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If an ingredient could be praised over and over again from ancient times to the present, would you be a little more curious about it? That's right, today's protagonist is the mediocre leek. Some say it's a "sausage cleanser", while others say it's a "natural tonic". But the true face of leeks may be more complicated than you think. Is it a "sacred grass" or an "ordinary dish"? Uncover the secrets of leeks today!
1. The story of "intestinal cleansing grass": why can leeks cleanse the intestines?
You may have heard of the "leek laxative". But why is it so powerful? The reason lies in the fiber content of leeks. Leeks are rich in dietary fiber, with 1.4 grams of fiber for every 100 grams of leeks. These "crude fibers" are like brooms, which can help clean up the garbage in the intestines and speed up the excretion of stool, especially for people with constipation.
However, the "cleansing" effect of leeks is not suitable for everyone. If you have weak digestion or sensitive stomach, eating too many leeks may make you bloating and abdominal pain, and your intestines may not only not be "cleaned", but may also "go on strike". So, if you want to rely on leeks for laxatives, remember to do what you can and don't overdo it!
Second, leeks not only "laxative", but also help you protect your blood vessels
Do you know? There is also an ingredient in leeks called "sulfide". This ingredient not only gives leeks their unique smell, but it is also good for your blood vessels. Sulfide can help lower blood lipids, prevent arteriosclerosis, and protect cardiovascular health.
Studies have shown that long-term consumption of sulfide-rich foods (such as leeks, garlic, onions, etc.) can reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. According to a study by the American Heart Association, sulfide may even help improve blood circulation and make your blood vessels "younger."
However, it should be reminded that the sulfide of leeks breaks down easily when heated, so eating leeks raw (such as cold vegetables) can retain more nutrients. However, raw leeks may have pesticide or bacteria residues, so be sure to pay extra attention when cleaning.
3. The other side of leeks: is it really reliable to tonify the kidney?
You may have heard the saying that leeks can "tonify the kidneys". Ancient Chinese medicine classics, especially the "Compendium of Materia Medica", praised the "warm and supplementing" attribute of leeks, saying that it "warms the liver and helps yang". The modern nutritional explanation is that leeks are rich in vitamin C, vitamin E and zinc, which are indeed helpful for men's health.
But beware, leeks are not a miracle cure. Its so-called "tonifying the kidney" effect is more like an "auxiliary conditioning". If you're counting on leeks for all your kidney problems, you're thinking too much. Kidney health still depends on adequate sleep, a reasonable diet and moderate exercise, and eating leeks alone is far from enough.
4. Misunderstanding of eating leeks: Not everyone is suitable
While leeks have many benefits, they are by no means a "panacea". The following groups of people need to be especially careful when eating leeks:
- People with sensitive stomachs: Leeks have a lot of fiber and are more laborious to digest. If your stomach is "squeamish", leeks may trigger bloating or indigestion.
- Patients with diarrhea: leeks are warm, and diarrhea is often associated with "intestinal dampness and heat", and eating leeks at this time may aggravate the symptoms.
- Patients with liver disease: Although the sulfides in leeks are beneficial to the general population, they may increase the metabolic burden on the liver in people with impaired liver function.
- People with allergies: Individual people with allergies may be intolerant to some of the ingredients in leeks and are prone to rashes or itching after eating.
In short, although leeks are good, they are not suitable for everyone. If you have obvious discomfort after eating leeks, you must adjust your diet in time.
5. The correct way to open leeks: how to eat the healthiest?
Healthy eating of leeks is actually particular. Here are some tips:
1. With meat food, the nutrition is more balanced
Leeks are the "golden partner" with eggs and pork. For example, scrambled eggs with leeks are not only delicious, but also can improve protein intake and make nutrition more balanced.
2. Wash thoroughly
Leek leaves tend to hide in sediment, so you can soak them in a little salt or baking soda when washing, and then rinse them several times to make sure they are clean.
3. Don't eat leeks overnight
The nitrates in leeks are converted to nitrite, a potentially carcinogenic substance, during storage. Therefore, leeks are best eaten freshly cooked and not overnight.
4. Just in moderation
Although leeks have many benefits, eating too much is easy to get flatulent. An adult intake of 100-150 grams of leeks per meal is sufficient.
6. Leeks, do you really understand?
After reading this article, do you have a "new understanding" of leeks? It is not only a "intestinal cleansing grass", but also a "vascular guard", and it can also be moderately "warmed and supplemented". But it also has limitations, it is not suitable for everyone, and it cannot be over-deified.
Healthy eating is never something that can be solved by a certain "magic food", but comes from the right combination and moderate intake every day. Leeks are good, but they're only part of a healthy diet. I hope you can look at it with a scientific eye and let it help your health instead of causing trouble.
Echoes at the end: Health, starting with every meal
The green of leeks is not only a decoration on the table, but also a healthy choice. It reminds us that health isn't about chasing a "superfood," it's about living with your heart every day. May you eat healthier and live more freely in your next meal!
Bibliography:
"Compendium of Materia Medica", Li Shizhen.
American Heart Association. “Sulfur Compounds in Diet and Cardiovascular Health.”
Institute of Nutrition and Health, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention: Dietary Guidelines for Chinese Residents (2022).
World Health Organization (WHO): Dietary Fiber and Gut Health.