In this spring season, those herbs that can not only replenish the body but also cure diseases are not only rich in nutritional value, but also contain natural medicinal ingredients, known as "penicillin" in nature.
For friends over half a hundred years old, eating these wild vegetables in moderation is undoubtedly a good way to enhance immunity and reduce illness.
1. "Penicillin" in nature
In traditional Chinese culture, the concept of the homology of medicine and food has been followed for thousands of years. The idea is that certain ingredients are not only nutritious for the daily diet, but also have specific medicinal properties.
Among these foods, there are some plants that contain natural antimicrobial ingredients, which can act like antibiotics in the human body, helping us to defend against external germs.
Especially for middle-aged and elderly people with relatively weak immunity, these plants can not only provide necessary nutrients, but also help improve the body's defense ability.
2. Purslane: a natural hypoglycemic grass that can be harvested in spring and autumn
Among the many wild vegetables with the same origin as medicine and food, purslane is undoubtedly the most representative one. It grows in the fields and has thick leaves, which can be seen all year round, especially in spring and autumn, which is the best time to pick.
Purslane is rich in trace elements such as carotene, vitamin C and potassium, which have significant health effects on the human body.
Scientific studies have shown that some of the active ingredients in purslane have the potential to lower blood sugar. For middle-aged and elderly people, blood sugar management is particularly important, and this characteristic of purslane can be described as the icing on the cake.
In addition, it also contains a certain amount of natural potassium salt, which is also beneficial for regulating blood pressure and preventing cardiovascular diseases. However, purslane is also high in oxalic acid, which should be consumed in moderation for patients with cold constitution or kidney stones, and it is best to blanch it to remove some of the oxalic acid.
In terms of eating methods, purslane can be said to be extremely flexible. Whether it is served cold or cooked with other ingredients, it can bring a different flavor.
Purslane, in particular, is refreshing and tasty, retaining its nutrients while maximizing its health benefits. Blanched purslane, mixed with garlic, rice vinegar, light soy sauce and other seasonings, is simple and delicious, and has become a health dish in spring and summer.
Here, I would like to remind the majority of middle-aged and elderly friends to arrange their diet reasonably and integrate these wild vegetables with medicinal value into their daily dining table, which can not only enrich the taste, but also help health. Purslane, a gift from nature, is worth making good use of.
3. Mountain stable vegetables (Xia Cao): a multi-effect and one-in-one mountain treasure grass
Mountain stable vegetables, commonly known as Xia Cao, have the reputation of "mountain ginseng" among the people. Grown in the mountains and forests, this wild vegetable is not only able to take root in the barren land, but also rich in nutrients, including vitamins, minerals and a variety of amino acids.
The medicinal value of Xia grass has been circulated among the people for a long time, and it is used for clearing heat and detoxifying, diuretic and blood pressure reduction. In recent years, scientific research has also begun to focus on the medicinal potential of the herb, and studies have shown that its extract has a good inhibitory effect on certain inflammatory diseases.
In the field of dietary therapy, due to its unique fragrance and herbal properties, it is often used as a cold salad or boiled soup.
Its fresh taste and medicinal properties make it a great way to cool down in the summer. However, it should be noted that the picking of Xiacao should be during its growth period, and it should be avoided to pick too early or too late, so as not to affect its medicinal effect.
It can be eaten in a variety of ways, either as its young leaves or as it is cooked with other ingredients. Moderate use of meat or soy products during cooking will not only add flavor but also enhance nutritional value.
Due to its medicinal properties, it is recommended that consumers consult professionals before consumption to understand whether their body is suitable and the appropriate amount to consume.
4. Toad (lychee grass): a heat-clearing agent in wetlands
Toad, also known as lychee grass, often grows in a humid environment, and its leaves are thick and juicy, rich in vitamin C and a variety of minerals.
This wild plant is used as a medicinal herb for clearing heat and detoxifying, diuresis and swelling in the folk. Modern medical research has found that certain compounds in toad have antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects, and can help promote wound healing.
Toad vegetables grow in a special environment, so special care is required when picking them to avoid confusion with other poisonous plants. The best time to harvest is when the plants are at their peak, when the herbs are most abundant.
Toad vegetables are eaten in a relatively simple way, usually after their fresh leaves are cleaned, they are used for cold salad or soup. During the cooking process, the right amount of seasoning can be added according to personal taste, which can not only retain its fresh taste, but also exert its medicinal effects.
When using toad vegetables, special attention should be paid to the fact that since the environment in which it grows is mostly wetland, it must be thoroughly washed before picking and eating to prevent sediment and parasites.
In addition, for people with specific constitutions, such as pregnant women and children, it is recommended to consume it under the guidance of a physician to avoid causing discomfort.
5. The medicinal value and modern research of wild vegetables
The medicinal value of wild herbs is not only deeply rooted in traditional medicine, but also in modern scientific research. Studies have shown that the active ingredients in purslane have a regulatory effect on blood sugar, which is a boon for diabetics.
The anti-inflammatory components in Kasumi grass have a positive effect on the alleviation of chronic inflammatory diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis.
In the case of toad, the researchers found that the extract had an inhibitory effect on a variety of bacteria, which may be related to the specific phenolic compounds it contained.
These compounds have antimicrobial properties under natural conditions, while in the human body they may work by influencing the bacteria's metabolic pathways.
In this way, the natural ingredients contained in wild vegetables are not only the crystallization of the wisdom of the ancients, but also an important resource for modern scientific research.
6. Reasonable consumption and precautions of wild vegetables
While wild herbs have a variety of health benefits, it doesn't mean that everyone is suitable for unlimited consumption. For example, due to the high content of oxalic acid, excessive consumption of purslane may aggravate the condition of patients with kidney stones.
Therefore, when consuming such wild vegetables, you should pay attention to the control of the amount and communicate with your doctor or dietitian to ensure that there are no negative health effects.
When preparing wild vegetables, you should also pay attention to the time and method of their picking. Wild herbs such as seabury and toad are best picked during the vigorous growth period, when the medicinal components are most abundant.
At the same time, it should be thoroughly washed after harvest to avoid residual sediment and microorganisms. Before consumption, people with special constitutions or diseases should consult professional advice to avoid possible discomfort.
summary
Wild herbs offer a simple yet effective health option as a link between traditional wisdom and modern life. Through rational consumption, these wild vegetables with "penicillin" can not only enrich our diet, but also protect our health.
Let's taste the wild herbs while not forgetting to give enough respect and understanding to these small herbs.