half an hour. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to low heat until the beans are cooked. Add an appropriate amount of sugar or salt, both savory and sweet are acceptable.
Effect: The vitamins in mung beans help to lighten melanin; red beans can clear heat and detoxify; while lily can moisturize the skin.
Red Bean and Coix Seed Soup
Method: Wash 20 grams of raw coix seeds and 30 grams of red beans and soak for about half a day, then drain. Cook the coix seeds in water until semi-soft, add red beans and cook until done. Then add rock sugar, turn off the heat after it dissolves, and let it cool before eating.
Effect: This soup helps to nourish the skin, can replenish qi and blood, and promote urination to reduce swelling. Red beans can replenish qi and blood, promote urination and reduce swelling; coix seeds can strengthen the spleen, promote urination, clear heat and expel pus.
Red Bean and Black Rice Porridge
Method: An appropriate amount of red beans, black rice, and white sugar. Wash the red beans and black rice and soak in water for more than 5 hours. Discard the soaking water, put the black rice and red beans with an appropriate amount of cold water in a pot, bring to a boil over high heat, then turn to low heat and cook until done, add sugar.
Effect: Invigorate blood circulation and nourish the skin.
Tips: How to select and store red beans
The surface of red beans is purplish-red or dark reddish-brown, smooth, slightly shiny or dull. Full grains with a dark purplish-red color are the best. There is another type of red and black bean, the相思子 (相思子) produced in Guangdong, which is characterized by half red and half black. Pay attention to distinguish it and do not use it by mistake.
Storing dried red beans also requires special attention. Store chopped dried chilies and red beans together in a sealed bag. Place the sealed plastic bag in a dry, ventilated place. This method can prevent moisture, mold, and insects, and can keep red beans from spoiling for a year.
Another method is to soak red beans in boiling water for more than ten minutes, then take them out, dry them in the sun, and store them in a jar. They can be stored for a long time without getting worms.