Duckweed is a nutritious vegetable that can be prepared into many delicious and healthy dishes. Science has proven that it is a “devil” of cancer cells, containing countless beneficial nutrients for health and beauty that many women unintentionally overlook.
Characteristics of duckweed
Duckweed’s scientific name is Spinacia oleracea, belonging to the Amaranthaceae family. It is also known as bina vegetable, spinach, hoang duong herb, lingzhi herb, thach ba chi, etc.
Duckweed is a perennial plant, with an average height of 5-10cm, and can reach up to 30cm. Duckweed has a smooth stem, no hair, although it is easily broken but easy to grow and care for.
Duckweed contains many minerals such as vitamins A, K, D, C, B2, B6; omega 3, magnesium, iron, manganese, calcium, and high levels of folic acid, 3 times higher than kale and 60 times higher than the vitamin K content of duck eggs.
Benefits of duckweed
+ Good for the heart
In a study published in the journal Food and Function, researchers found that the compounds in duckweed can reduce DNA damage and prevent diseases. They also support metabolic processes, release hunger-regulating hormones. Therefore, consuming a lot of duckweed can help prevent heart disease, cancer, type 2 diabetes, and obesity.
+ Beauty from within
The nutritional composition of duckweed is quite diverse. Thanks to vitamins and minerals in duckweed and regular consumption, the skin becomes bright and healthy. At the same time, it strengthens and nourishes the hair, reducing hair loss.
This vegetable is rich in iron, which is one of the substances beneficial for all body activities and enhances the immune system, protecting the central nervous system. Consequently, the skin is better protected against UV rays.
+ Improves bone function
The abundant vitamin K in duckweed can improve bone function and strength. In addition, the presence of some substances beneficial for bones such as zinc, manganese… Consuming duckweed regularly can help limit the risk of osteoporosis and protect teeth.
+ Protects eye health
Lutein – one of the antioxidants in duckweed – has been proven to reduce the risk of macular degeneration due to aging, protecting the eyes from ultraviolet light. Furthermore, duckweed contains a lot of vitamin A, which helps protect the macula, and zeaxanthin that contributes to visual development.
+ Provides antioxidants to the body
Duckweed contains abundant nutrients and antioxidants that are good for the body. As a result, some conditions such as prostate cancer, lung cancer, liver cancer… can be minimized.
According to recent studies, the cancer-preventing effects of kale have also been proven. When consumed, the vegetable is not affected by a type of amino acid that appears when heated, significantly reducing the risk of cancer.
+ Good for high blood pressure
The abundant potassium in duckweed helps neutralize salt in the body, minimizing the risk of high blood pressure. Additionally, folate in duckweed can help relax the body. Therefore, the tension and pressure on blood vessels are relieved, and blood circulation is stabilized, supporting blood pressure stability.
+ Produces amino acids that are good for the body
When consuming duckweed, the body releases positive amino acids. As a result, physical activities are better maintained, and metabolic processes occur faster, improving appetite. Therefore, using duckweed for weight loss purposes will have good results.
Delicious dishes from duckweed
+ Stir-fried duckweed with garlic.
Step 1: Prepare the ingredients.
Ingredients: duckweed, garlic, cooking oil, monosodium glutamate, seasoning.
Step 2: Prepare the ingredients
After picking and cleaning the duckweed, wash it again with cold water, remove and drain. Peel the garlic and mince it.
Step 3: Cooking
Heat the pan and add a little cooking oil. Note that only a very small amount of oil is needed. Then, put the minced garlic in the pan and stir-fry until the garlic becomes fragrant and slightly yellow. After that, add the duckweed to the pan and stir gently until it is cooked. Season with suitable spices, then turn off the heat.
Put the cooked duckweed on a plate and enjoy. This dish is very simple and does not take much time, so it is widely used to prepare delicious duckweed dishes.
+ Duckweed and meat soup.
Step 1: Prepare the ingredients.
Ingredients: duckweed, lean pork, fresh mushrooms, dried shallots, cooking oil, monosodium glutamate, seasoning.
Step 2: Prepare the ingredients
After picking and cleaning the duckweed, wash it again with cold water, remove and drain it. Cut the duckweed into small pieces for easy consumption.
Rinse the lean pork, then mince it or grind it. Clean the mushrooms, then rinse them. Peel and mince the dried shallots.
Step 3: Cooking
Heat a pan and add a small amount of cooking oil. Then, add the minced dried shallots and stir-fry until fragrant. Next, add the minced pork to the pan and stir-fry it.
Then, add the fresh mushrooms to the pan and stir until cooked. After that, add enough water to the pan, cover it and wait for the water to boil. When the water in the pan boils, add the duckweed to the pan, season with suitable spices, then wait for another 3-5 minutes until the water boils again, then turn off the heat. With such a simple recipe, you can have a delicious and nutritious soup.
