The Effects and Taboos of Guanyin Vegetable
As a traditional plant with both medicinal and edible values, Guanyin vegetable is known in folk as the 'Blood-Activating Pill'. This thick-leaved, lotus-like aster plant not only adds flavor to the table but also contains unique health benefits. This article delves into the health secrets of Guanyin vegetable from the perspective of modern nutrition.
Three Core Benefits of Guanyin Vegetable
1. External Application for Swelling and Pain Relief
The leaves of Guanyin vegetable are rich in flavonoids, and experimental evidence shows that its extracts can inhibit the activity of the inflammatory factor COX-2 by 63%. The traditional method of crushing fresh leaves and applying them externally can effectively alleviate redness, swelling, heat, and pain caused by falls and injuries, with a recommended duration of application not exceeding 2 hours.
2. Internal Use for Clearing Heat and Detoxifying
Modern pharmacological research has found that every 100g of fresh leaves contains 280mg of chlorogenic acid, an active ingredient with significant antiviral properties. In antibacterial tests against common pathogens, its aqueous extract has a bacteriostatic zone of 18mm against Staphylococcus aureus, making it especially suitable for consumption in soups during the damp and hot seasons of spring and summer.
3. Regulating Blood Lipid Metabolism
Research by the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention shows that Guanyin vegetable contains alpha-linolenic acid, which accounts for 37.8% of the total fatty acids, and continuous consumption for 3 months can reduce total serum cholesterol by 12.4%. Its dietary fiber content (3.2g/100g) further promotes bowel movement, and it is recommended to pair it with black fungus in a cold salad for better effects.
Three Taboos of Eating Guanyin Vegetable
1. Caution for Liver Disease Patients
Due to the presence of trace pyrrolizidine alkaloids, individuals with abnormal liver function may have reduced metabolic capacity, possibly increasing the burden on the liver. Clinical cases show that after 2 weeks of continuous consumption, patients with liver cirrhosis experienced an increase in aminotransferase levels by 1.8 times.
2. Attention to Compatibility for Hypertension
Consuming it with antihypertensive drugs may enhance the drug's effect, and a certain hospital has admitted 3 cases of patients who experienced a sudden drop in blood pressure after eating Guanyin vegetable soup. It is recommended to maintain a 4-hour interval during medication and keep the daily intake within 200g.
3. Caution for Special Physiological Conditions
Consuming it during the menstrual period may exacerbate abdominal pain for those with cold constitutions, and excessive intake (＞300g/day) in the first three months of pregnancy may stimulate uterine contractions. It is recommended to pair it with warming ingredients like ginger and wolfberry when cooking to neutralize its cold nature.
As a representative of the integration of food and medicine, Guanyin vegetable should not only be utilized for its health benefits but also attention should be paid to individual adaptability. It is recommended for first-time consumers to start with 50g and for chronic disease patients to consult a physician. Combining traditional wisdom with modern nutrition can truly bring out its health benefits.