What are the nutritional benefits of "underwater ginseng" fox nut? Can it tonify the kidneys? Is it better eaten raw or cooked?

Fox nut is the mature seed kernel of the water lily family plant Euryale ferox. Because it has effects such as removing dampness, tonifying the spleen, and replenishing qi in the middle burner, it is widely used as a medicinal material. At present, many people like to stew it together with lotus seeds, Chinese yam, and jujube, so what are the nutritional benefits of fox nut? Can it tonify the kidneys? Is it better eaten raw or cooked?

1. What are the nutritional benefits of fox nut?

The nutritional value of fox nut is very high. It is rich in starch, and also contains protein, fat, carbohydrates, crude fiber, calcium, phosphorus, iron, thiamine, riboflavin, niacin, vitamins, and trace amounts of carotene, etc. The specific nutritional components are shown in the table below:

2. Can eating fox nut tonify the kidneys?

Fox nut has the effect of tonifying the kidneys. Fox nut has the effects of tonifying the kidneys and strengthening yang, benefiting the kidneys and astringing essence, tonifying the spleen and stopping diarrhea, and calming the mind. It mainly treats diabetes, edema due to spleen deficiency, and other conditions. Chen Shize, a physician in the Qing Dynasty, said, “Fox nut stops pain in the waist and knees, makes the ears and eyes sharp, and eaten over a long time prolongs life and boosts longevity. It looks ordinary, but using it brings great benefit. Fox nut not only stops essence, but can also generate essence. It removes damp phlegm from the spleen and stomach, and thereby generates true water in the kidneys.” Therefore, fox nut is an excellent first choice for strengthening the spleen and tonifying the kidneys. If it can work together with Chinese yam, the tonifying effect will be even better.

3. How long must fox nut be eaten to tonify the kidneys?

Eating fox nut has a kidney-tonifying effect, but how long it takes to be effective depends on the individual constitution, so as long as it is taken consistently, it can effectively tonify the kidneys. However, I personally suggest that the effect can be achieved through dietary regulation or physical exercise, which can not only tonify the kidneys, but also keep all aspects of the body in good condition.

4. How should fox nut be eaten to tonify the kidneys?

1. Stewed fish maw with Chinese yam and fox nut

[Ingredients] 50 grams of Chinese yam, 30 grams of fox nut, 1 fish maw.

Method

① Wash the Chinese yam and fox nut and soak for half an hour.

② Soak the fish maw in boiling water for 20 minutes, wash it, and cut it into several pieces.

③ Put all the ingredients together into a stewing cup, add an appropriate amount of boiling water, cover the stewing cup, and stew over simmering water over low heat for 1 to 2 hours, then season and drink as desired.

Effects: Tonifies the kidneys and astrings essence, strengthens the spleen and replenishes qi. It is suitable for those with long-standing kidney disease and unstable kidney deficiency, with symptoms such as spermatorrhea, enuresis, dizziness and tinnitus, sore waist and fatigue, or blurred vision in the elderly, frequent nighttime urination, and cold hands and feet.

2. Fox nut and Cherokee rose porridge

Ingredients: 50 grams of raw fox nut, 20 grams of Cherokee rose fruit, 100 grams of japonica rice.

Method

Wash the fox nut and soak for 1 hour, add the Cherokee rose fruit and japonica rice, add water, and cook porridge over low heat before eating.

Effects: Tonifies the kidneys and astrings. Elderly people with weak kidney qi and frequent nighttime urination can take it regularly.

3. Drink with bitter cardamom, fox nut, and jujube

Ingredients: 15 grams of fox nut, 10 grams of bitter cardamom, 5 jujubes.

Method

Wash the fox nut, bitter cardamom, and jujubes, put them together into a clay pot, add an appropriate amount of clear water, bring to a boil over high heat, then simmer over low heat for 20 minutes, and it is done.

Effects: Replenishes qi and strengthens the spleen, secures the kidneys. It is suitable for adults with frequent nighttime urination or children with frequent urination.

4. Stewed old duck with fox nut and coix seed

Ingredients: 15 grams each of fox nut, coix seed, and Chinese yam, 5 grams of dried tangerine peel, 200 grams of old duck meat, 100 grams of lean pork, 3 slices of ginger, and a small amount of yellow wine.

Method

① Remove the feathers from the duck meat, wash it, and cut it into pieces.

② Wash the lean pork and cut it into pieces.

③ Wash the fox nut, coix seed, and Chinese yam, put them into a clay pot together with the duck meat and lean pork, add ginger, dried tangerine peel, and an appropriate amount of clear water, bring to a boil over high heat, skim off the foam, then simmer over low heat for 1.5 hours, and season with refined salt and yellow wine, and it is done.

Effects: Strengthens the spleen and benefits the kidneys, nourishes yin and the stomach. It is suitable for people with symptoms such as fatigue and lack of strength, diarrhea, frequent urination, or sore waist and knees and lower limb edema.

5. Is fox nut better eaten raw or cooked?

Fox nut is divided into two types: used raw and used stir-fried. Raw fox nut mainly tonifies the kidneys and astrings essence, while stir-fried fox nut mainly strengthens the spleen and opens the appetite, and stir-fried fox nut needs to be stir-fried properly by professionals. It is also worth noting that whether fox nut is eaten raw or cooked, one must never eat too much at one time, otherwise it is difficult to digest.

6. Where is the best fox nut produced?

Yugan County, Shangrao City, Jiangxi Province is truly the “Hometown of Chinese Fox Nut” and is the county with the largest fox nut planting area and the highest technological content in processing in China. The county's fox nut planting area has remained stable at about 100,000 mu, and written records show a planting history of more than 1,200 years. The actual history of fox nut cultivation can be traced back to an even earlier era, but unfortunately there are no written records to verify it. Yugan fox nut is famous at home and abroad for its white color, large grains, delicious taste, delicate fragrance, and rich nutrition. It is exported overseas, and its medicinal value is well known, making it a distinctive product for strengthening the spleen and benefiting the kidneys as a green health product.