There are Five Elements in nature, and humans have Five Zang-organs, which also correspond to the Five Elements. In fact, besides representing the five familiar substances—Metal, Wood, Water, Fire, and Earth—the Five Elements also represent our five internal organs: the Heart, Liver, Spleen, Lungs, and Kidneys. They can also be extended to the Five Colors: White, Blue, Black, Red, and Yellow. By consuming foods of these five colors at every meal, you can achieve the mutual generation of the Five Elements, harmonize the Five Zang-organs, and thereby nourish the body's functions.
Red foods nourish the Heart
Red foods include carrots, tomatoes, sweet potatoes, etc. According to the Five Elements theory in Traditional Chinese Medicine, red corresponds to Fire. Therefore, after red foods enter the body, they can benefit the Heart and blood. They have the effects of replenishing Qi and blood, and promoting the production of blood and lymph. Moreover, red foods have strong antioxidant properties. They are rich in lycopene, tannic acid, etc., which can protect cells, have anti-inflammatory effects, and provide the body with protein, inorganic salts, vitamins, and trace elements, enhancing the function of the heart and Qi-blood.
Yellow foods nourish the Spleen
In the Five Elements, yellow corresponds to Earth. Therefore, after consuming yellow foods, their nutrients are mainly concentrated in the spleen and stomach area. Foods like pumpkin and corn, when eaten regularly, are greatly beneficial to the spleen and stomach. Yellow foods are relatively rich in vitamins A and D. Vitamin A can protect the intestinal and respiratory mucous membranes, reducing the occurrence of gastritis and other ailments; Vitamin D promotes the absorption of calcium and phosphorus, strengthening bones and muscles.
Green foods nourish the Liver
Green corresponds to the Liver. Eating more green foods has the function of soothing and strengthening the liver, acting as a "detoxifier" for the body and regulating the digestive and absorption functions of the spleen and stomach. The rich folic acid content in green vegetables is one of the important vitamins in the human body's metabolic process. It can effectively eliminate excessive homocysteine in the blood and protect heart health. Green foods are also the best source of calcium. For people in their growth and development period or suffering from osteoporosis, green vegetables are undoubtedly an excellent choice for calcium supplementation.
White foods nourish the Lungs
In the Five Elements, white corresponds to Metal and enters the Lungs, benefiting Qi. Most white foods, such as milk, rice, and poultry and fish, are rich in protein. Regular consumption can not only eliminate physical fatigue but also promote recovery from illness. In addition, white foods are a relatively safe source of nutrition. Because their fat content is much lower than that of red meats like meat, patients with hypertension, heart disease, etc., will benefit more from eating white foods.
Black foods nourish the Kidneys
Black foods refer to various natural plants and animals that are black, purple, or dark brown. In the Five Elements, black corresponds to Water and enters the Kidneys. Therefore, regularly consuming black foods can nourish the kidneys. Black sesame seeds, black fungus, seaweed, etc., have high nutritional, health-preserving, and medicinal value. They can significantly reduce the incidence of diseases such as arteriosclerosis, coronary heart disease, and cerebral stroke, and are also very effective for treating influenza, chronic hepatitis, kidney disease, anemia, and hair loss.