In today’s society, hypertension has become a common chronic disease that seriously threatens people’s health. It acts like a “silent killer”; in the early stages, there may be no obvious symptoms, but if it remains uncontrolled for a long time, it can cause severe damage to vital organs such as the heart, brain, and kidneys. For example, it increases the risk of cardiovascular diseases such as coronary heart disease and stroke, and it may also lead to kidney failure and retinal disease. Aside from genetic factors, this is largely related to our poor lifestyle habits, such as a high-salt diet, lack of exercise, mental stress, smoking, and excessive drinking. To say goodbye to hypertension, one must first change these habits, followed by dietary adjustments. Below, I will share an ingredient known as a “hypertension champion,” which is not celery but kelp, and it is recommended for middle-aged and elderly people to consume frequently for its cooling and heat-clearing effects, as well as its ability to lower fat and blood pressure.
Kelp is rich in various components beneficial for lowering blood pressure. Among them, the abundant potassium in kelp can promote sodium excretion and regulate the body’s electrolyte balance, effectively lowering blood pressure. Additionally, substances like fucoidan and kombu in kelp have a similar activity to heparin, which can prevent thrombosis, lower cholesterol, and improve the elasticity and permeability of blood vessels, further aiding in blood pressure reduction. Besides its blood pressure-lowering effects, kelp also excels in reducing blood lipids. It can decrease the accumulation of fat in the blood, lower blood lipid levels, and reduce the burden on blood vessels, thus safeguarding cardiovascular health. Be sure to eat more of it in daily life; below, I’ll share a delicious way to prepare kelp, so let’s get started.
[Cold Tossed Kelp with Tofu Skin]
Ingredients: Kelp, tofu skin, bean sprouts, carrots, small chili peppers, garlic, cilantro, light soy sauce, aged vinegar, oyster sauce, salt, sugar
Prepare the ingredients: Rinse the kelp several times; if using dried kelp, soak it in warm water in advance. Wash a piece of tofu skin clean and slice it into shreds. Clean and peel half a carrot, and shred it. Rinse the bean sprouts. Crush and chop the garlic. Slice the small chili peppers into rings. Cut the cilantro into sections.
Blanch: Boil water in a pot, add kelp, tofu skin, carrot shreds, and bean sprouts, cook until done, and drain.
Dressing: In a bowl, add a tablespoon of roasted sesame seeds, a tablespoon of minced garlic, a tablespoon of chili powder, and slices of small chili. Pour in hot oil, then add two tablespoons of light soy sauce, three tablespoons of aged vinegar, one tablespoon of oyster sauce, and a pinch of salt and sugar. Mix thoroughly and set aside.
Completion: Drizzle the prepared sauce over the kelp, add cilantro, and mix well. Then, enjoy!
Tips:
1. Do not blanch the kelp and tofu skin for too long to avoid affecting the taste.
2. Adjust the amount of the dressing according to personal preferences.
3. You can add other vegetables, such as shredded carrots or cucumber, according to your preference, to increase nutrition and flavor.
Nutritional Value
Cardiovascular Health: The alginate in kelp and the dietary fiber in tofu skin help lower cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases.
Bone Health: The calcium in tofu skin is vital for maintaining bone health.
Intestinal Health: Dietary fiber promotes intestinal motility, prevents constipation, and helps maintain the balance of intestinal flora.
Antioxidant Effect: Kelp, carrots, and bean sprouts are rich in antioxidants, such as alginate, β-carotene, and vitamin C. These antioxidants can eliminate free radicals in the body, reduce oxidative stress damage to cells, thereby preventing chronic diseases.
Nutritional Balance: This dish provides a variety of nutrients that help meet the nutritional needs of the body.
