Seaweed and fish: High-protein, low-fat slimming foods
Seaweed is generally high in potassium. For example, 100 grams of nori contains 1640 milligrams of potassium, which is 17.5 times the sodium it contains. Kelp contains 2.2 times more potassium than sodium. Regularly eating seaweed is very beneficial for improving the potassium-sodium balance in the body, preventing both high and low blood pressure.
Seaweed also has a variety of health benefits. 100 grams of nori and kelp contain 140 mg and 220 mg of taurine, respectively, which can help lower blood pressure and cholesterol in the blood and bile.
Brown algae such as kelp, wakame, and sea lettuce contain sodium alginate, alginic acid, and mannitol, all of which have pharmacological effects. Sodium alginate, in particular, has a certain hemostatic effect on arterial bleeding. Furthermore, people with obesity, hypertension, and hyperlipidemia are most prone to cerebral thrombosis, cerebral hemorrhage, and cerebral congestion; consuming brown algae can have a preventative effect.
Alginic acid has a hypotensive effect, kelp starch sulfate is a polysaccharide that can lower blood lipids, and kelp root extract has an antiasthmatic and expectorant effect.
Mannitol has certain therapeutic effects on acute renal failure and cerebral edema.
Alginic acid, a representative of fiber-rich foods, plays a role in lowering cholesterol, inhibiting the absorption of strontium, radium, cadmium, and lead, preventing heavy metal poisoning, and promoting bowel movements. Fiber-rich foods can reduce the absorption of nutrients in the intestines, allowing excess nutrients to be excreted, thus achieving a lighter weight.
Traditional Chinese medicine believes that obesity is caused by factors such as "dampness," "phlegm," and "water retention." Therefore, foods that promote weight loss and eliminate dampness are best suited for this purpose. Seaweed possesses these characteristics.
(3) Fish that are good for weight loss
The most notable characteristic of fish is their low fat content. Only a few fish contain a relatively high amount of fat, but this is much less than that of animal fat. Moreover, fish fat is composed of unsaturated fatty acids, which are easily digested and absorbed by the human body and do not lead to fat accumulation.
Fish is very high in protein, much higher than eggs. Ribbonfish contains 18.1 grams of protein per 100 grams, halibut 17%, mackerel 21.4%, while duck eggs contain only 8.7%, quail eggs only 12.3 grams per 100 grams, and chicken eggs 14.7 grams. Fish protein is not only higher than poultry eggs, but also comparable to some livestock protein sources; lean mutton contains 17.3 grams of protein per 100 grams, and lean pork only 17.3 grams per 100 grams. The protein in fish is complete protein with high physiological value, and it is high in methionine. The protein structure of fish is loose, making it easier for the human body to digest and absorb.
Marine fish contain a high amount of iodine, which is beneficial for brain development. Flatfish and flounder contain large amounts of vitamins A and D, while sardines contain trace elements such as zinc and vanadium.
Mandarin fish, a type of river fish, is prized for its thick, tender flesh and is considered a delicacy at banquets. Every 100 grams of mandarin fish contains 18.5 grams of protein and 79 milligrams of calcium, making it more nutritious than carp. Loach meat is tender and fresh, and also highly nutritious, containing 22.6 grams of protein and 51 milligrams of calcium per 100 grams. It is also rich in vitamins A, B₁, and B₂ niacin. Its iron content is nine times that of shrimp. Carp contains various vitamins and minerals, as well as multiple free amino acids and proteases, making it an excellent choice for everyday cooking. It also promotes metabolism and aids in weight loss.
(4) Fruits that are good for weight loss
Watermelon
The glycosides in watermelon juice can lower blood pressure and also help maintain the body's water and salt balance.
Watermelon rind is rich in nutrients, such as various sugars, amino acids, lycopene, carotene, and vitamins A, B, and C, and has high utilization value.
The amino acids contained in watermelon rind can help consume body fat and facilitate the metabolism of sugar and protein, thereby achieving the effect of lowering blood lipids and promoting weight loss.
Traditional Chinese medicine believes that watermelon rind is sweet and cool in nature, and has the functions of promoting diuresis, quenching thirst, relieving heat and summer heat. It is known as "natural Baihu Decoction".
◎Apple
Apples are fruits rich in water and fiber. Eating apples can reduce calorie intake and increase satiety, making them an ideal food for weight loss. Furthermore, apples are rich in minerals and various nutrients. Every 100 grams of apple flesh contains 0.4 grams of protein, 13 grams of carbohydrates, 0.08 milligrams of carotene, 0.01 milligrams of vitamin B₁, 0.01 milligrams of vitamin B₂, 0.1 milligrams of nicotinic acid, 11 milligrams of calcium, 0.3 milligrams of iron, 100 milligrams of potassium, and 9 milligrams of phosphorus, making it an excellent choice for weight loss and beauty.
◎Mango
Mangoes contain a variety of minerals. Every 100 grams of mango flesh contains 7 mg of calcium, 22 mg of phosphorus, and 0.3 mg of iron, as well as mangiferin, quercetin, and isoquercetin. It also contains 3.81 mg of carotene per 100 grams, making it extremely nutritious.
Traditional Chinese medicine has proven that mangoes can resolve phlegm, strengthen the spleen and stomach, and promote urination. Traditional Chinese medicine theory believes that obesity is caused by "dampness," "phlegm," and "water retention," so mangoes are a fruit that can help with weight loss.
◎Pomelo
Grapefruit pulp is rich in minerals, vitamins B₁ and B₂, fructose, and protein, and also contains naringin, neohesperidin, volatile oils, insulin-like substances, and cellulose. Every 100 grams of grapefruit pulp contains 41 mg of calcium, 0.9 mg of iron, 43 mg of phosphorus, 0.7 g of protein, and 12.2 g of carbohydrates, making it a fruit that can aid in weight loss.
Traditional Chinese medicine theory states that the best foods for weight loss are those that strengthen the spleen, resolve phlegm, and promote diuresis. Grapefruit pulp possesses these qualities, thus it can help with weight loss and improve skin health.