Bracken fern benefits, side effects, storage, season

Bracken fern Nutrition

Bracken fern is a non-flowering fern that reproduces by spores. It adapts well to both sunny and shaded areas and grows well even in places with poor environmental conditions, but has the characteristic of not growing in places where the soil is polluted. Bracken fern is a plant that can be used for both leaves and roots. It is green in color but turns brown when cooked. The young shoots of Bracken fern are mostly used for food, and the Bracken fern greens commonly eaten in Korea are made from these young shoots. It is also used as a herbal remedy.

Bracken fern benefits

1. Blood vessel Health

Bracken fern contains a large amount of potassium. Potassium functions to excrete sodium from the body. Functions like these can help manage blood pressure and improve blood circulation, which can help prevent various cardiovascular diseases. It also has the effect of lowering blood cholesterol levels in the body, which helps maintain blood vessel health and prevent diseases such as high blood pressure and myocardial infarction.

2. Improves intestinal health and constipation

According to Oriental medicine, Bracken fern helps maintain intestinal health by detoxifying the intestines. The roots of Bracken fern are also used as a treatment for diarrhea and Bracken fern has diuretic properties. Additionally, Bracken fern is rich in fiber and minerals, which promotes bowel movements and helps excrete waste from the body. It can also help improve the symptoms of people suffering from constipation by stimulating bowel movements and also helps improve the overall health of the intestines.

3. Weight management

Bracken fern is a low-calorie food with low calories per serving. Bracken fern is also rich in fiber, which makes it easier to feel full even when eating small amounts, which can help prevent overeating and help those trying to lose weight. In addition, it is rich in nutrients as it contains various vitamins and proteins, so it can help supplement various nutrients that are often lacking during weight management.

4. Strengthen immunity

Bracken fern is rich in various vitamins and minerals. These ingredients help boost immunity by stimulating the body’s metabolism. Bracken fern also contains functional polysaccharides and acidic polysaccharides, both of which help activate and strengthen the immune system.

5. Antibacterial effect

Bracken fern has excellent bactericidal properties, so much so that it was used as an anthelmintic in the past, and can help eliminate parasites in the intestines and eliminate inflammation. Through this, you can expel accumulated toxins from your body and make your body healthy.

Storage and season

If you plan to consume boiled Bracken fern within 5 days, refrigerate them in an airtight container with enough water to cover them. For long-term storage, it is recommended to divide into ziplock bags and store in the freezer. Fresh Bracken fern should be dried in a well-ventilated place and then stored in small, airtight containers. The season is from April to May, when Bracken fern has the strongest aroma and taste.

Is it bad for your stamina?

According to Donguibogam, it is recorded that consuming Bracken fern for a long time reduces yang energy. However, this is a common misconception, and according to many papers, Bracken fern is known to have no significant effect on stamina. Boiled Bracken fern actually improves blood circulation and overall body function, so it can be said to be a food that is not bad for energy.

Side Effect

1. Bracken fern contains a toxic ingredient called thiaminase, so if you consume too much of it raw, it can cause vitamin B1 deficiency and cause fatigue, so be careful.
2. The temperament of Bracken fern is on the cold side. Therefore, caution must be exercised as excessive consumption can cause diarrhea and abdominal pain.
3. Caution must be exercised with Bracken fern as it may be carcinogenic if consumed in excess raw.
4. Pregnant women should not consume raw Bracken fern as its toxicity may be detrimental to uterine health.

References

🔹Permaculture Magazine: Medicinal Benefits of Ferns
🔹Decorexpro: Bracken fern: health benefits and harms
🔹Qi Alchemy: Gosari: Korean Bracken-Fern, High Nutritional Protein