There was once a middle-aged and elderly man whose daily diet included many dishes that were "unpalatable" in the eyes of ordinary people. Although these dishes do not taste good, they are rich in nutrients. Time has telled:This middle-aged and elderly man has stable blood sugar levels, proper weight control, and even perennial stomach problems have been relieved. Surprisingly, these changes don't come from expensive supplements, but from those neglected vegetables on the daily table.
Research data shows that certain foods that are considered to taste badSuch as bitter gourd, garlic sprouts, bitter chrysanthemum and hawthorn, in fact, contain nutrients that are extremely beneficial to the human body. These ingredients show unique health value in clearing away heat and dampness, strengthening the spleen and appetizing.
Bitter gourd is not only a regular on the summer table, but also synonymous with health. Its bitter taste comes from its rich nutrient profile, especially vitamin C and polyphenolic compounds. These ingredients contained in bitter melon have significant health benefits.
Bitter melon has a non-negligible effect on maintaining blood sugar balance. Studies have shown that:Specific compounds in bitter melon mimic the action of insulin and help lower blood sugar levels. This is especially important for people with diabetes, but it also applies to the general population who prevent diabetes.
Bitter melon is also good for the digestive system. It contains fiber, which promotes intestinal health and helps prevent constipation. In addition, certain ingredients in bitter gourd also help to remove harmful substances from the intestines, which improves digestion efficiency.
The bitter taste of bitter melon may put some people off. Fortunately, there are several cooking techniques that can alleviate this bitterness. For example, slicing bitter gourd and soaking it in salted water or simply cooking it with a sweet ingredient such as carrots can reduce bitterness. In this way, bitter gourd not only retains its nutritional value, but also becomes more palatable.
Garlic sprouts, a common kitchen vegetable, give dishes a unique spicy taste. But it's worth much more than that. Garlic sprouts are rich in selenium and essential minerals, which play an important role in maintaining good health. Especially for middle-aged and elderly people, garlic sprouts can not only increase appetite, but also enhance the body's resistance.
Selenium, as a powerful antioxidant, plays multiple roles in the body. Studies have shown that selenium is effective in strengthening the immune system against the negative effects of stress and environmental pollution in daily life. In garlic sprouts, the selenium content is incomparable to many other vegetables.
Another important ingredient is chlorophyll. Chlorophyll not only brings a bright green color to garlic sprouts, but also has the function of promoting intestinal health and helping detoxification. The spicy ingredients in garlic sprouts can stimulate the secretion of gastric juice and promote food digestion, thereby helping to appetize and strengthen the spleen.
Bitter chrysanthemum, often misunderstood as a vegetable with an unacceptable taste, is actually a leafy green plant with deep nutritional value and health benefits. In traditional Chinese medicine, it is considered to be a good product for clearing the liver and gallbladder, and its bitter taste comes from its rich antioxidants and minerals, such as chlorogenic acid and trace elements such as iron and potassium.
Studies have shown that the chlorogenic acid in bitter chrysanthemum has a significant protective effect on the liver. It helps to promote bile secretion, aids digestion, and reduces the burden on the liver, thus effectively removing toxins from the body. This is especially important for middle-aged and elderly people who often experience stomach upset or indigestion.
In addition,Bitter chrysanthemum is also rich in vitamin A and vitamin C, which are powerful antioxidants that help the body fight free radicals, slow down the aging process, and boost immunity. Vitamin A, in particular, is essential for maintaining good health and clear vision.
Hawthorn, this sweet and sour fruit, is not only a taste enjoyment, but also a good helper for digestion. In traditional Chinese medicine, hawthorn has long been used as a medicinal herb to promote digestion and improve blood circulation. Modern research confirms that hawthorn is rich in natural acids and fiber, which have significant health benefits.
Especially for middle-aged and elderly people, hawthorn is a natural choice to regulate gastrointestinal function. It contains organic acids that activate digestive enzymes that help break down meat and greasy foods and reduce the burden on the stomach. This is a simple and effective solution for people who often experience indigestion or loss of appetite.
The fiber in hawthorn is also very important for maintaining gut health. fiberVitamin can promote intestinal peristalsis and help expel waste from the body, thus effectively preventing constipation. One study showed that regular consumption of fiber-rich foods such as hawthorn significantly reduced the risk of intestinal disease.