6 "Tasteless" Foods with Unexpected Nutrition

Since we were young, our parents have always told us not to be picky eaters. Whether vegetables are delicious or not, they all have unique nutritional components. Moreover, many seemingly unremarkable vegetables, or even those with an unpleasant taste, are packed with great nutrients. Let's explore the nutritional value of these hard-to-swallow vegetables together.…

1. Houttuynia cordata

The Charge: Houttuynia cordata, as the name suggests, is an herb with a fishy smell. Its texture is like chewing on plastic, and its taste is like eating grass. Even the famous writer Wang Zengqi couldn't stand it. It's a favorite in the Yunnan-Guizhou region, said to have an indescribable aroma... Those who love it can't live without it, while those who don't will never touch it!

The Defense: Also known as Dog's Heart Grass or Zhe'ergen, Houttuynia cordata can clear heat and detoxify, reduce swelling and heal sores, promote urination and remove dampness, clear heat and stop dysentery, and strengthen the stomach to aid digestion. Clinical reports show that Houttuynia cordata is widely used to treat various illnesses, including upper respiratory tract infections, influenza, lung abscess, malignant pleural effusion, lung cancer, and mumps. Abroad, an anti-cancer substance has been isolated from Houttuynia cordata; in addition to being effective against stomach cancer, it also has a certain therapeutic effect on middle to late-stage lung cancer and rectal cancer. In Japan, Houttuynia cordata is popular and is used not only in traditional Chinese medicine and dietary therapy but also as a functional health food (in teas, beverages, etc.).

2. Bitter Melon

The Charge: No need to say much, one word: bitter…

The Defense: Also known as Cool Melon, every 100 grams of bitter melon is 94% water, contains 1 gram of protein, 3.7 grams of carbohydrates, and provides 71.2 kilojoules of energy. Bitter melon can strengthen capillaries, promote blood circulation, and prevent arteriosclerosis. It also has the effects of clearing heat and relieving summer heat, reducing swelling and detoxifying, and aiding in weight loss. The protein components and large amounts of vitamin C in bitter melon can enhance the body's immune function, allowing immune cells to kill cancer cells; bitter melon juice is effective against lymphosarcoma and leukemia; and the trypsin inhibitor extracted from bitter melon seeds can stop the growth of malignant tumors. The bitter principle in bitter melon can inhibit malignant tumors and prevent the growth and spread of cancer cells.

Bitter Melon and Fish Soup

3. Cilantro

The Charge: Some people find cilantro's aroma strong and a little can enhance a dish, but others feel nauseous just smelling it. The "Anti-Cilantro Alliance" has named "cilantro on rice" the most terrifying rice bowl in history.

The Defense: Cilantro contains much more vitamin C than ordinary vegetables and is rich in minerals. Its carotene content is more than 10 times higher than that of tomatoes, kidney beans, and cucumbers. Cilantro can promote gastrointestinal motility and has the effect of stimulating the appetite and invigorating the spleen. People with a weak and cold spleen and stomach can eat a moderate amount of cilantro to warm the stomach, dispel cold, aid digestion, and relieve stomach pain; it can be made into a congee to drink. Cilantro extract has a significant function of inducing sweat to clear heat and promote measles rash. Its special aroma can stimulate sweat glands to promote perspiration and help the rash come out.

4. Chives

The Charge: Chives have a strong pungent smell, and the odor in the mouth is hard to get rid of after eating. To avoid embarrassment, many people choose not to eat them.

The Defense: As early as in the *Classic of Mountains and Seas*, there are records of chives. Chives contain various nutrients and dietary fiber. Chives are warm in nature and can dispel cold, remove stasis, nourish yin, and strengthen yang. They have a辅助 therapeutic effect on male issues like enuresis, impotence, spermatorrhea, and premature ejaculation, and on female issues like lower abdominal cold pain during menstruation and insufficient milk production after childbirth. The large amount of vitamins and minerals in chives can help treat night blindness, xerophthalmia, rough skin, and constipation. It also has the effects of preventing cancer recurrence, reducing the intestines' absorption of oily substances, and aiding in weight loss.

Stir-fried Chives with Tofu Skin

5. Carrot

The Charge: The flavor is hard to describe, but basically, I just don't like it. Maybe I'm afraid of turning into a rabbit if I eat too much...

The Defense: Carrots have multiple health benefits for the human body and are known as "little ginseng." Carrots are rich in carotene and various vitamins, folic acid, calcium, and dietary fiber, making them comparable to various vitamin pills. Vitamin A promotes the body's normal growth and reproduction, maintains epithelial tissue, prevents respiratory infections, and maintains normal vision, treating night blindness and xerophthalmia. Women who eat carrots can reduce their risk of ovarian cancer. Regular consumption helps prevent arteriosclerosis, lower cholesterol, and prevent and treat hypertension. It also has the effects of moisturizing the skin and anti-aging.

6. Celery

The Charge: It has a special taste that can make some people feel nauseous... The reason is probably similar to cilantro…

The Defense: Celery is slightly cool in nature and has a sweet and bitter taste. It can increase appetite, prevent scurvy, promote urination, strengthen the stomach, kill bacteria, and prevent rheumatism. Celery is also rich in iron and is effective for iron-deficiency anemia. Celery can lower blood pressure by reducing hormone levels, and its extract also has anti-cancer and wound-healing properties. Celery seeds have many medicinal properties and can be used to treat colds, flu, insomnia, indigestion, and arthritis.

Sautéed Celery with Dried Tofu