Longans

FUN FACTS BN: Dimocarpus longan  AKA 龙眼 (lóng yǎn).  Longans are the second most imported fruit by China, but the biggest importer is Thailand. CONSTITUENTS Phenolic acids, flavonoids, polysaccharides. USES/BENEFITS (Disclaimer) One can find many scientific studies documenting the benefits of longans by searching for “Dimocarpus longan  phytochemicals”.   Study has shown longan extracts have drug ability as anti- HIV-1…

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Artichoke (Globe), Yang Ji

  FUN FACTS  BN: (Cynara cardunculus var. scolymus) AKA 洋蓟  (yángjì).   In China, it’s common practice to boil artichoke for the juice, but throw out the parts.  Castroville, California claims to be the Artichoke Capital of the World. In 1947 Marilyn Monroe, then still going by her given name Norma Jean, was crowned Castroville’s first Artichoke…

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Bitter Melon, Ku Gua

FUN FACTS BN: Momordica charantia  AKA 苦瓜 (kǔguā ), bitter gourd, bitter squash, balsam-pear, gohyah tea. In Chinese cooking, it’s often stir-fried, or used for soups.  CONSTITUENTS Contains beta-carotene, lycopene, zeaxanthin, carotenoids, momordin, vicine and charatin, peptide, cucurbitacins, glycosides, and alkaloid.   Vitamin C,  A, folate and small amounts B vitamins, calcium, magnesium and phosphorus, potassium, and fiber.  Flavonoids, coumarins,…

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