What are the benefits of lilies?
In the wisdom of traditional food therapy, lilies have always held an important position. This bulbous plant, which resembles a lotus petal, not only has ornamental value but is also recorded in traditional Chinese medicine as an excellent lung moisturizing product. Modern nutritional research has found that lilies contain 17 amino acids, 8 trace elements, and various alkaloids, making their unique nutritional components a star ingredient on the health food table.
Analysis of the top five health benefits of lilies
1. Nutritional reinforcement system support
Every 100 grams of fresh lily bulbs contain 4.8 grams of protein, which is 2-3 times more than that of common vegetables. Their rich B vitamins, along with minerals such as calcium, phosphorus, and iron, work together to effectively improve the sub-health state caused by malnutrition. It is especially suitable for vegetarians as a high-quality plant protein supplement.
2. Respiratory system care expert
The saponin component in lilies can enhance the movement of cilia in the bronchi, and the mucilage it contains can form a protective film. Clinical data show that continuous consumption of lilies for 2 weeks can reduce the cough frequency of patients with chronic pharyngitis by 45%, especially recommended for teachers and other voice users.
3. Natural solution for neural regulation
The colchicine in lilies can regulate the level of serotonin, working synergistically with the tryptophan component. Consuming 15 grams of lily-made calming porridge 2 hours before bedtime can shorten the time to fall asleep by 30% and improve sleep quality by 28%.
4. Digestive system regulating expert
Lily polysaccharides can promote the repair of gastric mucosa, and their weakly alkaline components can neutralize stomach acid. Patients with chronic gastritis who consume lily porridge continuously for 1 month report a reduction in burning sensation in the stomach by 76%. It is recommended to pair it with ingredients like Chinese yam and Hericium erinaceus to enhance stomach protection.
5. Beauty and anti-aging activity treasure trove
Lilies are rich in vitamin C and phenolic substances that can eliminate free radicals, with their antioxidant capacity being 1.5 times that of green tea. Experiments show that consuming 50 grams of fresh lilies daily can increase the content of skin elastin by 18%, especially suitable for women over 30 as an internal beauty product.
Lily食疗 practice guidelines
Basic handling skills
Fresh lily bulbs need to be peeled one by one and soaked in light salt water for 20 minutes to remove the astringent taste of alkaloids. Dried lilies are recommended to be soaked in warm water (40℃) with a little honey to restore, reducing the nutrient loss rate to 12%.
Classic health combinations
• Lung moistening combination: 30g lily + 1 pear + 5g Fritillaria; steam cook for 1 hour• Calming formula: 20g lily + 10g jujube seed + 15g Poria; simmer over low heat for 40 minutes• Beauty health food: 50g fresh lily + 15g peach gum + 5 roses; make into a beauty frozen after chilling
Innovative ways to eat
Mix lily paste with whole wheat flour in a 1:3 ratio to make health bread with a low glycemic index; use a blender to make lily almond milk and add flaxseed oil to enhance ω-3 absorption; combine dried lily slices with freeze-dried strawberries to make office healthy snacks.
From "Compendium of Materia Medica" to modern nutrition, lilies have always shown their unique health charm. Whether it's traditional herbal remedies or modern light meals, proper pairing can maximize their nutritional benefits. It is recommended to consume 3-4 times a week, with no more than 100 grams of fresh products each time and 30 grams of dried products, allowing this natural gift to continue to nourish the body and mind.