Can Donghancai (Winter Cold Vegetable) lower cholesterol?
Aug 02, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Yang Ziqi
Introduction
Malva verticillata, commonly known as Malva, may have a certain auxiliary effect in lowering cholesterol. However, one should not rely solely on Malva for cholesterol reduction. It is recommended to consume Malva together with other low-cholesterol, high-fiber foods to better achieve its supportive benefits. In daily life, it is also important to combine regular physical activity and healthy eating habits.
Donghancai usually refers to Malva verticillata (Chinese mallow). Under normal circumstances, Malva verticillata has a certain auxiliary effect in lowering cholesterol, but it should not be solely relied upon for cholesterol reduction. Detailed analysis is as follows:
Malva verticillata is a nutrient-rich vegetable containing considerable dietary fiber. Dietary fiber can help reduce intestinal absorption of cholesterol to a certain extent, thus providing an auxiliary effect in lowering cholesterol. In addition, Malva verticillata also contains various vitamins and minerals that are beneficial for maintaining normal body metabolism.
However, elevated cholesterol levels are influenced by multiple factors such as diet, exercise, and metabolism, so relying solely on consuming Malva verticillata may not achieve a significant cholesterol-lowering effect. Moreover, excessive consumption of Malva verticillata might increase the burden on the gastrointestinal tract, causing discomfort such as bloating and abdominal pain. Therefore, it's important to control the quantity consumed.
Malva verticillata is best consumed together with other low-cholesterol, high-fiber foods to better exert its auxiliary effects. In daily life, combining appropriate physical activity and healthy eating habits is necessary for more effective regulation of cholesterol levels and maintenance of overall health.
