Introduction: Blood is the life force that nourishes the body, flowing through all its tissues and organs. However, as we age, "impurities" can build up in the blood. If not cleared promptly, this can lead to "unclean" blood, making it thick and less fluid, which in turn affects health. At this point, you can help your body cleanse these impurities by consuming some "vascular scavengers" from your dinner table, effectively giving your body a major detox.
Blood Sugar Stabilizer: Pu-erh Tea
Pu-erh tea has a mild nature and is relatively gentle on the stomach and spleen. It contains various beneficial compounds like tea polyphenols. Research has found that Pu-erh tea significantly inhibits enzymes related to diabetes and helps stabilize blood sugar levels.
Recommended Consumption: It is recommended to drink Pu-erh tea between meals. Use 100°C boiling water for brewing. It's best to rinse the Pu-erh tea first, as most Pu-erh teas are consumed a year or even several years after production and can easily collect dust. This "rinse" step serves the purpose of "cleansing the dust and moistening the tea."
Pu-erh Tea Braised Pork Ribs
Blood Lipid Regulator: Oatmeal
Oatmeal is rich in beta-glucans and dietary fiber, which can inhibit the human body's absorption of cholesterol and is very effective for regulating blood lipids. Moreover, oatmeal provides a strong sense of fullness, keeping you feeling full for longer.
Recommended Consumption: It is recommended to choose the "simplest" oatmeal—large, whole, unbroken flakes without any added sugar, creamer, or other ingredients. You can use it to make congee and add some nuts for a nutritious and delicious meal.
Blood Pressure Controller: Celery
Celery is rich in potassium and apigenin, both of which are beneficial for controlling blood pressure. A study published in the journal *Hypertension* by the American Heart Association pointed out that drinking celery juice in moderation can indeed help lower blood pressure.
Celery with Minced Pork
Blood Circulation Catalyst: Black Beans
Black beans are rich in anthocyanins, which can eliminate free radicals in the body, lower cholesterol, and promote blood circulation. Additionally, anthocyanins also have the benefit of protecting eye health.
Recommended Consumption: Anthocyanins are more stable in acidic conditions, so soaking them in vinegar helps with the absorption of nutrients from black beans. Before soaking, the black beans need to be stir-fried until cooked, then allowed to cool. Pour in aged vinegar until it completely submerges the beans, but leave about 1/3 of the space to prevent the beans from expanding and overflowing. Seal the container and let it soak until the beans are fully swollen, then they are ready to eat. Black beans can also be used to make soy milk or soup.
Blood Purifier: Kelp
Kelp is not only a food high in iodine but is also rich in dietary fiber and gelatin. The gelatinous components can bind to harmful substances in the blood, such as heavy metals, giving it the effect of detoxifying and purifying the blood.
Recommended Consumption: You can directly soak the kelp until it rehydrates and then make cold-dressed kelp shreds. However, because kelp is considered a "cooling" food in nature, it is recommended that people with a "cold" body constitution or who are physically weak eat kelp stewed with tofu. The high-temperature cooking can neutralize the cooling nature of the kelp.
Braised Kelp