Black fungus: A blood vessel cleanser and affordable bird's nest for beauty and weight loss

fungus

Other names: Mulberry ear fungus, Cloud ear fungus, Black vegetable, Wood fungus, Camphor tree

Main nutrients: B vitamins, vitamin D, potassium, phosphorus, calcium, iron, magnesium, carotene

Health benefits: Strengthens bones and teeth, prevents anemia and constipation

Suitable for: People with osteoporosis, lung deficiency and cough, and constipation.

Those who should consume with caution: those with qi deficiency, wind-cold cough, or bleeding symptoms.

Black fungus: dietary dos and don'ts VS. variations

+Shiitake mushrooms = boost immunity → Mushroom and wood ear soup + Shrimp = rosy complexion → Wood ear and shrimp salad

Milk = Strong teeth and bones → Fresh Vegetable Milk Hot Pot

+Cabbage = May induce goiter +Pineapple = Affects gastrointestinal digestion +Tea = Hinders the absorption of calcium and iron

Q1. Why is wood ear fungus called a "blood vessel cleanser"?

Black fungus can be considered "aspirin in food." The polysaccharides it contains can inhibit abnormal platelet aggregation, reduce blood viscosity, help the body metabolize blood lipids, reduce the content of cholesterol in the blood, and also remove free radicals, prevent low-density lipoprotein from oxidizing and depositing on the blood vessel walls, and keep blood vessels clear.

The B vitamins and amino acids in black fungus can help with lipid metabolism and lower cholesterol and triglycerides in the blood; dietary fiber can lower blood lipids and regulate blood pressure, hence the name "vascular cleanser".

Q2. Is it beneficial for the health of older adults to eat more wood ear mushrooms?

Black fungus contains phospholipids such as lecithin, cephalin, and sphingomyelin, which can improve memory, delay the onset of Alzheimer's disease, and reduce cholesterol and fat levels in the blood, thus preventing cardiovascular disease.

White fungus is low in calories and rich in nutrients such as dietary fiber, amino acids, and colloids. Regular consumption by the elderly can lower blood lipids, stabilize blood sugar, and promote blood circulation.

Q3 Why can black fungus prevent anemia?

Black fungus is rich in protein and minerals such as calcium, phosphorus, and iron. It has the effects of promoting blood circulation and nourishing blood, and is especially effective in preventing and treating iron-deficiency anemia.

Black fungus is an excellent food for replenishing blood. It can be paired with many ingredients, such as pork liver, pork blood, and red dates. People with anemia can improve symptoms such as fatigue, pale complexion, and lethargy by eating it regularly.

Iron is an essential mineral for the human body to produce hemoglobin.

Every 100 grams of dried black fungus contains 3.2 milligrams of iron, which is one-fifth of the recommended daily intake for women, making it an excellent choice for replenishing blood.

Q4 Is white fungus a beauty and weight loss superfood?

White fungus has a super strong water absorption capacity. After soaking, it can expand 2 to 3 times. It is very filling after eating, so it can reduce appetite and achieve the effect of weight loss.

The polysaccharides in white fungus can eliminate free radicals, enhance physical fitness, and fight aging.

As we age, our skin gradually loses collagen, causing it to sag and lose elasticity.

White fungus is rich in colloids, and moderate consumption can increase skin hydration.

Adding red dates or black fungus to the soup can help improve blood circulation, moisturize dryness, and cleanse the skin to remove blemishes.

However, avoid adding too much sugar to prevent weight gain.

Nutritionist's Health Room

X is wrong

Is raw black fungus more nutritious than cooked black fungus?

① The dietary fiber in black fungus is similar to that in black fungus, and it needs to be heated at high temperatures to increase its solubility and make it easier for the human body to digest and absorb.

② The quality of black fungus on the market varies greatly. Eating it raw can easily lead to bacterial infection, so it is better to eat it cooked. Moreover, the taste of raw black fungus is not as good as that of cooked black fungus. People who want to eat raw black fungus for health should dispel this myth.

③ Soaking black fungus without cooking it is not conducive to human digestion and absorption.

○ Yes

Is black fungus more nutritious than white fungus?

① Both black and white fungus are superstars for health and beauty. Black fungus is known as "the meat of vegetarian food", while white fungus can be called "the commoner's bird's nest".

Although black and white fungus have similar effects, black fungus has a higher nutritional value.

In terms of nutritional content, black fungus contains 2 grams more protein, 50 micrograms more carotene, and 90 micrograms more iron per 100 grams than white fungus.

X is wrong

Can women with heavy menstrual flow eat more black fungus to replenish blood?

① Black fungus has the effect of inhibiting platelet aggregation. If women with heavy menstrual flow eat too much black fungus, it may have the opposite effect of poor blood clotting function and heavy bleeding.

② Black fungus has a good blood-activating effect. Pregnant women should consume it in moderation. Excessive consumption will be detrimental to the stable growth of the embryo and may even lead to miscarriage.

③ Patients who are about to undergo surgery should also avoid consuming large amounts of black fungus to prevent interference with blood clotting function.

X is wrong

Is the whiter the white fungus, the better its quality?

① Commercially available white fungus is often bleached with sulfur dioxide, so avoid buying snow-white or brightly colored ones. The natural color of white fungus should be pale yellow. If it has a pungent smell, do not buy it.

② Sulfur dioxide is easily soluble in water. Before consumption, it can be soaked in clean water for 3 to 4 hours, changing the water every hour to greatly reduce the residue of additives.

③ Spoiled wood ear mushrooms will produce a large amount of yeast, which can easily cause symptoms such as vomiting and diarrhea after consumption.

→ Beauty Detox

Sweet potato and white fungus soup (serves 2, 621 calories)

Material

120g sweet potato, 80g dried white fungus, 10g goji berries, and appropriate amount of water.

Seasoning

2 teaspoons of rock sugar

practice

① Wash the ingredients; peel and cut the sweet potato into chunks; soak the dried white fungus until soft and peel it into small pieces.

②Put all ingredients and water into the rice cooker, add 1 cup of water to the outer pot, cook until the switch pops up, then add rock sugar to taste.

→ Cleanse intestines and reduce fat

Black Fungus and Oat Porridge (Serves 2) 545 kcal

Material

100g oats, 65g pork, 50g carrot, 30g black fungus, 800cc water.

Seasoning

1/2 teaspoon salt, 1 teaspoon sesame oil

practice

① Wash the ingredients; peel the carrots and shred them along with the black fungus and pork.

②Place the oats in a pot, add water and cook for about 15-20 minutes until soft.

③ Add the remaining ingredients and cook until done. Season with salt and sesame oil.