Bittercress – The “Longevity” Plant
Bittercress is a plant that is commonly found in rural areas. It grows wild in gardens, along fences, and near fields. In some countries, bittercress is praised for its cancer-fighting and diabetes-reversing properties. However, in Vietnam, many people consider it a weed and discard it, believing it to have no medicinal value.
Bittercress has a slightly bitter taste. Consuming it regularly can help break up kidney stones, reduce heat, clear phlegm, and promote urination. In some regions of Vietnam, bittercress is used as a daily food. However, people often remain unaware of its true medicinal properties.
According to recent research by American scientists, bittercress contains anti-cancer compounds and potent anti-inflammatory capabilities that can eliminate superbugs in the body.
Water Spinach
Water spinach is a nutritious vegetable composed of 92% water and 8% vitamins and minerals, including beta carotene (provitamin A), iron, potassium, magnesium, and vitamin C.
In Eastern medicine, water spinach is considered to have a bitter taste and neutral properties. It has heat-clearing, detoxifying, blood-activating, blood-stasis-resolving, anti-inflammatory, pain-relieving, and antipyretic effects.
Additionally, water spinach can be consumed as a food to boost health, aid in weight loss, and support digestion.
Sweet Potato Greens
Sweet potato greens are a common and versatile vegetable in Vietnamese cuisine. Beyond being a food source, they are rich in nutrients and vitamins.
Studies have shown that 100g of sweet potato greens contain nutrients such as energy (22 kcal), water (91.8 g), protein (2.6 g), and starch (2.8g). Sweet potato greens also contain vitamins B, C, E, beta carotene, biotin, and minerals such as magnesium, phosphorus, calcium, potassium, manganese, zinc, and copper.
Amaranth
Amaranth is another common vegetable in Vietnamese households. It is often referred to as the “longevity” vegetable, touted to be “more nutritious than meat and cheaper than medicine.” It is known for having the highest iron content among fresh vegetables. Amaranth has a sweet, cooling taste and is packed with essential nutrients. It is particularly rich in iron, which helps reduce inflammation, supports bone health, and prevents cardiovascular diseases and diabetes.
The high iron content in amaranth helps increase hemoglobin and red blood cell production, making it highly beneficial for individuals with anemia. Regular consumption of amaranth can also help stabilize blood sugar levels, improving type 2 diabetes. Amaranth is an ideal summer vegetable, as it aids in cooling and detoxification.
Furthermore, amaranth contains beneficial antioxidants. It has drawn attention for its potential in reducing high cholesterol levels. Animal studies have suggested that consuming amaranth lowers total and LDL cholesterol while increasing HDL cholesterol. However, these benefits do not appear to translate to humans.
Polygonum Aviculare
This plant is widely found in temperate regions. In Vietnam, it grows in mountainous provinces such as Lao Cai, Cao Bang, Lang Son, and others.
Polygonum aviculare can be prepared as a soup, made into juice, stir-fried as a dish, or used as a filling in pastries.
Water spinach is believed to have a cooling effect on the body, clearing heat and detoxifying. It is also said to activate blood circulation, resolve blood stasis, reduce inflammation, relieve pain, and reduce fever. Additionally, water spinach is a good source of nutrition, aiding in weight loss and digestion.
Sweet potato greens are a versatile vegetable commonly used in Vietnamese cuisine. They are a rich source of nutrients, including energy, protein, starch, and various vitamins and minerals. Specifically, they contain vitamins B, C, and E, beta carotene, biotin, and minerals such as magnesium, phosphorus, calcium, and potassium.
Amaranth is often referred to as the “longevity” vegetable due to its high nutritional value and potential health benefits. It has the highest iron content among fresh vegetables, which helps reduce inflammation, supports bone health, and may prevent cardiovascular diseases and diabetes. Amaranth also aids in increasing hemoglobin and red blood cell production, making it beneficial for individuals with anemia.
Polygonum aviculare is a plant commonly found in temperate regions, including mountainous provinces of Vietnam like Lao Cai and Cao Bang. Various parts of this plant are used medicinally to treat heart and bladder issues and stop bleeding. It can be prepared in soups, juices, stir-fries, or even used as a filling in pastries.
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Have you ever wanted to use water spinach, basella alba, and purslane to increase your health and wellbeing? Learning the correct methods to select and prepare these traditional ingredients could help you achieve this goal. Keep reading to find out more!
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