Lycium barbarum, as a traditional Chinese tonic and health product, has been loved by people since ancient times. What kind of plant does Lycium barbarum belong to? What are its nutritional values? This article will unveil them for you one by one.
What kind of plant is Lycium barbarum?Lycium barbarum, with the scientific name Lycium barbarum L., belongs to the Solanaceae family (Solanaceae) Lycium genus (Lycium) plants. Solanaceae plants are a group of plants widely distributed around the world, including familiar vegetables such as eggplants, chili peppers, and tomatoes. As a perennial shrub, Lycium barbarum is characterized by its slender branches, lanceolate leaves, purple or white flowers, and red or purple fruits with a sweet and slightly sour taste.
The medicinal value of Lycium barbarumThe medicinal value of Lycium barbarum has a long history in traditional Chinese medicine. According to "Compendium of Materia Medica," Lycium barbarum has the effects of nourishing yin and kidney, nourishing the liver and improving eyesight, and moistening the lungs to stop coughing. Modern medical research shows that Lycium barbarum is rich in nutrients such as polysaccharides, vitamins, amino acids, and trace elements, which have significant effects on improving immunity, anti-fatigue, and anti-aging.
The nutritional value of Lycium barbarum1. Polysaccharides: Lycium barbarum polysaccharides are one of the most important active ingredients in Lycium barbarum, with effects such as enhancing immunity, antioxidant, and anti-tumor.
2. Vitamins: Lycium barbarum contains rich vitamins A, C, E, etc., which have effects such as antioxidant, eye protection, and improving immunity.
3. Amino acids: Lycium barbarum contains 18 kinds of amino acids, including 8 essential amino acids for the human body, which help maintain human health.
4. Trace elements: Lycium barbarum contains trace elements such as iron, zinc, selenium, calcium, and magnesium, which play an important role in maintaining human health.
How to eat Lycium barbarumThere are many ways to eat Lycium barbarum, which can be used as ingredients in dishes or soaked in water for drinking. Here are some common ways to eat Lycium barbarum:
1. Lycium barbarum stewed with chicken: Stew Lycium barbarum with chicken to have the effects of tonifying the body and enhancing immunity.
2. Lycium barbarum and chrysanthemum tea: Soak Lycium barbarum and chrysanthemum in water to drink, which has the effects of clearing heat and detoxifying, improving eyesight, and lowering blood pressure.
3. Lycium barbarum and red date soup: Stew Lycium barbarum with red dates, which has the effects of replenishing blood and beauty, and enhancing immunity.
Lycium barbarum, as a plant with rich nutritional and medicinal value, has been widely used in traditional and modern medicine in China. Understanding the classification and nutritional value of Lycium barbarum can help us better utilize this magical plant and contribute to a healthy life.