Dried Longan Dried Shitake Dried Beancurd Sheet

Dried Longan

Benefits:
Dried longan, also known as Guì Yuán Gān, is made from the fruit of the longan tree through sun-drying or oven-drying. It's not only a traditional health supplement but also an excellent example of food that has both medicinal and nutritional value. Its benefits span across traditional Chinese medicine theories and modern nutritional science, detailed as follows:

I. Core Benefits in Traditional Chinese Medicine
1. Blood Nourishment and Qi Enrichment 
   - Calming the Spirit and Nourishing the Blood: In TCM, dried longan is considered warm in nature and sweet in taste, affecting the heart and spleen meridians. It can nourish the heart and spleen, improving conditions caused by qi and blood deficiencies such as pallor, palpitations, and insomnia.  
   - Menstrual Regulation: It assists in regulating menstrual disorders caused by blood deficiency, such as scanty menstruation and weakness during periods.

2. Soothing the Spirit and Assisting Sleep 
   - Contains natural amino acids (like gamma-aminobutyric acid) and trace elements which can alleviate anxiety, neurasthenia, and improve sleep quality with dreams, especially suitable for mental workers and menopausal women.

3. Strengthening the Spleen and Stomach
   - Promotes digestion and absorption in people with spleen-stomach weakness, improving symptoms like poor appetite and abdominal distension.

4. Anti-Aging
   - According to TCM, it has been said to "make one feel light-bodied and delay aging" when consumed over a long period. It's often paired with wolfberries and red dates to enhance anti-aging effects.

II. Analysis Through Modern Nutrition
1. Blood Enrichment and Immune Boosting  
   - Iron Content: Contains 3~5 mg of iron per 100 grams (three times that of fresh longan), promoting hemoglobin synthesis and improving iron-deficiency anemia.  
   - Vitamin C: Aids iron absorption and boosts immunity (though its content is lower than fresh fruits, it should be combined with fresh fruits and vegetables).

2. Antioxidant and Anti-Aging 
   - Polyphenols: Eliminates free radicals, inhibits cell oxidation, and delays skin aging.  
   - Vitamins A and E: Protects vision and reduces wrinkle formation.

3. Energy Supply 
   - High Sugar Content: Includes glucose and sucrose (approximately 60~70%), quickly replenishing energy, suitable for those with high physical demands or experiencing hypoglycemia.

4. Heart and Brain Protection 
   - Potassium: Contains over 1300 mg per 100 grams, regulates blood pressure, and prevents cardiovascular diseases.  
   - B Vitamins: Maintains nervous system health, improves memory, and prevents senile dementia.

5. Anti-Fatigue  
   - Adenosine Triphosphate (ATP): Enhances ATP metabolism, alleviating muscle fatigue after exercise.

III. Suitable Populations and Pairing Suggestions
1. Recommended Groups:  
   - Individuals with qi and blood deficiencies, those suffering from insomnia and frequent dreaming, postpartum or postoperative women, mental laborers, and the elderly.  
2. Classic Combinations:  
   - Dried longan + red dates + wolfberries: For enriching the blood and beautifying the complexion.  
   - Dried longan + lotus seeds + lilies: For soothing the spirit and aiding sleep.

IV. Precautions

Consumption Precautions:  
   - Recommended daily intake is 10~15 grams (about 5~8 pieces); excessive consumption may lead to overheating, causing mouth ulcers and acne.  
   - Avoid consuming with cold foods (such as mung beans, watermelon), which may weaken its nourishing effect.

Dried Shitake

Benefits:

1. Immune System Boost: Contains lentinan, which can promote the activity of immune cells and enhance the body's resistance.

2. Antioxidant and Anti-inflammatory: Rich in ergothioneine, it possesses antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, helping to prevent diseases such as Alzheimer's.

3. Regulation of Blood Lipids and Pressure: Contains eritadenine, which helps to reduce harmful cholesterol levels and blood pressure, preventing atherosclerosis.

4. Anti-cancer Properties: Components like lentinan can inhibit the growth of cancer cells and have certain anti-cancer effects

5. Promotion of Bone Health: High in vitamin D, it aids in calcium absorption, promoting the growth of bones and teeth.

6. Improvement of Digestion: Rich in dietary fiber, it promotes intestinal peristalsis, improves digestive function, and prevents constipation.

Dried Beancurd Sheet

Benefits:
Premium soybean product, is highly nutritious 
1. High-quality plant protein: Contains approximately 44% protein, making it an ideal protein source for vegetarians. It is cholesterol-free.  

2. Calcium supplementation and bone health: Rich in calcium (about 77 mg per 100 grams), it helps prevent osteoporosis and is particularly suitable for children and the elderly.  

3. Blood lipid regulation: Soy lecithin and dietary fiber in tofu skin aid in lowering cholesterol and promoting cardiovascular health.  

4. Women’s health: Contains soy isoflavones (plant estrogens), which alleviate menopausal symptoms and balance hormones.  

5. Low sugar and high fiber: Its low glycemic index and dietary fiber content support blood sugar control and weight management while improving digestion.  

 **Precautions**  
- Gout patients should consume with caution due to its relatively high purine content from soybeans.