Chrysanthemum greens are good for the heart and lungs, but should not be eaten in large quantities.
Chrysanthemum greens are rich in vitamin C, beneficial for the heart and lungs, and good for the brain. However, there are some people who should avoid eating this vegetable.
According to herbalist Bui Dac Sang (Hanoi Traditional Medicine Association), chrysanthemum greens have many different names such as tan o vegetable, chrysanthemum tan o… This is a popular vegetable in winter, loved by many people.
Since ancient times, chrysanthemum greens have been considered the "emperor's vegetable," a natural medicinal herb rich in nutrients. Chrysanthemum greens contain many amino acids, proteins, choline, etc. Of the 20 essential amino acids for the human body, chrysanthemum greens contain 8.
According to Traditional Chinese Medicine, chrysanthemum greens have a pungent taste, a sweet nature, and are non-toxic. They have the effect of calming the mind, eliminating phlegm, regulating the liver, nourishing the kidneys, and treating palpitations, insomnia, and fatigue.
This vegetable can be prepared with many other foods to treat bloating and indigestion; it stimulates digestion and acts as a laxative. It also helps "rejuvenate" the nerves, supporting mental clarity and alertness. On cold days, eating plenty of chrysanthemum greens helps prevent illness, promotes better sleep, and treats coughs and colds.
Modern medicine shows that chrysanthemum greens are rich in protein. On average, one chrysanthemum green contains 1.85% protein, 2.57% carbohydrates, 0.43% lipids, as well as lysine, fiber, water, calcium, vitamin B, and vitamin C.
Chrysanthemum greens are beneficial for cardiovascular health, which is why they are popularly known as "heart-nourishing vegetables." Their chlorophyll helps lower blood cholesterol. The aroma of the greens helps reduce asthma symptoms, stimulates appetite, and increases urination.
Traditional medicine practitioner Sáng suggests that, in addition to taking prescribed medication, people with high blood pressure should eat a low-salt diet, limit animal fats and stimulants, and consume chrysanthemum greens daily. Those with high blood lipid levels can effectively "sweep" away cholesterol with chrysanthemum greens.
You can cook chrysanthemum greens in soup with meat and shrimp; juice them; or use them as a vegetable in hot pot dishes.
However, according to herbalist Sáng, some people should avoid eating chrysanthemum greens as it may worsen their condition:
First, people who have diarrhea and a cold stomach:If patients consume additional foods like chrysanthemum greens, which have a cooling effect, they may experience more discomfort. In such cases, warming foods should be used to balance the effects.
Secondly, for people with low blood pressure: This vegetable is good for people with high blood pressure and high cholesterol, but it is contraindicated for people with low blood pressure as it can further lower their blood pressure. In some cases, even people with normal blood pressure may experience a slight drop in blood pressure if they consume too much of this vegetable.
Furthermore, people should not eat too much chrysanthemum greens. This vegetable is good for bowel movements but is high in fiber. Eating too much can easily lead to digestive disorders and bloating because the fiber in the stomach becomes too much, hindering the elimination of previously consumed food. Children under 1 year old are advised to limit their intake of chrysanthemum greens, and chrysanthemum green juice should not be used to treat coughs.
