Daikon is to the Chinese what apples are to Westerners — eating them every day keeps the doctor away. Daikon is known as the “common man’s ginseng.” This winter produce is natural, healthy, and very affordable. Modern research has found that daikon contains the typical nutrients needed by the human body. It has significant effects in helping to fight cancer, aiding digestion, improving the skin, reducing edema, and helping with weight loss.
Beneficial effects
Raw daikon has a spicy taste because it contains mustard oil, which can stimulate the body’s blood circulation and accelerate metabolism. It has the effects of detoxifying, promoting urination and bowel movements, helping with weight loss, helping to fight cancer, and other effects.
They are rich in digestive enzymes that can break down fat. When eating fried food, fresh raw daikon can drive away the greasy feeling of meat and make the taste more refreshing.
It is also rich in vitamin C, which has antioxidant effects and inhibits aging and deterioration of the immune system.
Dried daikon is a natural calcium supplement that can prevent osteoporosis better than calcium tablets.
The leaves of the plant are also nature’s calcium tablets as they rank first in calcium content among vegetables. Eating the leaves has a protective effect on the eyes and can keep the skin looking young and beautiful.
It should be noted that although the leaves are good, they are not suitable for everyone. People suffering from fatigue, shortness of breath, or who are relatively weak should avoid eating them because they are classified as having a “cold” nature, which may aggravate such symptoms and increase discomfort.
They also contain a large amount of dietary fiber, which is beneficial for aiding bowel movements, stabilizing blood sugar, helping control diabetes, and helping reduce the level of cholesterol in the blood.
The enzymes in this vegetable have the ability to eliminate the carcinogenic effect of nitrosamines.
Recommended dish for winter: Daikon, kelp, and pork rib soup
Ribs can nourish the body and strengthen the tendons. When cooked with daikon, they make a delicious dish that serves to reduce swelling of the body, helps to ease coughing and clear phlegm, and also detoxifies the intestines.
Ingredients needed
- One pound of ribs
- One daikon
- Kelp, ginger, coriander, green onion, and salt (use in moderation when no specific amount is mentioned)
Steps to make the dish
- Cut the ribs into pieces and rinse several times to remove blood.
- Soak the kelp in hot water and cut it into diamond shapes; chop the green onion into pieces; cut the ginger into thin slices; peel off the skin of the daikon and cut it into cubes.
- Bring a pot with an appropriate amount of hot water to a boil; add the ribs and stew for about 30 minutes; when done, skim off the white foam on the surface.
- Add kelp and sliced ginger to the broth and continue to stew for one hour on high heat.
- Add daikon and green onion, and cook for a further 30 minutes on low heat.
When done, the ribs and daikon should be soft and tender. Simply remove from the pot and add salt and coriander to serve.
A point to note: It is suggested that an earthen pot should be used for a more efficient stewing effect and better taste.
Translated by cecilia
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