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On a weekend morning, Dr. Lee had just finished an emergency surgery. Tired, he walked into the hospital cafeteria, ready to refresh himself with a cup of coffee. Suddenly, he noticed that Nurse Zhang at the next table was munching on a black plum with relish.
"Nurse Zhang, what are you eating?" Dr. Lee asked curiously.
Nurse Zhang smiled and replied, "Dr. Li, don't you know?" Recently, it has been rumored on the Internet that a study from Harvard University says that Ume can excrete 50% of the toxins in the body within 24 hours! I've been under a lot of pressure at work lately, so I wanted to give it a try. "
Dr. Li frowned, "Really? That sounds a little incredible. Where did you hear that? "
Nurse Zhang took out her mobile phone and opened an online article to show Dr. Li: "Look, it's clearly written here. "
Dr. Li read the article carefully, and the more he read it, the more confused he became. As an experienced doctor, he was skeptical of this "miraculous effect". However, he also can't completely dismiss some of the health benefits that Ume may have.
"Nurse Zhang, this topic is very interesting. Why don't we investigate together and see what is so magical about Ume? Dr. Lee suggested.
Nurse Zhang nodded excitedly in agreement. In this way, a journey of exploration about Ume quietly unfolded.
Dr. Lee and Nurse Zhang decided to start their investigation from the hospital library. They went through a lot of medical literature on Ume and found that Ume did have some properties that deserve attention.
First of all, they consulted the authoritative textbook "Chinese Materia Medica". The book points out that black plum has the effects of astringency, astringency, rejuvenation, and heat relief.
It is rich in organic acids, such as citric acid, malic acid, etc., which may have a certain detoxifying effect on the human body.
Next, they found a research article published in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology titled "Effect of Ume Extract on Liver Detoxification Function".
This article confirms through animal experiments that black plum extract can indeed promote the metabolism of certain toxins in the liver, but the effect is far less exaggerated than "50% toxins are eliminated within 24 hours".
The more Dr. Li and Nurse Zhang researched, the more interesting they became. They decided to talk to more colleagues about the topic. So, they invited Nutritionist Wang, Traditional Chinese Medicine Doctor Zhao and Pharmacist Chen to participate in the discussion.
Nutritionist Wang spoke first: "From a nutritional point of view, black plum is indeed a very valuable ingredient. It is rich in many nutrients such as vitamin C, calcium, iron, etc.
However, we cannot overstate its efficacy. The so-called 'detoxification' actually mainly relies on our body's own detoxification system, such as the liver, kidneys and other organs. "
TCM Zhao added: "In the theory of traditional Chinese medicine, black plum is flat in nature, sour and astringent in taste, and enters the lungs, large intestine, and liver meridian. It does have some detoxifying effect, especially for certain food poisonings.
However, we should be aware that excessive consumption may cause discomfort such as abdominal pain and constipation. "
Pharmacist Chen analyzed from a pharmacological point of view: "The tannic acid and other ingredients contained in black plum do have a certain astringent effect and can help stop diarrhea.
However, we cannot equate this effect with 'detoxification'. In fact, the detoxification process of the human body is very complex and cannot simply rely on one type of food. "
After listening to the analysis of his colleagues, Dr. Li was thoughtful. He decided to consult the literature further in order to gain a more complete understanding of the role of Ume.
Over the next few days, Dr. Lee consulted a large amount of literature. He found that while Ume does have some health benefits, the claim that "50% of toxins are eliminated within 24 hours" is a clear exaggeration.
According to the records of the Chinese Pharmacopoeia, the main effects of black plum include: relieving cough from the lungs, astringency and antidiarrheal, quenching thirst, and relieving fish and crab poison. These effects have been proven in long-term clinical practice.
Another research article published in Food Chemistry, "Study on the Antioxidant Activity of Ume Polyphenolic Compounds", states:
The polyphenolic compounds rich in black plum have a strong antioxidant effect, which can help remove free radicals in the body, thus playing a certain protective role.
Dr. Li also consulted a review article published in the Chinese Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine, "Research Progress on the Pharmacological Effects of Ume".
This article summarizes the research results on the pharmacological effects of Ume in recent years, including antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, liver protection, hypoglycemic and other effects.
However, the article also clearly states that most of these studies have been conducted in vitro or animal experiments, and more human clinical trials are needed to validate them.
Through these studies, Dr. Lee gained a more comprehensive understanding of the role of Ume. He decided to convene his colleagues again to discuss how to put the effects of Ume in perspective.
At the seminar, Dr. Lee began by summarizing his findings: "Through the research of the past few days, I have found that Ume does have some health benefits that are worth paying attention to.
However, we can't exaggerate its efficacy, especially the claim that '50% of toxins are eliminated within 24 hours' is not supported by science. "
Nutritionist Wang nodded in agreement: "That's right, we should look at the role of food rationally.
As a traditional ingredient, ume does have its own unique nutritional value. However, a healthy diet should be balanced and not overly dependent on one food. "
"In TCM theory, we emphasise 'adapting to the individual'. Ume may indeed work well for some people, but it may not be suitable for others. For example, people with yin deficiency and internal heat should not eat more black plums. "
Pharmacist Chen reminded: "We should also note that although black plum is a food, it also has medicinal properties. Excessive consumption may cause adverse effects. It is recommended that everyone consume it in moderation and do not blindly pursue the so-called 'detoxification' effect. "
After listening to the discussion of her colleagues, Nurse Zhang suddenly realized: "I see! It seems that we should not believe the rumors on the Internet, but still believe in the science. "
Dr. Lee said with a smile, "Yes, as healthcare workers, we have a responsibility to disseminate correct health knowledge to the public. Why don't we write a popular science article together to introduce to you the real role of black plum and how to eat it reasonably? "
There was agreement with the proposal. So, they divided their labor and began to write this popular science article.
The article first introduces the basic situation of black plum, including its nutritional content, traditional uses, etc. Then, several of the main functions of Ume are enumerated in detail:
1. Antidiarrheal: Ingredients such as tannic acid in black plum have an astringent effect and can help stop diarrhea. However, diarrhea caused by a bacterial infection should still be treated promptly.
2. Relieve the heat: Black plum has the effect of quenching thirst, and eating it in summer can help relieve the heat. However, you can't rely on Ume completely, and you still need to pay attention to drinking plenty of water.
3. Antioxidant: The polyphenolic compounds in black plum have antioxidant effects and can help scavenge free radicals. However, this is not the same as "detoxification".
4. Protects the liver: Some studies have shown that black plum extract may have liver-protective effects. However, more human clinical trials are needed to validate this.
The article also highlights that while Ume has these potential health benefits, it does not mean that it "excretes 50% of the toxins from the body within 24 hours." This claim lacks scientific basis and is exaggerated propaganda.
Finally, the article gives a few suggestions:
1. Consume it wisely: Ume can be part of your daily diet, but don't overdo it.
2. Pay attention to physical fitness: People with certain constitutions (such as yin deficiency and internal heat) should not eat more black plums.
3. Eat a balanced diet: Don't rely too much on one food, and keep your diet varied and balanced.
4. Scientific attitude: In the face of various "miraculous effects" circulating on the Internet, it is necessary to maintain a rational and skeptical attitude and verify it in many ways.
After the publication of this article, it attracted widespread attention and discussion both inside and outside the hospital. Many people said that through this article, they have a more comprehensive and scientific understanding of Ume.
Dr. Lee and his colleagues are relieved that they have not only clarified a misconception but also disseminated proper health knowledge to the public.
This experience also made them more aware of the responsibility and obligation of medical workers to identify and correct the erroneous health information that circulates among the public.
Since then, whenever someone asks about the efficacy of black plum, Dr. Li and his colleagues will patiently explain that black plum is indeed a valuable ingredient, but it is not a magical "detoxification product".
A healthy lifestyle requires a scientific attitude and a balanced diet, rather than blindly pursuing some kind of "magic effect".
This little black plum is not only a scientific exploration, but also a deep thinking about how to correctly disseminate health knowledge.
In this era of information explosion, it is the responsibility of each of us to improve our scientific literacy, not to believe rumors, and not to spread misleading information. Only then can we truly enjoy the health benefits that scientific progress brings.
What are your thoughts on this? Welcome to discuss in the comment area!
[This content is a fictional short story, and any name, place name, or other aspects involved in the text have nothing to do with reality (without any implications). If there is any similarity, it is purely a coincidence, please read it rationally. 】