In ancient Asian culture, food was a way to satisfy people’s taste buds and the secret to health and longevity. What treasure ingredients are known as the “10 Best Foods for Longevity”? They are not only nutritious, but also play an essential role in promoting health and prolonging life. Let’s look at what they are.
10. Pumpkin — Golden treasure trove of nutrition for longevity
Pumpkin, or squash in the West, is an autumn vegetable. Its flesh is sweet and nutritious. It is rich in beta-carotene, which can be converted into vitamin A. This helps protect eyesight and enhance immunity. In addition, the dietary fiber in pumpkin helps promote intestinal peristalsis and maintain the health of the digestive system. The cobalt element can also stimulate metabolism, making it one of the ideal foods for diabetic patients.
9. Chinese yam — Nourishment the spleen and stomach
Chinese yam has been a nourishing ingredient recommended by traditional Chinese medicine since ancient times and is known as “God’s food.” It is rich in mucus protein, vitamins and minerals, effectively nourishing the spleen and stomach and enhancing the body’s resistance. The amylase in yam helps digestion and is suitable for people with weak spleen and stomach and indigestion. Long-term consumption can also improve skin condition and make people glow healthy from the inside out.
8. Spinach — Green energy source of longevity
Although spinach is inconspicuous, it is a nutrient-dense superfood. It is rich in iron, calcium, and multiple vitamins, especially folic acid, which is vital for pregnant women and can prevent fetal neural tube defects. Antioxidants in spinach, such as vitamins C and E, can resist free radicals and slow aging. Simple cooking can retain most nutrients, making it an indispensable healthy choice.
7. Oats — The secret of longevity on the breakfast table
Oats, famous for their rich dietary fiber and beta-glucan, are the best choice for lowering cholesterol and stabilizing blood sugar. As breakfast, oats can provide lasting energy release, avoid sudden rises and falls in blood sugar, and are very beneficial for controlling weight and preventing cardiovascular diseases. Its unique taste and diverse cooking methods make oats a healthy food suitable for all ages.
6. Corn — The wisdom of golden crops
Corn not only symbolizes harvest and hope but is also a nutritious crop. It is rich in unsaturated fatty acids, vitamin E and various minerals, especially glutathione, a powerful antioxidant that helps remove free radicals in the body and delay aging. The dietary fiber in corn can also promote intestinal health and prevent constipation and is an indispensable part of a daily diet.
5. Green peppers — The green warehouse of vitamin C
Green peppers, with bright colors and crisp taste, are an excellent source of vitamin C. The vitamin C content in every 100 grams of green peppers far exceeds that of many fruits, which can effectively enhance immunity and promote iron absorption. Green peppers are also rich in vitamin A, E and various trace elements, significantly protecting eyesight and beautifying the skin. Whether in a cold salad, stir-frying or juicing, green peppers can add a touch of color and health to the table.
4. Garlic — A natural antibiotic
Although small but mighty, garlic is known as “penicillin grown in the ground.” It is rich in allicin, has powerful antibacterial and antiviral effects, and can effectively prevent colds and other infectious diseases. Garlic can also regulate blood lipids, lower blood pressure, and effectively prevent cardiovascular diseases. Adding moderate garlic to your daily diet can enhance the flavor of dishes and be a secret weapon to protect your health.
3. Sweet potatoes — Sweet treasures underground
With their rich dietary fiber, vitamin A, vitamin C and potassium, sweet potatoes have become a star food that promotes digestion and enhances immunity. In particular, the mucus protein in sweet potatoes can maintain blood vessel elasticity and prevent cardiovascular diseases. Sweet potatoes are sweet, but not greasy. Whether baked, steamed or made into desserts, people can enjoy a feast and the combination of health and deliciousness.
2. Shepherd’s purse — The noble among wild vegetables
Although Shepherd’s purse is a wild vegetable, its nutritional value should not be underestimated. It is rich in vitamin C, carotene, calcium, iron, and other minerals, and it has the effects of clearing heat, improving eyesight, stopping bleeding, and lowering blood pressure. Shepherd’s purse acid can effectively stop bleeding and has an auxiliary therapeutic effect on symptoms such as bleeding gums and menorrhagia. Shepherd’s purse picked in spring is fresh and delicious, and is a good choice for making dumplings, wontons, and other delicacies.
1. Kelp — A gift from the ocean, the secret of longevity
Finally, the biggest surprise of this ranking is that kelp, this seemingly ordinary seaweed, has topped the list of longevity foods with its rich iodine, alginate, mannitol, and other substances. Kelp can not only prevent goiter, but the fucoidan it contains can also effectively inhibit the growth of cancer cells. It has a significant effect on preventing breast cancer, colon cancer, and other cancers. In addition, the dietary fiber in kelp helps lower cholesterol and maintain cardiovascular health. Simple cooking methods, such as kelp soup and cold kelp salad, make this gift from the ocean easily integrated into our daily life and become the secret of longevity.
Each of the top ten longevity foods contains the wisdom of nature and the mystery of life. They nourish our bodies and convey the concept of healthy living. After understanding them, I hope your good health will accompany delicious food and achieve the effect of longevity.
Translated by Patty Zhang and edited by Amanda
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