Chestnut

Chestnut contains calcium and Vitamins A, B, and C. It is especially good for recovering from fatigue because it contains plenty of Vitamin B1. Vitamin C is effective in preventing aging and inhibiting skin tumors by helping to protect and restore damaged skin cells from exposure to UV rays. The chestnut’s sugar content strengthens gastrointestinal function, so it relieves symptoms when upset stomach and diarrhea are severe, and helps in digestion. On the other hand, not only the kernels of chestnuts, but also the yulpi, the inner skin of chestnuts, is a great boost to the skin, as it contains “tannin,” which helps in reducing pores.

Mung Bean

Mung bean is called “a natural antidote that heals 100 kinds of poisons.” It has a cooling property, so it is good for people who are feeling the heat, and it lowers blood pressure. It is rich in minerals, such as calcium, phosphorus, and iron, as well as Vitamins B1, B2, and K, and Vitamin E1 in particular. It is helpful when you suffer from heatstroke or constipation, and it is said that boiled mung bean water is effective for people afflicted with diabetes and high blood pressure. The ones with solid and even kernel in dark green colors can be mixed with brown grains. Domestic mung beans have a rough skin, and white powder comes off when rubbed. 

Black Bean

Commonly referred to as the beans in black colors, such as heuktae, seoritae, and seomoktae, and, among them, seoritae is used for rice cakes. Since it contains not only high-quality protein and fat, but also anthocyanins and isoflavones, it improves blood circulation and has anti-aging effects. Isoflavones called phytoestrogens smoothen the skin. When eaten together with vitamin-rich seaweed, it helps relieve menopause syndrome and prevents osteoporosis. It lowers blood cholesterol levels, and helps maintain healthy hair. The dietary fiber in soybeans helps prevent and improve constipation. The ones with uniformly black and glossy skin are good. Check that the grain size is even, and that there are no foreign substances.

Sesame Seed

Sesame seeds contain essential fatty acids. Essential fatty acids in sesame seeds help develop the brain, improve memory and concentration, and help prevent brain diseases. It also contains plenty of calcium. According to the National Health Knowledge Center at Seoul National University College of Medicine, 100 g of sesame seeds contain more than 1,000 mg of calcium, and 100 g of songpyeon made with sesame seeds contains about 70 mg of calcium. This is equivalent to about 77% of the calcium in the same amount of milk. Moreover, songpyeon made with sesame seeds contains more dietary fiber than one serving of seasoned bean sprouts dish. Sesame seeds have plenty of digestive enzymes, but since kernels are hard, the absorption rate is much better if you grind them for consumption.

Red Bean

The saponin component contained in red beans helps with the diuretic action, allowing for a smooth excretion of urine. It removes contaminants from the skin and pores, helping to remove atopic dermatitis and blemishes. It is also effective for dieting. It is rich in potassium, so it is effective in reducing swelling and suppressing the rise in blood pressure, and it is also good for excreting sodium from the body. Vitamin B1 helps one to recover from anorexia and fatigue, and is also effective in improving memory. Anthocyanins and saponins in red beans stimulate the intestines to improve digestion and diuresis. Consuming red beans boiled in salt water and water frequently is effective in relieving constipation. The ones with a bright red color, a thin skin, and no damaged grains are good. The size of domestic red beans is not uniform, and the white band is distinct.

Jujube

The sweet taste of jujubes has a calming effect, as it relieves tension and soothes mental excitement. Jujube-brewed water is a good tonic for rejuvenation. Vitamins, dietary fiber, flavonoids, and minerals contained in jujube have anti-aging and anti-cancer properties.
It has a calming effect on the inflammation of the nasal mucosa capillaries, and helps relieve rhinitis when consumed regularly with licorice. The raw jujubes that have no blemishes, are red in color, and have a glossy sheen are good. Choose large and thick ones rather than small ones. The dried jujubes with a red skin, elastic when pressed, and even fewer wrinkles are good.