Artemisia argyi, also known as mugwort, is a food that can be consumed and is favored by many people for its unique flavor. So what are the effects and benefits of mugwort?
Eye health
Mugwort is rich in vitamin A, which promotes the synthesis and conversion of visual purple, enhancing vision and preventing night blindness. The abundant beta-carotene in mugwort can be converted into vitamin A as needed in the body. It also has antioxidant properties that act on the retina, preventing macular degeneration. Therefore, consuming mugwort can improve eyesight and protect the eyes.
Cough relief and asthma control
Mugwort has a pungent taste and is rich in volatile aromatic oils. Mugwort oil, beta-thujone, and pinene alcohol in mugwort have the ability to relieve respiratory smooth muscle spasms, inhibiting coughing. Mugwort's warm nature can also alleviate coughing caused by lung coldness. Therefore, consuming mugwort can help alleviate coughing and control asthma.
Antibacterial properties
Mugwort contains various pungent components that have excellent inhibitory and bactericidal effects. Components such as mugwort oil, camphor, and eucalyptol have antibacterial properties and can inhibit intestinal pathogenic bacteria, Staphylococcus aureus, and Streptococcus pneumoniae. Therefore, consuming mugwort can have antibacterial effects.
Enhanced bone strength
Mugwort is rich in minerals, particularly calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, and potassium. Calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus are essential components of bones. Consuming mugwort can promote bone growth and increase bone strength. The ratio of calcium to phosphorus in mugwort is approximately 2:1, which is the most efficient and suitable calcium supplementation ratio. Therefore, consuming mugwort can enhance bone strength to some extent.
Promotes intestinal health
Mugwort contains a significant amount of dietary fiber, with approximately 3.8 grams of fiber per 100 grams of mugwort, much higher than most vegetables and fruits. Consuming an appropriate amount of dietary fiber can promote intestinal peristalsis, facilitate the excretion of feces, and reduce fecal accumulation in the intestines, which can lead to intestinal toxicity. Additionally, dietary fiber can balance the intestinal microbiota. Therefore, consuming mugwort can promote intestinal health.
Protects cardiovascular health
Mugwort is rich in potassium, which can improve the body's osmotic pressure and promote the excretion of excess sodium ions, thereby lowering blood pressure. The abundance of vitamin A and carotenoids in mugwort can increase the elasticity and tolerance of blood vessel walls. Mugwort also contains some antioxidant compounds such as flavonoids and vitamins, which can prevent lipid oxidation deposition on the bottom of blood vessel walls and reduce the occurrence of embolism. Therefore, consuming mugwort can protect cardiovascular health.
