Can textures and flavors of fish and meat be found in a vegetable? Chinese Black Fungus is known for these qualities, its essential nutrients and its valuable contribution as a dietary supplement to general fitness and health. Usually available in dried packaged form, it needs to be washed before use.
As a health supplement
Western medicine enriches the blood and prevents iron deficiency anemia. Western medical science has found that black fungus is very effective in modulating blood viscosity as it inhibits platelet aggregation and thus lowers blood viscosity. In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) it is used for anemia, uterine bleeding, haemorrhoids, high blood pressure and coronary heart disease. It also plays an important role in cancer prevention and alleviation.
It is a very common and inexpensive ingredient in Chinese cuisine and has been recognized in TCM as a medicinal food for thousands of years. Black mushroom, rich in nutrients such as iron, protein, fat, vitamins and polysaccharides, also contains vital trace elements such as potassium, selenium and manganese, which are essential for the body’s long-term health.
Black Fungus’ bittersweet flavor isn’t particularly strong, but its texture is distinctly meat-like. Its presence in dishes serves more to enhance the flavors of the main ingredients.
As a diet aid
Black Fungus is a strong ally in the fight against obesity. Although it’s very low in calories, its meat-like texture (and flavor) makes it particularly appetizing when cooked. It is often added to other dishes to “enrich” them, to replenish them for diet/slimming purposes, as well as for its valuable nutrients.
Definitely not “fast food”, it has to be thoroughly soaked and cleaned before use. Black Fungus is available in most Chinese supermarkets and is sometimes stocked by Tesco’s inner-city branches.
‘Fat Busters’ to enjoy alongside
Avid dieters can wash down their black fungus with other proven Chinese slimming, weight loss and nutritional aids like green tea (Lu Cha) and bojenmi tea.
Green tea stimulates the heart, aids digestion, and provides a general wake-up call. Drinking green tea also stimulates overall physical detoxification, which stimulates fat metabolism and is popular in dieting and weight loss.
Those with anemia (and women during their menses) should avoid green tea as it somewhat inhibits iron absorption. These should switch to Bojenmi Tea (see below) and/or consume Black Fungus to correct iron deficiency.
Bojenmi Cha, also known as “good health, beautiful appearance, meat-reducing tea”, also promotes slimming and weight loss. A blend of 12 medicinal herbs based on an ancient remedy from the Ming Dynasty, this savory tea is a blend of 12 medicinal herbs that promotes digestion, lowers cholesterol and has a mild laxative effect.
In total
Both teas help flush fatty deposits from internal systems. Inexpensive green tea’s fat-dissolving effect is so great that Chinese restaurants use leftovers to wipe grease off tables after hours.
Black Mushroom, Green Tea, and Bojenmi Tea all have internal cleansing, detoxifying, and longevity-promoting effects that encourage their inclusion in anti-aging and health and fitness nutritional programs. All three are available in most Chinese supermarkets
Thanks to Peter Allsop
