Blood vessels serve as conduits for delivering oxygen and nutrients throughout the body, while also expelling metabolic waste, residues, and carbon dioxide. Even during deep sleep, blood flows ceaselessly through every part of our bodies like the hands of a clock. This process continues uninterrupted from birth until death. Without blood circulation, life is endangered, making blood vessels the lifeline of our human body.
Hazard 1: Stroke and Cerebral Infarction
When blood impurities accumulate in cerebral vessels, pathological changes occur in the arterial walls supplying the brain both inside and outside the skull. Under conditions of sluggish blood flow and increased blood viscosity due to impurities, thrombi form. These clots obstruct vessels, depriving the brain of blood supply. This leads to cerebral tissue ischemia, hypoxia, necrosis, and subsequent neurological dysfunction.
Risk 2: Coronary Heart Disease and Myocardial Infarction
When blood impurities clog vessels, they cause coronary atherosclerosis, leading to thrombus formation and blockage of coronary artery branches. This deprives portions of the myocardium of blood supply, causing myocardial necrosis. Symptoms include intense, persistent chest pain resembling angina, palpitations, shortness of breath, weak pulse, and low blood pressure, posing a severe threat to life.
Hazard 3: Hypertension, Diabetes, and Systemic Complications
Blood viscosity, excessive blood lipids, blood toxicity, and vascular blockage by waste products may also cause: headaches, dizziness, tinnitus, palpitations and shortness of breath, the "three highs" (high blood pressure, high blood sugar, high blood lipids), insomnia, and limb numbness.
Methods to Clear Blood Toxins
Blood Sugar Stabilizer—Pu'er Tea
Pu'er tea has a mild nature with relatively low irritation to the spleen and stomach. It contains numerous health-beneficial components like tea polyphenols. Studies indicate Pu'er tea significantly inhibits diabetes-related enzymes, aiding in blood sugar stabilization.
Recommended Consumption: Drink Pu'er tea between meals. Brew with boiling water at 100°C (212°F). It's best to rinse the tea leaves first, as most Pu'er teas are aged for years and may accumulate dust. This "washing" step cleanses impurities and prepares the leaves for brewing.
Lipid Regulator—Oats
Oats are rich in beta-glucans and dietary fiber, which inhibit cholesterol absorption and effectively regulate blood lipids. Additionally, oats provide a strong sense of fullness, keeping hunger at bay for extended periods.
Recommended Consumption:Opt for the simplest form of oats: large flakes, whole grains, not finely ground, and free of added sugars, creamers, or other ingredients. Simmer them into porridge and add nuts for a nutritious and delicious meal.Research indicates that moderate consumption of celery juice may effectively lower blood pressure.
Circulation Catalyst—Black Beans
Black beans are packed with anthocyanins, which neutralize free radicals, lower cholesterol, and enhance blood circulation. Additionally, anthocyanins offer eye-protecting benefits.
Recommended Preparation: Anthocyanins remain more stable in acidic conditions. Soaking black beans in vinegar enhances nutrient absorption. First, roast the beans until cooked through. Let them cool, then submerge them in aged vinegar, leaving about one-third space for expansion. Cover and soak until fully plumped. Black beans can also be used to make soy milk or soups.
Blood Purifier—Kelp
Kelp is not only rich in iodine but also contains abundant dietary fiber and gelatinous substances. These gelatinous components bind harmful substances in the blood, such as heavy metals, thereby detoxifying and purifying the blood.
Recommended Preparation: Soak kelp until softened, then prepare as a cold kelp salad. However, since kelp has cooling properties, individuals with a cold constitution or weak physique may benefit from consuming kelp stewed with tofu. High-temperature cooking neutralizes kelp's cooling nature.