Chinese medicine is concerned about “medicine and food together”, as early as a thousand years ago, our ancestors have found that some foods have medicinal effects and can be used to prevent and treat diseases. Today, these ideas are supported by modern science. Recently, the U.S. “Rodale news network” integrated a number of recent studies pointed out that there are nine “food doctors” in the kitchen, they are the masters of disease prevention and treatment. Beans: the master of heart protection “Beans are the cheapest health food.” Chen Xiafei, director of the East China Hospital of Fudan University, told the Life Time reporter that beans are rich in isoflavones, which can protect the heart and prevent cardiovascular disease. Beans are low in saturated fatty acids and are a high-quality source of protein for the body. In addition, beans are also good for bone and prostate health, and can relieve women of menopausal discomfort. Soybeans made into soy products are better absorbed, while other beans, stir-fried, stewed and in soup, are better preserved in terms of nutrients. Garlic and onions: antiseptic defenders Garlic and onions are almost one of the most inexpensive “medicines” in the kitchen, both of which are from the genus Allium and contain antiseptic and antiviral compounds that help the body boost its immune system and fight “invaders” with full force. U.S. studies have also found that adding onions and garlic to the diet can help prevent esophageal cancer, oral cancer, ovarian cancer and other cancers; 70 phytochemicals contained in onions and garlic can reduce the incidence of hypertension by 30 percent, as well as anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and tumor-preventing effects. Chen Xiafei reminded that in order to play the bactericidal effect of garlic, it is better to mash it and put it for 10-15 minutes before eating it, so that substances such as allicin and alliinase can interact with each other to form allicin with higher health value. Celery: blood and intestinal tract cleanser Studies have found that celery contains “tetrachlorophenylphthalide” compounds, which can lower cholesterol. In addition, we are no stranger to the fine filaments in celery, which are dietary fiber that can promote gastrointestinal motility and discharge intestinal waste. From these two points, celery can be deservedly called the “blood and intestinal tract scavenger”. In addition, celery is also rich in minerals, vitamin C and phenolic acid, which helps the body to fight the flu, reduce allergies and prevent cancer. Chen Xiafei reminded that certain nutrients of celery leaves are higher than celery stems, such as carotene content is 88 times more than the stem, do not throw away when cooking, can be blanched and dried bean curd cold, can also be chopped and mixed with meat filling and wrapped dumplings to eat. Cinnamon: blood sugar experts A recent German study on type 2 diabetics pointed out that cinnamon can reduce blood sugar by about 10%, cholesterol and triglycerides by about 13%, so it can reduce the risk of heart attack in type 2 diabetics to some extent. Chen Xiafei told reporters that cinnamon is a warm herbal medicine and has been used abroad as a raw material to produce dietary supplements. In the cold winter, drink cinnamon as a substitute for tea, the health effect is very good, but the daily intake is best not to exceed 4 grams. Citrus fruits: cancer bane Citrus fruits contain nearly 200 kinds of anti-cancer compounds, can be called cancer bane. Australian research found that daily consumption of citrus fruits can reduce the risk of oral cancer, throat cancer, stomach cancer, etc. by 50%. In addition, Chen Xiafei said that citrus fruits have a low glycemic index, especially grapefruit, which is especially suitable for diabetic patients. In life, many people like to juice oranges, grapefruit, etc. to eat, thinking that this is more conducive to the absorption of nutrients, in fact, the juicing process will lose a lot of dietary fiber, so that the nutritional value of the fruit is greatly reduced, so it is recommended that we better eat fruit directly. Ginger: pain relief tool Ginger is a natural analgesic and antidote. A recent study by the University of Miami found that ginger extract can significantly relieve inflammation and reduce knee arthritis pain, and that consuming 1 ounce (about 30 grams) of ginger daily can have a significant pain-relieving effect. In addition, ginger has the effect of killing the flu virus, fighting infection, controlling cholesterol and lowering blood pressure. Ginger can be consumed in a variety of ways, including stir-frying, marinating meat, and boiling and making ginger tea. In life, people who are prone to motion sickness and seasickness can take a piece of ginger in their mouth to relieve vomiting, dizziness, cold sweat and other discomforts. Peppermint: a connoisseur of heat dissipation Peppermint is cool in the mouth and is often used to make chewing gum and throat lozenges. There are hundreds of plants in the mint family, including basil, rosemary, thyme, lavender and others. Shao Qing, associate professor of Chinese medicine at the Fourth Hospital of Harbin Medical University, told reporters that peppermint is pungent and cool, and it can remove wind and heat, clear the throat and improve symptoms such as fever and cough caused by cold. Another study has shown that mint contains a compound that blocks the breakdown of the neurotransmitter “acetylcholine”, which helps improve memory. In life, dried mint leaves can be made into water to drink, while fresh mint leaves can be made into tea and mixed with cold. Chili pepper: body building helper “Chili pepper is very rich in nutrients.” Professor Shen Yanying of Beijing Chaoyang Hospital pointed out that a chili pepper contains a variety of vitamins such as B vitamins, vitamin C, vitamin E, vitamin K, carotene and folic acid, and contains more vitamin C than oranges and lemons. Research published in the British Journal of Nutrition found that women who enjoyed two tablespoons of dried chili powder with their meals absorbed far fewer calories and fat and were slimmer than those who did not eat chili. The University of South Carolina study noted that cayenne pepper contains curcumin, which helps muscles recover after exercise and can strengthen them. Chili peppers also contain lycopene, one of the most powerful antioxidants in plants, with significant cancer prevention benefits. Experts warned that although chili peppers are good, but should be “eaten in moderation”, fire, gastroenteritis patients, suffering from hemorrhoids, it is best to eat less or do not eat chili peppers. Pomegranate: the protector of youth Pomegranate flesh is red like onyx, sweet and sour, very attractive, but the nutritional value of pomegranate seeds is even higher. Pomegranate seeds are rich in vitamin C, polyphenols and flavonoids, all of which are strong antioxidants that have a slowing effect on aging and can also prevent and alleviate diseases caused by aging. Regular consumption of pomegranate not only makes one’s skin white, but also prevents premature formation of wrinkles and lightens age spots. Chen Xiafei pointed out that it is best to eat pomegranate pulp and seeds together, and for those who have bad teeth or gastrointestinal problems, it is best to squeeze juice to eat.