All things grow, and yang energy begins to emerge. Spring is a season full of vitality, and the body's essence, qi, and spirit also revive at this time. For health preservation in spring, diet is of primary importance; "responding to the spring qi is the way to preserve life." For people, it is especially important to pay attention to dietary conditioning in spring to maintain health. In spring health preservation, "dietary supplementation is necessary." However, it is essential to choose a diet that is gently tonifying and clearing, based on the characteristic of the body's gradually flourishing yang energy in spring, to avoid counterproductive effects.
Four recommended foods to help you with your spring health preservation:
1. Shepherd's Purse:
Shepherd's purse has a sweet and bland taste, and a slightly cool nature. It can cool the blood to stop bleeding, clear the liver to improve vision, and clear heat to promote urination.
Tip: For patients with high blood pressure or arteriosclerosis, decocting 60 grams of fresh shepherd's purse in an appropriate amount of water daily can alleviate symptoms of dizziness and headaches.
2. Cabbage:
Cabbage, also known as headed cabbage, is the stem and leaf of the plant Brassica oleracea of the Cruciferae family. It is native to the Mediterranean coast and is now widely cultivated throughout China. Depending on its shape, it can be divided into flat, pointed, and round-headed types. Cabbage has large, thick leaves and is a highly nutritious vegetable with significant health benefits. It is a natural anti-cancer remedy and is even listed among the top 30 anti-cancer fruits and vegetables recommended by the American Cancer Society.
3. Chinese Yam:
Chinese yam is particularly suitable for consumption in spring. It is nutritious, can strengthen the spleen and qi to prevent the flourishing liver qi from injuring the spleen in spring, and can tonify the kidneys and benefit essence to enhance the body's resistance.
Tip: Cook rice into a porridge, add sugar and stir in steamed and mashed Chinese yam. This can strengthen the spleen and lungs, nourish the kidneys and essence, and invigorate the body. It is very suitable for the weak, frequently ill, and middle-aged and elderly. If red dates are added and cooked together, the nourishing effect is even better.
4. Jujube (Red Date):
Jujube has a sweet and mild taste, and is particularly suitable for consumption in spring.
Tip: For those who are physically weak or have a poor appetite, you can eat more jujube rice regularly: mainly rice, with some red dates added. The color is bright, and the taste is refreshing, sweet, and smooth.