Introduction: To hold onto the fleeting years of youth and keep them forever at 23, a price must be paid. This requires not only plenty of exercise but also being "picky" about one's diet. The editor would like to remind you not to miss these seven golden foods for beauty and health.
The King of Fruits: Jujube
Known as the "ironclad crop" and "woody grain," also called Chinese date, it is one of the "Five Fruits" along with peach, plum, apricot, and plum (or chestnut). It is extremely high in vitamins. A popular saying goes, "Eat three jujubes a day, and you'll never look old your whole life," earning it the nickname "natural vitamin pill." Patients who continuously eat jujubes recover three times faster than those who only take vitamin supplements.
The Brain-Boosting Longan
"Longans in the south, ginseng in the north." Also known as dragon eye (longan, yuan rou). "It greatly replenishes qi and blood, its power surpassing that of ginseng and astragalus" ("Compendium of Materia Medica"). Unlike lychee, which is considered "damp-heat," it can be used as medicine to invigorate yang, replenish qi, nourish blood, and calm the spirit. It is suitable for recovery after childbirth or illness and can inhibit uterine cancer cells.
Longan and Jujube Stewed with Bird's Nest
The Old Man Chaser: Goji Berry
Vitamin C, beta-carotene, and iron content are higher than in oranges, carrots, and steak. "In spring, pick goji leaves, called Tianjingcao; in summer, pick the flowers, called Changshengcao; in autumn, pick the berries, called Gouqizi; in winter, pick the roots, called Digupi." A popular saying warns, "If you travel a thousand miles, do not eat goji," as it can greatly stimulate sexual function, making it unsuitable for long journeys but suitable for recovery at home.
The Ten-Thousand-Year Nut: Walnut
Also called hu tao or qiang tao, it is known as one of the "Four Great Nuts" along with almond, cashew, and hazelnut. In the West, it's called the "brain booster," "food for strongmen," and "nutrient-rich nut." In the East, it's seen as the "longevity fruit" and "treasure for nourishing people." The American Dietetic Association recommends eating walnuts two to three times a week, especially for middle-aged and elderly people and postmenopausal women.
The Little Ginseng: Carrot
Also called ginseng root or "earth人参" (renshen). It has a mild and continuous sweating effect, stimulating skin metabolism and improving blood circulation, making the skin delicate, smooth, and ruddy. American scientists believe that eating two or three carrots a day can lower cholesterol by 10-20%, helping to prevent heart disease and tumors.
Curried Carrot
The Beautician: Aloe Vera
Also known as "green gold from nature." Since the 1980s, a global "aloe fever" has emerged. No other plant has been found to have such comprehensive effects as aloe vera, including whitening, moisturizing, sun protection, freckle removal, detoxification, anti-inflammation, sterilization, pain relief, hair care, and promoting wound healing. It is particularly effective in treating acne.
The Spiritual Root: Lotus Root
Its roots, leaves, flowers, stems, and fruits are all treasures. It is rich in starch, protein, vitamins C and B1, as well as inorganic salts like calcium, phosphorus, and iron, making it best suited for the body's needs. It replenishes qi and blood, enhances immunity, is easy to digest, and suitable for all ages. Traditional Chinese medicine states it "primarily nourishes the center, cultivates the spirit, and strengthens qi." A lotus root with short segments and a thick body is best, with the second segment from the tip being the finest.
Big Bone and Lotus Root Soup