Have you ever heard of yam, a traditional medicinal and edible product, which is known as a good helper for strengthening the spleen and stomach, but did you know that in addition to its efficacy, yam has some side effects that are easily overlooked? If you use it incorrectly, it will not only lose its effect, but also may increase the burden on the spleen and stomach. Let's explore the full picture of yam and learn how to use this ancient and precious ingredient scientifically and rationally.
There is an elderly woman named Grandma (not her real name), who is known for taking care of the children in the village and treating the villagers' minor ailments. Grandma is proficient in many herbs and dietary supplements, especially good at using yam to regulate people with a bad spleen and stomach.
One day, Xiaofang (not her real name), a little girl in the village, felt discomfort in her abdomen, and her mother brought her to her grandmother for help. Grandma saw at a glance that Xiaofang had a weak spleen and stomach, so she cooked a bowl of yam porridge for her.
"Xiaofang, you have to remember, this bowl of yam porridge can't be eaten often. Grandma gently reminded, "Although the yam nourishes the spleen and stomach, it will be counterproductive if you use the wrong method and dosage." ”
Xiaofang's mother asked curiously, "Grandma, how can yams have side effects?"
Grandma explained with a smile: "You see, yam is mild in nature and can indeed help nourish the spleen and stomach. However, if a person with normal spleen and stomach function and adequate diet repeatedly consumes a large amount of yams, it may increase the burden on the spleen and stomach, which may lead to stomach discomfort, indigestion and even diarrhea. ”
"Oh, I see. Xiaofang's mother nodded.
Grandma continued: "Moreover, yam is of the same origin as medicine and food, and has medicinal properties, so it is not suitable for long-term consumption in large quantities. In particular, the living standards of modern people are different, the diet is richer, and there are not many people with weak spleen and stomach. When we use yam to nourish the spleen and stomach, we need to consider individual differences and act in moderation. ”
Xiaofang's mother was deeply touched after hearing this, and thanked her grandmother for her guidance. She realized that every kind of herbal food should be used scientifically and rationally, and not to be greedy for more, so as not to backfire.
Let's start with how yams are cooked. Peeling and cutting yam into pieces, adding water and cooking before eating, this cooking method can effectively retain the nutrients of yam, especially help to nourish the spleen and stomach, and quench thirst. For people with weak spleen and stomach and loss of appetite, eating boiled yam often can help improve digestion and absorption and enhance physical fitness.
Secondly, yams can be made into yam porridge. Chop the yam and boil it into porridge, add an appropriate amount of water, and boil it until it is paste-like, and the yam porridge in this way has a dense texture and is easy to digest and absorb. Yam porridge not only nourishes the spleen and stomach, but also helps to nourish yin and lungs, clear heat and detoxify. For people who are weak and easily fatigued, drinking more yam porridge can enhance physical strength and improve physical fitness.
In addition, yam can also be made into yam noodles or yam dumplings. Yam noodles are rich in dietary fiber and vitamins, which help promote intestinal peristalsis and prevent constipation. Yam glutinous rice balls are a nutritious snack that is suitable for the elderly and infirm, which can replenish energy and enhance immunity.
Finally, there is a special way to eat yam, which is to eat it raw. Wash the yam and cut it into thin slices or shreds and eat it directly. This maximizes the retention of nutrients in the yam, especially vitamin C and dietary fiber. However, it should be noted that eating yam raw may not be suitable for people with spleen and stomach deficiency, and may easily cause diarrhea or gastrointestinal discomfort.
Yams can be consumed in a variety of ways, each with its own unique benefits. Choosing the right way to consume yam according to an individual's physical condition and health needs can maximize the nutritional value of yam and help us stay healthy.
The amount of yam to eat should be determined according to the individual's physical condition and health needs. Generally speaking, the amount of yam consumed at each time should be in moderation to avoid excessive or insufficient consumption.
For the average adult, the amount of yam consumed each time is about 100 grams to 150 grams is more appropriate. This amount can meet the daily nutritional needs without increasing the burden on the spleen and stomach too much. It should be noted that it is best to cook or steam yam when consuming it to facilitate digestion and absorption.
For children or the elderly, the amount of yam eaten can be adjusted according to individual differences. In general, the amount of food eaten by children can be appropriately reduced, while the amount of food eaten by the elderly can be appropriately increased to meet the nutritional needs and digestive capacity of different age groups.
In addition, for people who are weak or have poor spleen and stomach function, it is recommended to pay attention to food intake control when eating yams. Excessive consumption of yam may cause discomfort symptoms such as indigestion or bloating, so it should be consumed in moderation according to the individual's constitution to avoid over-nourishing and counterproductive.