Around May 5th each year, it is the "Start of Summer" (Lixia), one of the 24 solar terms in the Chinese lunar calendar. At this time, "the Big Dipper points to the southeast, marking the Start of Summer. All things grow to maturity, hence the name." Since ancient times, China has customarily regarded the Start of Summer as the beginning of summer. At this time, the weather gradually warms, plants flourish, and the heart's function is at its peak, requiring special care. Below, the editor introduces four great foods for nourishing and protecting the heart for the Start of Summer.
Stir-fried Pig Heart
A great food for nourishing and protecting the heart for the Start of Summer
1. Pig Heart
Pig heart is neutral in nature and sweet and salty in taste. It has the effects of nourishing the heart and blood, and calming the mind and pacifying shock. It is rich in protein, as well as significant amounts of calcium, phosphorus, vitamins, and other nutrients. It has low fat content and can enhance myocardial nutrition and strengthen myocardial contraction.
2. Eggs
Eggs are neutral in nature and sweet in taste. They have the effects of nourishing yin and moistening dryness, replenishing qi and nourishing blood, and calming the mind and securing the fetus. They are not only rich in protein, 8 essential amino acids for the human body, and various vitamins, but also have extremely high nutritional value. They also contain lecithin, which can enhance and improve memory. Modern experimental research has confirmed that they can indeed remove cholesterol from the body, lower blood lipids, and protect blood vessels. Therefore, consuming no more than 2 eggs per day not only avoids the harm of increasing blood lipids but can also prevent and treat cardiovascular diseases such as hypertension and atherosclerosis, and is also beneficial for senile dementia.
3. Honey
Honey is neutral in nature and sweet in taste. It has the effects of nourishing yin and blood, and nourishing the heart and moistening the lungs. It is rich in various nutrients such as carbohydrates, organic acids, multiple vitamins, minerals, enzymes, and proteins. It has strengthening, nourishing, and tonic effects, and can improve mental power, increase hemoglobin, and improve heart function. However, it should not be consumed in large quantities or for long periods, and it is contraindicated with other tonic herbs, as well as traditional Chinese medicines like Fuling and Weilingxian.
4. Lotus Seeds
p>Lotus seeds are slightly cool in nature and sweet and astringent in taste. Their functions are to nourish the heart and spleen, and to tonify the kidneys and secure. In addition to containing protein, carbohydrates, a small amount of fat, and various vitamins, they are also rich in minerals such as phosphorus, calcium, and iron. The lotus alkaloids they contain have the effects of strengthening the heart and lowering blood pressure, and calming sexual desire.Recommended 2 Nourishing Heart Medicinal Cuisines
1. Qi-Nourishing and Heart-Nourishing Congee
30g of Prince Ginseng, 30g of Chinese Yam, 30g of Lotus Seeds, 200g of Japonica Rice. Wash the Prince Ginseng, Chinese Yam, Lotus Seeds, and Japonica Rice, put them in a pot together, add an appropriate amount of water, and cook until the rice is soft and the congee is formed. Serve it warm. It has the effects of strengthening the spleen and qi, and nourishing yin and clearing the heart.
2. Hawthorn and Malt Drink
15g of Hawthorn, 30g of raw Malt, 15g of Prince Ginseng, 10g of Bamboo Leaves. Wash the hawthorn, malt, Prince Ginseng, and fresh bamboo leaves, boil them in water, and let them steep for 15 minutes to make the drink. Drink it as a substitute for tea, as desired. It has the effects of replenishing qi and clearing the mind, and strengthening the spleen to resolve stagnation.
A Small Reminder: During the Start of Summer solar term, people often wear light clothes and thin quilts. Even healthy individuals should be cautious of external illnesses. Once sick, one should not easily use diaphoretic agents to avoid excessive sweating, which can harm the heart. The elderly should pay more attention to avoiding qi and blood stagnation to prevent heart attacks. Therefore, during the Start of Summer, it is advisable to be cheerful, relaxed, and happy, and to avoid excessive joy which can harm the heart.
Sauteed pork heart