The crunchy texture of burdock, a root vegetable, is appealing, and February is its peak season. It is mainly used in dishes like burdock stir-fry, burdock kimchi, and burdock salad. When paired with pork belly, it enhances the texture and helps reduce cholesterol in the body, compensating for the disadvantages of fatty meats. It also aids in vascular health. Let's learn more about burdock, which is in season.
Burdock and Pork Complement Each Other's Weaknesses... Cholesterol Elimination, Vitamin B1-Protein Supplementation
Burdock pairs well with pork. The unique aroma of burdock helps eliminate the gamey smell and greasiness of pork. According to data from the National Institute of Food Science, the saponin component in burdock helps eliminate cholesterol from pork, aiding blood circulation. Being an alkaline food, burdock also neutralizes the acidic nature of pork. When our body lacks Vitamin B1, carbohydrates cannot be broken down, leading to the accumulation of fatigue substances like lactic acid, which causes fatigue. Pork is rich in Vitamin B1, protein, and essential amino acids, supplementing the nutrients that burdock lacks.
Blood Pressure Control, Gut Health, Elimination of Salty Components... High in Carbohydrates, So Avoid Overeating
There are about 11 g of carbohydrates in 100 g of burdock, which is relatively high among vegetables. Most of the carbohydrates in burdock are in the form of inulin, which contributes to blood sugar control. However, since it is relatively high in carbohydrates, it is advisable to eat only a moderate amount and avoid overeating. Burdock contains 212 mg of potassium, which helps eliminate salty components from the body and aids in blood pressure control. It also contributes to improved kidney function and diuretic effects. With its high dietary fiber content, it is effective for gut health and bowel movements.
Inflammation Suppression, Contribution to Anemia and Bone Health... What Are the Components of Burdock That Help Prevent Diseases?
Burdock is rich in antioxidant components such as caffeic acid, chlorogenic acid, and tannins that reduce oxidation (damage) in the body, helping with waste elimination and inflammation prevention. The lignan component has some effectiveness in preventing and suppressing hormone-related cancers such as breast cancer and uterine cancer. According to a paper published in the Journal of Korean Resources Plant Society, burdock extract has been shown to contribute to inflammation suppression. Burdock contains iron, which helps with anemia, and calcium, which can positively affect bone health and prevent osteoporosis.
Prone to Browning, So Use Quickly... How to Cook Burdock?
After purchasing burdock, wash off the dirt on the surface without peeling the skin, scrubbing it with a brush or scraping it with a knife. If washed with water, it should be used quickly. It is prone to browning when exposed to air, so it is advisable to soak it in salt water or vinegar water before use. Soaking it in rice water can also eliminate the bitter taste and prevent nutrient loss. When cutting burdock, it is better to slice it like sharpening a pencil rather than cutting it long along the direction of the fibers to maintain a soft texture.
