Introduction: It is often said by the elderly: “Eating three dates a day keeps youth from showing age.” Red dates, with their sweet taste and warming properties, have long been regarded as a great blood tonic, deeply ingrained in people’s hearts. However, in the vast treasure trove of traditional Chinese medicine for health preservation, there is another ingredient with even more significant blood-replenishing effects, hailed as a true “natural blood bank”—that is pig liver. Today, let’s uncover the secrets of pig liver for blood replenishment and explore how to achieve dual enhancement of qi and blood as well as revitalization through proper consumption.
I. Pig Liver: A Sacred Blood Tonic from the Perspective of Traditional Chinese Medicine
In traditional Chinese medicine theory, the liver stores blood and regulates the flow of qi and blood, making it an important organ for the body’s regulation. Pig liver, as a type of animal liver, is not only rich in iron but also contains abundant vitamin A, B vitamins, and trace elements. These components play an irreplaceable role in promoting hemoglobin synthesis and alleviating anemia symptoms. Especially, iron is a key component of hemoglobin, making pig liver an excellent dietary choice for those with iron deficiency anemia.
II. Why is Pig Liver Superior?
Rich in Iron and Highly Absorbable: The iron in pig liver is heme iron, which has a higher absorption rate compared to non-heme iron found in plant foods, thus more effectively replenishing iron levels in the body.
Vitamin Support: Vitamin A in pig liver aids in the absorption and utilization of iron, while B vitamins participate in energy metabolism, working together within the body’s hematopoietic system.
Comprehensive Nutritional Supplement: In addition to replenishing blood, pig liver is also rich in proteins, fats, minerals, and various nutrients, which help enhance physical strength and boost immunity.
[Ingredients Preparation]
200 grams of fresh pig liver, 15 grams of goji berries, a few slices of ginger, appropriate amount of salt, appropriate amount of clean water
[Cooking Steps]
Cleaning and Handling: Slice the pig liver thinly and rinse it repeatedly with clean water until there’s no blood water, then marinate with cooking wine and a small amount of salt for 10 minutes to remove the odor.
Blanching: Boil water in a pot, quickly blanch the liver slices, then rinse off the foam in clean water.
Stewing and Seasoning: In another pot, add sufficient clean water, place ginger slices, bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to a simmer and add the liver slices and goji berries, slow cook for about 20 minutes.
Adding Salt for Flavor: Finally, add salt according to personal taste before turning off the heat and serving.
[Consumption Tips]
Although pig liver is beneficial, due to its high cholesterol content, it is recommended not to consume it more than twice a week, with each serving controlled at 100-150 grams.
When cooking, try to use healthy methods such as stewing or boiling, and minimize frying to maintain the nutritional value of the ingredients.
Choose Fresh: Select fresh pig liver that is bright red, shiny, and odorless when purchasing.
Moderate Consumption: Considering cholesterol issues, it should not be consumed in excess.
Caution for Special Groups: Individuals with high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and pregnant women should consume it in moderation or avoid it as per medical advice.
In this fast-paced era, maintaining a good state of qi and blood is the cornerstone of our pursuit of a healthy lifestyle. Compared to the traditional perception of red dates, pig liver, with its unique nutritional value and remarkable blood-replenishing effects, has become a health-preservation food that modern people cannot overlook. Moderately consuming it twice a week can not only help improve anemia symptoms but also enhance overall complexion, making one more energetic. Let’s start with our daily diet, embrace a scientific attitude, and enjoy every moment of a healthy life.
