Emperor Zhu Yuanzhang, the founder of the Ming Dynasty, came from a humble background and understood the importance of frugality in governing the country. On one occasion, during Empress Ma's birthday celebration, he hosted a grand banquet for his ministers. However, each table only had four dishes and a soup. Zhu Yuanzhang specifically praised the stir-fried radish dish, saying, "When radishes are sold on the street, even pharmacies have no business." This not only reflected Zhu Yuanzhang's integrity, but also his concept of health and well-being.
Emperor Zhu Yuanzhang was not just putting on a show. In ancient China, there was a saying "radish is comparable to ginseng." The health benefits of radish are not exaggerated. From a modern scientific perspective, radishes are indeed a nutritious vegetable with numerous benefits. Let me introduce them to you.
1. Boosts Immunity
Radishes are packed with vitamin C, even more so than most fruits and vegetables. They are also rich in various trace elements. These nutrients help enhance the body's immune function and improve resistance to illnesses.
2. Promotes Digestion
Radishes contain amylase, which promotes the digestion and absorption of starch and fats in the gastrointestinal tract. Additionally, the fiber and mustard oil in radishes can effectively stimulate intestinal peristalsis and aid in bowel movements.
3. Relieves Cough and Moistens Lungs
Radishes have a cooling nature and can moisten the lungs, relieve dryness, and help dissolve phlegm and detoxify the body. They are particularly effective in relieving common autumn ailments such as sore throat and productive cough.
These are the main benefits of radishes, but the extent to which these benefits are realized depends on how they are consumed.
In daily life, if you have a habit of peeling radishes, it's time to change it. The nutritional content in radish skin is just as rich as the radish itself. It contains several times more vitamin C, radish sulfur, and even substances that can lower blood sugar, making it a dietary choice that diabetics should not miss.
Now let me introduce some ways to consume radishes to maximize their health benefits.
1. Radish Salad
Eating raw radishes can preserve the radish sulfur, which is not destroyed by high temperatures. This radish salad not only retains the nutritional value of radishes but also provides a crunchy and refreshing taste.
First, prepare a white radish, some green bell peppers, coriander, garlic, ginger, and other ingredients.
Wash the ingredients, then shred the radish and green bell peppers. Cut the coriander into small pieces.
Heat a frying pan, add the green bell peppers, garlic, ginger, and other ingredients, stir-fry for half a minute, and then turn off the heat.
Mix the shredded radish with the desired amount of seasoning and the stir-fried ingredients, and it's ready to be enjoyed.
2. Candied Radishes
This dish can effectively alleviate cough and excessive phlegm:
First, wash the white radish and make a horizontal cut on the top. Use a knife to hollow out the center of the lower part and place rock sugar inside.
Place the cut-off top back on the radish and secure it with toothpicks.
Steam the radish until it becomes soft.
Remove the radish from the steamer and eat it along with the candied sugar inside.
Now that you know about these benefits and ways to consume radishes, I believe you have a deeper understanding of this healthy and beneficial vegetable. Don't miss out on incorporating radishes into your diet.
