In the treasure house of traditional Chinese medicine, there is such a small particle, which has been known as a good medicine for strengthening the spleen and stomach and driving away dampness since ancient times. It is the gourd, an ordinary but extraordinary ingredient. In the fast-paced life of today, it has regained attention due to its unique health value and has become an indispensable part of the daily diet. With the increasing health awareness, people are looking for more natural and effective dietary treatments, and the seed is one of them.
Gourd is not only a food, but also a medicinal herb. How does it play an important role in the diet of modern people?And how does it affect our health and life?Why is it the first choice for regulating the spleen and stomach and removing moisture, especially in winter?
The nutritional value of the seeds of this small aquatic plant should not be underestimated, as well as the health benefits.
It is rich in starch, which is one of its main components. Starch is broken down into glucose in the human body, which provides energy to the body. Not only that, but it is also high in protein, which is very important for muscle repair and growth. Especially for those who need extra protein, such as athletes or people who are **, it is a good food choice.
It also contains a variety of vitamins and minerals, including calcium, phosphorus, iron, and a variety of B vitamins. Calcium is essential for maintaining healthy bones and teeth, while iron is essential for making red blood cells and can help prevent anemia. B vitamins play a key role in the health of the nervous system and energy metabolism.
The health benefits of the gourd also include its positive effects on the digestive system. Due to its rich starch content, it can help improve digestion and combat constipation. At the same time, the dietary fiber in the gourd also helps to maintain intestinal health and promote gastrointestinal peristalsis.
It is also believed to help regulate blood sugar levels. This is because starches are slow-digesting complex carbohydrates that don't cause a rapid rise in blood sugar. Therefore, for diabetic patients, moderate consumption of gourd can be a better food choice.
The fruit of this seemingly ordinary aquatic plant has been endowed with the remarkable effect of "strengthening the spleen and dispelling dampness" in traditional Chinese medicine. Its regulating effect on the spleen, stomach and dampness is not only deeply rooted in ancient medical theories, but also widely used and recognized in modern life.
In TCM theory, the spleen and stomach are regarded as the "acquired foundation" of the human body and the source of qi and blood biochemistry. Rich in starch and a variety of trace elements, these components help to enhance the function of the spleen and stomach, thereby improving digestion and absorption. In addition, the tonic effect of the gourd has a good auxiliary effect on symptoms such as loss of appetite and diarrhea caused by spleen deficiency.
As a pathological product in TCM theory, dampness is often associated with the weakening of spleen function. Excessive moisture can lead to problems such as heaviness, fatigue, weakness, and indigestion. The role of the gourd is particularly prominent in this regard, its dampness effect can help the discharge of moisture in the body and reduce the feeling of dampness and heaviness in the body. This effect is especially important in wet seasons or environments.
In practice, it is often used in soups or in combination with other ingredients. For example, cooking porridge with gourd is a simple and effective way to not only facilitate digestion, but also give full play to its spleen and dampness. Adding an appropriate amount of gourd to the recipe can help regulate the spleen and stomach, especially for people with weak constitution or heavy dampness.
It is not only a traditional Chinese medicine material, but also a nutritious ingredient in the kitchen. With a variety of ways to consume it, it's easy to incorporate the health benefits of the root into your daily life.
A popular and easy way to do this is to make gourd porridge. Cook the pre-soaked seeds together with the rice until the rice grains swell and are soft. This porridge not only has a smooth taste, but also fully releases the nutrients of the seeds. To add flavor, red dates or goji berries can be added to the porridge, which not only sweeten the porridge but also provide additional health benefits, such as blood nourishment and beauty.
In addition to porridge, it can also be used as a soup stock。Pair it with pork ribs or chicken to make a nutritious and delicious soup. This combination is not only conducive to the absorption of nutrients from the seeds, but also enhances the taste and nutritional value of the soup.
For those who love desserts, it can also be made into sweet water or desserts. Sweet soup is boiled together with lotus seeds and lilies, which can be used as a delicious dessert and also play a role in health preservation.
It is important to note that while the seeds are good for health, moderate consumption is key. Excessive consumption may cause indigestion. In addition, although it is good, it is not suitable for everyone. Pregnant women and people with specific health conditions are advised to consult a professional before consuming.