Introduction: While delicacies are tasty, they are not necessarily healthy. In China's millennia-old culinary tradition, our ancestors left behind some local foods that, though seemingly unremarkable, contribute to health and longevity.
1. Pine nuts cleanse the intestines and moisturize the skin.
Pearl-like pine nuts, widely used in traditional imperial cuisine, have long been regarded as having nourishing and strengthening properties. The rich oil content of pine nuts not only aids bowel movements but also moisturizes the skin. At the same time, pine nuts are an excellent source of oil, containing polyunsaturated fatty acids that can help reduce inflammation.
How to eat for health: Pine nuts are high in calories. It's best to sprinkle a small handful on your food occasionally.
2. Cabbage relieves coughs, reduces phlegm, and fights cancer.
When all withers in winter, cabbage remains green and vibrant, much like a pine tree, and is widely popular. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, cabbage is believed to reduce fever, clear heat, relieve coughs, and reduce phlegm. Modern science has found that cabbage is highly nutritious, comes in many varieties, and is available year-round, making it a popular anti-cancer "star." Winter is an excellent season for eating cabbage, as its abundant fiber and vitamin C can compensate for the lack of fruits and vegetables consumed during the cold months. However, people with a "deficient and cold" constitution should avoid eating large amounts of raw, cold cabbage, such as in pickles.
How to eat for health: When having hot pot, don't forget to add plenty of cabbage to help balance the "heatiness" of the meal.
Sautéed Cabbage
3. Garlic is anti-inflammatory and antibacterial.
In an era without antibiotics, garlic played a vital life-saving role. In the past, salt and garlic were essential for armies on the march; salt was used to replenish minerals, while garlic was used for its antibacterial properties and to prevent disease. More recently, garlic has also been found to lower cholesterol. However, raw garlic is pungent and irritating, so people with gastritis, sore throat, hemorrhoids, red eyes, or acne should avoid eating it raw.
How to eat for health: Avoid eating garlic on an empty stomach. You can cook it, stir-fry it, or make it into pickles to reduce its pungency. Alternatively, eating it with dumplings or noodles can help prevent stomach irritation.
4. Porridge protects the stomach and replenishes vital energy.
During the cooking process, the active ingredients in the food are released and dissolved into the broth, making porridge very easy to digest and absorb. It is suitable for those with poor appetite or a weak constitution. The therapeutic effects of porridge are incredibly varied; congee with scallion bulbs has antibacterial properties, celery porridge can promote urination and bowel movements, and sprinkling chopped green onions into hot porridge can help prevent colds... Additionally, porridge can help medicinal herbs work more effectively. For instance, traditional Chinese medicines like almonds and Poria must be consumed with porridge to ensure a sustained and better effect.
How to eat for health: Hot porridge is best. Cooking it with meat broth, vegetable broth, or vegetables to make a savory porridge is even better, allowing the body to absorb the nutrients in one go.
Red Date and Longan Millet Porridge
5. Kelp aids digestion without causing weight gain.
Low in calories and rich in gelatin and minerals, kelp is a perfect beauty and health food for modern life. Kelp is rich in soluble fiber, which is easier to digest than regular fiber and helps promote smooth bowel movements. Its biggest advantage is its low calorie content, making it a worry-free late-night snack for those concerned about weight gain, and it's especially popular with beauty-conscious women.
How to eat for health: Kelp pairs perfectly with vinegar. Vinegar can soften kelp, so try a cold salad with vinegar-dressed kelp. Adding ice cubes to kelp soup can enhance the sourness of the vinegar, creating a refreshing taste.
6. Buckwheat lowers blood pressure and aids sleep.
Buckwheat contains powerful antioxidants that can lower blood lipids, enhance blood vessel elasticity, and prevent blood clotting, making it an excellent food for heart health. In addition, it is also very effective at lowering blood pressure and promoting sleep. Buckwheat is also a great "intestinal cleanser," with six times the fiber content of regular white rice, earning it the nickname "intestinal cleansing grass."
How to eat for health: You can enjoy buckwheat noodles cold in a salad or in a soup. You can also steam buckwheat with rice or cook it into a porridge.
Buckwheat Noodles with Soybean Paste
Wheat noodles
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