Introducing May Seasonal Foods: Managing Health with Seasonal Ingredients.

May, and spring is accelerating its steps towards summer. As outdoor activities increase, consuming nutrient-rich foods becomes crucial. Especially in May, seafood thrives in the blue sea, welcoming the season. Let's take a look at some of the foods available.

 

Sea Pine: The Ocean's Flower, a Friend of Healthy Diets

Sea pine, often called the flower of the sea, is rich in protein, almost fat-free, and boasts low calories (approximately 78kcal per 100g). Alongside sea cucumbers and jellyfish, it's one of the top three low-calorie seafood options. Sea pine is abundant in potassium, calcium, iron, phosphorus, and various other minerals essential for the body. Particularly effective in diabetes prevention, vanadium found in sea pine stimulates insulin secretion, stabilizing blood sugar levels. Additionally, sea pine's richness in taurine aids in anti-aging and promotes cardiovascular health. Chondroitin sulfate strengthens cartilage, helping maintain joint health.

 

When choosing sea pine, prefer ones with red and firm shells. If handling is cumbersome, pre-prepared sea pine is available in stores. Sea pine without intestines should be rinsed in water just before consumption and enjoyed dipped in spicy soybean paste.

 

May's seasonal ingredients contain various nutrients essential for our health. Utilizing them well is crucial in maintaining a healthy diet.

 

Tiger Limpet: Improving Constitution and Supporting Liver Health

Seasonal tiger limpets from May to June grow in secondary water sources. They can be enjoyed in various dishes like soups or salads. Tiger limpets, low in fat and high in protein, are effective in diets. Their high amino acid content aids in liver recovery and helps alleviate hangovers. They also relieve eye congestion and pain, promote smooth urination and defecation. Consuming them with Chinese chives is recommended; the hot nature of Chinese chives complements the cold nature of tiger limpets, benefiting health. Before consumption, rub them to remove foreign matter from the shell, soak them in water for over 3 hours to remove the bitterness, and then use them in cooking.

 

Eel: A Stamina-Boosting Companion

Consider eel, in season from May to July, when feeling depleted. Eel, rich in vitamins, calcium, and iron, relieves fatigue and prevents osteoporosis and anemia. Its abundance in myosin and cordycepin helps enhance stamina, especially beneficial when consumed with ginger or Chinese chives. Avoid consuming fruits like peach, apple, or grape as desserts to aid in digesting eel fat.

 

Japanese Apricot: An Effective Food for Digestion and Immunity

Japanese apricot, with its refreshing taste, effectively restores digestion and relieves fatigue. Particularly, the prunasin in Japanese apricot eliminates harmful bacteria in the digestive system, preventing diarrhea and food poisoning. Citric acid aids in digestion and regulates intestinal movements. Always remove the seeds before consumption.

 

Korean Angelica Tree: Effective Ingredient for Dieting and Anti-aging

Korean Angelica Tree, with its aromatic taste, is a seasonal ingredient rich in protein, vitamins A and C, calcium, fiber, and selenium. Its bitterness, due to saponin, helps lower blood sugar and lipid levels. Choose tender and thick ones, with no flowering, excessively dried skin, or strong aroma. Parboil them, soak in water to remove bitterness, then enjoy dipped in spicy soybean paste.

 

 

May's seasonal ingredients contain various nutrients essential for our health. Utilizing them well is crucial in maintaining a healthy diet.