Introduction: There are 7 vegetables with anti-cancer effects, but their anti-cancer properties have gradually been forgotten. Do you know which seven they are?
(1) Eggplant: "Frost-bitten eggplant" is good medicine
In many traditional Chinese medicine formulas and folk remedies, "late autumn old eggplant" and "frost-bitten eggplant" are often used. Increasing evidence shows that eggplants have anti-cancer functions. An experiment once extracted a non-toxic substance from eggplant that was effective in treating stomach cancer, cervical cancer, and others. Additionally, eggplants contain various alkaloids such as solanine, cucurbitacin, stachydrine, choline, perilla glycoside, and nasunin. Among these, solanine and cucurbitacin have been proven to have anti-cancer abilities. The eggplant flower, stem, root, and juice are all considered good medicine. Ancient records even mention using autumn eggplant roots to treat tumors.
Eggplants are also rich in nutrients. Except for slightly lower vitamins A and C, other vitamins and minerals are almost comparable to tomatoes, and its protein and calcium content are even 3 times higher than tomatoes.
(2) Bitter Melon: Li Shizhen called it "first-class melon"
The treatment of bitter melon in folk culture is polarized; many people are very fond of it, while others stay away from it. But it was the great Ming dynasty medical expert Li Shizhen who truly gave it a "good status," calling it a "first-class melon" and a rare anti-cancer melon.
Minced Meat Roasted Eggplant
(3) Kelp: Can prevent breast cancer and thyroid tumors
In traditional Chinese medicine, kelp is called "Kunbu" and can prevent breast cancer and thyroid tumors. It is widely known in China that kelp is rich in iodine and can prevent goiter. In fact, kelp has many other "abilities." The sodium alginate it contains has a strong binding capacity with carcinogenic strontium and cadmium, expelling them from the body. Kelp can selectively kill or inhibit bacteria in the intestines that produce carcinogens, and its fiber promotes the excretion of bile acids and cholesterol. Kelp extract has a direct inhibitory effect on various cancer cells.
(4) Sweet Potato: An anti-cancer treasure gradually being forgotten
The memories of many young people of holding fragrant roasted sweet potatoes in their hands to warm up and satisfy a craving in winter are fading. Roasted sweet potato vendors that used to be on every street corner are now almost nowhere to be found. With improving economic conditions, surveys show that many urban residents in China no longer eat sweet potatoes.
Sweet potato: Also known as yam,红薯 (hongshu), or white potato, it is considered an excellent food for preventing disease, prolonging life, and for weight loss and health preservation. In fact, sweet potatoes also have a powerful anti-cancer function. Recently, a substance called dehydroepiandrosterone was found in sweet potatoes, which can prevent the occurrence of colorectal and breast cancer.
(5) Pumpkin: Hailed as "divine melon"
In some countries, it is hailed as a "divine melon" because it can serve as both grain and vegetable. Americans eat pumpkin on Thanksgiving to express their gratitude for it. However, in China, it is rarely planted now.
Pumpkin can prevent obesity, diabetes, hyperlipidemia, and high cholesterol, and is very effective in cancer prevention. The vitamin A content in pumpkin is unimaginably high. It is also rich in vitamin C, calcium, and fiber, and contains an unknown component that inhibits the carcinogen tryptophan-P.
Pumpkin Red Bean Paste Bread Rolls
(6) Wheat Bran: The best anti-cancer dietary fiber
Also called bran, it is the seed coat removed when wheat is milled into flour, used as animal feed, not for human consumption. When fed to livestock with wheat bran, their skin becomes ruddy and their fur shiny, appearing extremely healthy. Now, wheat bran is increasingly receiving attention. For health, many Western institutions are calling on people to eat whole grains and whole wheat foods. Whole wheat foods are made by grinding the whole wheat grain into flour and then separating out the bran, and then using this flour to make food.
Wheat bran is a "warehouse" for the main nutrients of wheat. B vitamins, minerals like selenium and magnesium, and dietary fiber are almost all concentrated in it. It can prevent and treat colorectal cancer, diabetes, hypercholesterolemia, hyperlipidemia, constipation, and hemorrhoids. Therefore, many experts believe that wheat bran is the best anti-cancer dietary fiber.
(7) Radish: The "health guardian" among root vegetables
Radish, also known as Laifu, comes in many varieties, all of which are anti-cancer experts. Hence the farming sayings: "Eat radish in winter and ginger in summer, and you won't need to see a doctor in your life" and "October radish is water ginseng." The Dutch have designated the carrot as their "national vegetable," while Japan and America consider it the "health guardian" among root vegetables.
Radish has functions such as anti-cancer, relieving chest tightness, reducing phlegm, and promoting urination. Radish contains various enzymes that can eliminate the carcinogenic effects of nitrosamines. Its lignin can stimulate the body's immunity, increase the activity of macrophages, and enhance their ability to phagocytose and kill cancer cells. The spicy flavor of radish comes from mustard oil, which can stimulate intestinal peristalsis and promote the excretion of carcinogens. Radish also contains many unknown components that inhibit mutagenic activity. The vitamin C content in radish is 8-10 times higher than in apples and pears. Carrots, due to their rich carotene content, also have excellent anti-cancer effects.
Plain Wheat Bran Mantou