Uncle Li is a health fan, and he studies various health methods every day. One day, he saw Houttuynia cordata in the vegetable market, and when he heard that it could clear away heat and detoxify, he bought a bunch of them and went home.
Uncle Li began to eat Houttuynia cordata every day, and stewed soups and stir-fried vegetables were inseparable from it. But within a few days, he felt sick to his stomach and coughed all the time. He muttered in his heart: Is there a problem with eating this Houttuynia cordata?
When he checked on the Internet, he was shocked, some people said that Houttuynia cordata was a "harmful grass" and also contained carcinogenic aristolochic acid! Uncle Li panicked, could he really have eaten it wrong?
However, hasn't Houttuynia cordata always been said to be a good thing? What happens if you eat Houttuynia cordata often? Uncle Li was extremely conflicted, and he decided to go to an expert to ask him about it.
See Uncle Li next time, let's talk about this Houttuynia cordata and see if it is a "harmful grass" or a "health treasure". Don't worry, let's wait for Uncle Li's good news!
01
Houttuynia cordata, known as "pig nostrils" in the southern countryside, although the name sounds a little peculiar, has a very wide range of application value in the field of traditional Chinese medicine.
Although some people find it difficult to accept its smell, it is a vegetable with the same origin as medicine and food, and has many good medicinal properties. Houttuynia cordata contains Houttuynin, which is a volatile ingredient, but it is this ingredient that gives it its distinctive smell.
Clinically, Houttuynia cordata extract is widely used in the treatment of pneumonia, bronchitis and other diseases, with significant efficacy.
Nutrition and efficacy of Houttuynia cordata
Houttuynia cordata not only has a unique taste, but it is also highly nutritious. Houttuynia cordata is rich in a variety of vitamins and minerals, especially vitamin C and vitamin E, which play an important role in enhancing human immunity and delaying aging.
In addition, Houttuynia cordata is also rich in dietary fiber, which helps to promote intestinal peristalsis and prevent constipation. For women, moderate consumption of Houttuynia cordata can also relieve menstrual discomfort and improve physical fitness.
Cooking and uses of Houttuynia cordata
Houttuynia cordata has a wide range of uses in cooking, both cold and stir-fried, with the effect of clearing heat and detoxifying, eliminating carbuncle and draining pus, diuretic and drenching.
Although the taste of dried Houttuynia cordata is not as strong as that of fresh products, it has a unique aroma and can be used as tea or as a traditional Chinese medicine to treat diseases such as phlegm, heat, asthma, cough, carbuncle swelling and sores.
Principles and precautions for the appropriate amount of Houttuynia cordata
Despite the many benefits of Houttuynia cordata, it is important to consume it in moderation. Some people may be allergic to Houttuyn, which can lead to nausea, vomiting and other adverse reactions.
Therefore, you should try a small amount of Houttuynia cordata before eating it, confirm that there are no adverse reactions, and then gradually increase the amount of consumption. In addition, Houttuynia cordata should not be eaten in large quantities for a long time, and attention should be paid to eating it together to avoid affecting physical health.
The relationship between aristolochic acid and Houttuynia cordata
Aristolochic acid is a substance that has been confirmed to have carcinogenic effects, and the aristolochic lactam classes BII, AII and FII contained in Houttuynia cordata are not the same aristolochic acid I.
Therefore, Houttuynia cordata should not be classified as a potentially carcinogenic plant. In addition, there is currently no evidence that the aristolochia lactam contained in Houttuynia cordata is toxic or carcinogenic, so it can be safely consumed.
However, for individual individuals who are allergic to Houttuyn, it should be consumed with caution or avoided.
Food diversity and health
Maintaining food diversity is essential for maintaining good health. Each food has its own unique nutrient profile, and complete nutrition can only be achieved by maintaining a varied diet.
Therefore, although Houttuynia cordata has good nutritional value, it should not be consumed in large quantities for a long time, but should be combined with other vegetables and fruits to form a balanced diet structure to meet the body's multiple nutritional needs.
Individual differences and a healthy diet
Everyone's physical condition and reaction to food is different, so you should also adjust your diet according to your own situation.
For people who are allergic to Houttuyn cordata, Houttuynia cordata should be avoided to avoid adverse reactions. Maintain moderation in your diet and avoid excessive intake of any one kind of food to maintain a healthy balance in your body.