Introduction: Scallions have 7 major medicinal effects that expensive traditional Chinese medicines cannot replace. As the saying goes, "a stalk of scallion is worth ten minutes of vitality." Scallions are a common ingredient in daily life and also a traditional Chinese medicine with many therapeutic and health-preserving effects. So, what are the benefits of scallions? Below, we list the effects of scallions that even expensive traditional Chinese medicines cannot replace.
Scallions can be stir-fried, eaten in salads, or used as a seasoning. For men, eating scallions or chives three times a week can have the effect of strengthening yang and supplementing yin.
Benefit 1: Strengthening Yang
The benefits of scallions must include their effect of strengthening yang. The various vitamins in scallions ensure the normal secretion of human hormones and can effectively stimulate libido, thereby playing a role in strengthening yang and supplementing yin. Therefore, men can eat scallions in moderation.
Lamb and Scallion Dumplings
Benefit 2: Inducing Sweating and Inhibiting Bacteria
Scallions can stimulate the body's sweat glands to induce sweating and dissipate heat; scallion oil can stimulate the upper respiratory tract, making it easier to expel phlegm. The allicin contained in scallions has a significant effect against bacteria and viruses, and it is particularly effective in inhibiting *Shigella* and skin fungi.
Benefit 3: Cancer Prevention
The pectin in chives can significantly reduce the occurrence of colon cancer and has anti-cancer effects. The allyl isothiocyanate in scallions can also inhibit the growth of cancer cells; scallions also contain trace element selenium, which can reduce the content of nitrites in gastric juice and play a certain role in preventing gastric cancer and other cancers.
Spicy Braised Tofu with Scallions
Benefit 4: Detoxification and Seasoning
Scallions are pungent in taste and mild in nature, with the effects of inducing sweat, unblocking yang, detoxifying, and seasoning. They are mainly used for wind-cold cold, abdominal pain due to yin-cold, aversion to cold with fever, headache and nasal congestion, insufficient lactation, and difficulty with urination and bowel movements. Scallions contain volatile oil, the main component of which is allicin, and also contain diallyl sulfide and calcium oxalate. In addition, they also contain fats, carbohydrates, carotene, vitamins B and C, niacin, calcium, magnesium, iron, and other components.
Braised Scallions with Shrimp
Benefit 5: Stimulating Appetite
Like onions, raw scallions contain allyl sulfide, a substance that stimulates the secretion of gastric juice and helps to increase appetite. When consumed with foods rich in vitamin B1, it promotes the conversion of food starch and sugars into energy, which can relieve fatigue.
Benefit 6: Relaxing Blood Vessels
Scallions are rich in vitamin C, which can relax small blood vessels and promote blood circulation, preventing dizziness caused by high blood pressure, keeping the brain agile, and preventing Alzheimer's disease. The volatile oil and pungent substances in scallions can remove odors from greasy and heavy dishes, creating a special aroma. When eaten with mushrooms, they can also promote blood circulation.
Braised Sea Cucumber with Scallions
Benefit 7: Lowering Cholesterol
Scallions can reduce the accumulation of bad cholesterol. People who often eat scallions, even if they are overweight and have a lot of body fat, do not have increased cholesterol and have a strong physique. The green leaf part of the scallion contains more vitamins A, C, and calcium than the white part.
Pork and Scallion Pan-fried Buns