Some steamed fruits have medicinal properties.

Besides being rich in vitamins and nutrients when eaten fresh, some fruits, when steamed, become medicinal remedies, helping to warm the body, especially in cold weather. Delicious dishes made from steamed fruits not only keep you warm but also boost the immune system, which is good for your health.

Here are some steamed fruits with medicinal properties that you can refer to.

Steamed pears with red dates

Steamed pears with red dates is a traditional folk remedy for coughs. It's one of the safest ways to treat a cough. This dish is simple, delicious, and especially refreshing in the summer.

Pears are rich in vitamins and minerals such as vitamin C, vitamin K, and potassium. According to traditional medicine, pears are sweet, cool, and slightly sour, and have the effects of clearing heat, moistening the lungs, expelling phlegm, reducing cough, nourishing the blood, lubricating the intestines, and detoxifying.

This is a very common medicinal herb, used to treat many kinds of illnesses. Diseases caused by heat, fever due to lung disease, excessive phlegm, sore throat, bronchitis, and many other ailments can also be treated with pears.

Red dates are rich in nutrients such as sugar, calcium, phosphorus, iron, and various vitamins A, C, B1, B2, and carotenoids. They have long been considered an ingredient for nourishing the body and beautifying the skin.

Jujubes have a sweet taste, a neutral nature, and effects such as clearing heat, detoxifying, relieving coughs, and strengthening health. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, jujubes are used to treat ailments such as sore throat, dry cough, stomach pain, insomnia, and digestive disorders.

Steamed pears with red dates often include rock sugar or honey. Honey, in particular, enhances the effectiveness of this remedy due to its high anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.

Steamed oranges with salt

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, the herb *Cam* (sweet orange) is considered to have a cooling nature and is used to relieve heat and eliminate toxins. Therefore, it has long been used in the treatment of many respiratory illnesses, particularly coughs.

Modern medicine research shows that oranges contain many nutrients, especially vitamin C, along with many compounds that can prevent oxidation. Consuming oranges will help boost the body's immunity, thereby fighting free radicals and preventing toxins from entering the body.

In addition, oranges contain 62mg of calories, 13mg of magnesium, 52g of calcium, and plenty of vitamin A – antioxidants – so this food can help control infection and loosen phlegm.

Additionally, oranges contain approximately 39mg of folate, which helps prevent respiratory problems that can cause coughing and reduces the risk of catching a cold or flu.

Steamed sugarcane

Sugarcane is commonly juiced fresh, making it a favorite drink on hot days. However, few people know that when steamed, sugarcane has other amazing uses.

Sugarcane is a cooling food, unsuitable for people with weak or cold digestive systems, as it can easily cause stomach pain. After steaming, the cooling properties of sugarcane are removed, making it a warming food that everyone can eat. Furthermore, steaming sugarcane concentrates the sugar content, resulting in a sweeter taste. The fiber is also softened at high temperatures, preventing damage to teeth and gums.

The elderly and children generally have weak digestive systems and poor digestion. Eating fresh sugarcane can cause discomfort, but steamed sugarcane doesn't pose this problem. Steamed sugarcane is sweet, juicy, and has excellent moisturizing properties. Steamed sugarcane is an effective food to help pregnant women boost their immunity and reduce minor illnesses like colds and fevers.

However, it should be noted that while sugarcane is not high in calories, around 59 kcal, it is high in sugar, so it is recommended that people with blood sugar problems avoid eating it.

Steaming is a cooking method that helps retain most of the vitamins and nutrients in food. Steamed fruits also offer some health benefits. However, it is necessary to consult a doctor or nutritionist before use to achieve the best results.

Dr. Huynh Tan Vu (University of Medicine and Pharmacy Hospital - Branch 3)

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