A cancer-preventing expert in the kitchen! Citrus pomegranates are on the list

[Key Points]: Traditional Chinese medicine emphasizes that medicine and food have the same origin. Thousands of years ago, our ancestors discovered that some foods have medicinal effects and can be used to prevent and treat diseases. Today, these views are supported by modern science. Recently, the American "Rodel News Network" summarized a number of latest studies and pointed out that there are 9 "food doctors" in the kitchen, and they are all experts in preventing and curing diseases.

Citrus fruits: Cancer killer

Citrus fruits contain nearly 200 anti-cancer compounds, making them cancer killers. Australian research found that eating citrus fruits every day can reduce the risk of oral cancer, laryngeal cancer, stomach cancer and other diseases by 50%. In addition, citrus fruits have a low glycemic index, especially grapefruit, which is particularly suitable for diabetics. In life, many people like to squeeze juice from oranges, grapefruits, etc., thinking that this is more conducive to the absorption of nutrients. In fact, a large amount of dietary fiber will be lost in the juicing process, which greatly reduces the nutritional value of the fruit. Therefore, it is recommended that you eat the fruit directly.

Beans: Heart-protecting experts

"Beans are the cheapest healthy food." Chen Xiafei, chief nutritionist of the East China Hospital affiliated to Fudan University, said that beans are rich in isoflavones, which can protect the heart and prevent cardiovascular diseases. Beans are low in saturated fatty acids and are a high-quality source of protein for the human body. In addition, beans are beneficial to bone and prostate health and can relieve menopausal discomfort in women. Soy products made from soybeans are easier to absorb, while other beans can be used for stir-frying, stewing, and making soups, and their nutrients can be better retained.

Garlic and onion: antibacterial guards

Garlic and onion are almost one of the most cost-effective "medicines" in the kitchen. They are both plants of the Allium family and contain bactericidal and antiviral compounds, which help the human body improve immunity and fight invaders with all its strength. American research has also found that adding onions and garlic to the diet can help prevent a variety of cancers, including esophageal cancer, oral cancer, and ovarian cancer; the 70 phytochemicals contained in onions and garlic can reduce the incidence of hypertension by 30%, and also have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and tumor prevention effects.

Chen Xiafei reminded that in order to exert the bactericidal effect of garlic, it is best to crush it and leave it for 10 to 15 minutes before eating, so that substances such as alliin and allinase can interact with each other to form allicin with higher health value.

Celery: Blood and Intestinal Cleaner

Studies have found that celery contains "tetrachlorophthalide" compounds that can lower cholesterol. In addition, everyone must be familiar with the thin threads in celery. This is dietary fiber, which can promote gastrointestinal motility and excrete intestinal waste. From these two points of view, celery can be deservedly called a "blood and intestinal scavenger." Not only that, celery is also rich in minerals, vitamin C and phenolic acids, which help the body fight influenza, relieve allergies and prevent cancer.

Chen Xiafei reminded that some nutrients in celery leaves are higher than those in celery stems. For example, the carotene content is 88 times that of the stems. Do not throw it away when cooking. You can blanch it and mix it with dried tofu, or you can chop it up and mix it with meat filling to make dumplings.

Cinnamon: Blood sugar lowering expert

A recent German study on patients with type 2 diabetes pointed out that cinnamon can reduce blood sugar by about 10%, cholesterol and triglycerides by about 13%, and therefore can reduce the risk of heart attack in patients with type 2 diabetes to a certain extent.

Chen Xiafei said that cinnamon is a traditional Chinese medicine with a warm nature, and foreign countries have used cinnamon as a raw material to produce dietary supplements. In the cold winter, drinking cinnamon instead of tea has a good health-preserving effect, but the daily intake should not exceed 4 grams.

Ginger: a pain reliever

Ginger is a natural analgesic and detoxifier. The latest research from the University of Miami in the United States found that ginger extract can significantly relieve inflammation and reduce the pain of knee arthritis. Eating 1 ounce (about 30 grams) of ginger every day can have a significant analgesic effect. In addition, ginger can kill influenza viruses, fight infections, control cholesterol, and lower blood pressure.

There are many ways to eat ginger, such as cooking, marinating meat, and making ginger tea. In life, people who are prone to motion sickness and seasickness can relieve vomiting, dizziness, cold sweats and other discomforts by putting a piece of ginger in their mouth.

Mint: Cooling Expert

Mint has a cooling effect on the mouth and is often used to make chewing gum and throat soothing medicine. There are hundreds of species in the mint family, including basil, rosemary, thyme, lavender, and more. Shao Qing, associate professor of the Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine at the Fourth Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, said that mint is pungent and cool in nature, and can dispel wind and heat, clear the throat, and improve symptoms such as fever and cough caused by colds. Other studies have shown that mint contains a compound that can prevent the breakdown of the neurotransmitter "acetylcholine", thereby helping to improve memory. In daily life, dried mint leaves can be soaked in water to drink, while fresh mint leaves can be used to make tea or cold dishes.

Pomegranate: The Guardian of Youth

The pomegranate flesh is as red as agate, sweet and sour, and very tempting, while the pomegranate seeds have even higher nutritional value. Pomegranate seeds are rich in vitamin C, polyphenols and flavonoids, which are strong antioxidants that can delay aging and prevent and alleviate diseases caused by aging. Eating pomegranates regularly can not only make your skin white and tender, but also prevent the premature formation of wrinkles and fade age spots. Chen Xiafei pointed out that it is best to eat pomegranates with the pulp and seeds. For those with poor teeth or gastrointestinal tract, it is best to drink juice.

Chili pepper: a weight loss helper

"Chili peppers are rich in nutrients." Professor Shen Yanying of Beijing Chaoyang Hospital pointed out that a chili pepper contains B vitamins, vitamin C, vitamin E, vitamin K, carotene, folic acid and other vitamins, and the vitamin C content is higher than that of oranges and lemons.

A study published in the British Journal of Nutrition found that women who like to add two spoons of dried chili powder to their meals absorb much less calories and fat and have a slimmer figure than those who do not eat chili. A study by the University of South Carolina in the United States pointed out that chili peppers contain curcumin, which can help muscles recover after exercise and strengthen muscles.

Chili peppers also contain lycopene, one of the most powerful antioxidants in plants, which has significant anti-cancer effects. Experts remind that although chili peppers are good, they should be eaten in moderation. People with internal heat, gastroenteritis, and hemorrhoids should eat less or no chili peppers.

Source: 39 Health Network www.39.net

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