Farewell to spring, as summer begins, all things flourish, and the Summer Solstice is approaching soon. In the book "Eight Calamities of the Lotus Sprout" by a Ming dynasty author, it is written: "On the day of Mengxia, heaven and earth begin to interact, and all things flourish together." What should the health-conscious eat in this new season?
1. Duck Eggs to "Nourish Summer"
According to folklore, eating eggs on the first day of summer is called "nourishing summer," which prevents weight loss and keeps one energetic and strong. Salted duck eggs are rich in inorganic salts like calcium and iron, with higher levels than chicken eggs or fresh duck eggs, making them the top choice for supplementing calcium and iron in the summer.
2. Lotus Seeds to "Nourish the Heart"
Summer is the season for nourishing the heart. The heart is most vulnerable at this time. The scorching heat can easily lead to irritability and heart strain. Although the core of the lotus seed is bitter, it can clear heart fire and is an excellent remedy for calming the mind and nourishing the heart. It can also strengthen the stomach and intestines.
Lotus Seed and Pork Stomach Soup
3. Peas to "Clear the Intestines"
Peas are rich in various nutrients the body needs, especially high-quality protein, which can improve the body's disease resistance and recovery ability. The rich dietary fiber in peas promotes intestinal peristalsis, keeps bowel movements smooth, and helps cleanse the colon.
4. Strawberries to "Detoxify"
Summer is the peak season for strawberries. Eating strawberries can promote the formation of human cells, maintain the normal function of teeth, bones, blood vessels, and muscles, promote wound healing, and enhance the body's resistance. Strawberries also have a detoxifying effect. They contain various organic acids, fruit acids, and pectin substances that can break down fat in food, promote the secretion of digestive fluids and gastrointestinal motility, and eliminate excess cholesterol and harmful heavy metals.
5. Lettuce to "Promote Qi Circulation"
Lettuce contains a large amount of plant fiber, which can promote intestinal wall movement, aid digestion, and treat constipation. It is the best food for anemia patients. A salad of Houttuynia cordata and lettuce is recommended, which has the effects of clearing heat and detoxifying, promoting urination, and resolving phlegm.
6. Straw Mushrooms to "Fight Cancer"
The protein in straw mushrooms contains all eight essential amino acids for the human body in high amounts, accounting for 38.2% of the total amino acids. It can inhibit the growth of cancer cells, especially having an auxiliary therapeutic effect on digestive tract tumors, and can enhance the vitality of the liver and kidneys.
7. Octopus to "Nourish the Blood"
Octopus has the effect of nourishing blood and qi, and treating carbuncles and swelling. It is rich in nutritional elements such as protein and minerals, and also rich in taurine, an important health factor that can fight fatigue, anti-aging, and prolong human life. It can be eaten by most people, especially those who are weak, have insufficient qi and blood, or suffer from malnutrition.
8. Eggplant to "Fight Aging"
The human body experiences great wear and tear in the summer. Eggplant contains vitamin E, which prevents bleeding and has anti-aging effects. Regular consumption of eggplant can slow down human aging. Eggplant is one of the few purple vegetables, and its purple skin is rich in vitamin E and vitamin P, which cannot be replaced by other vegetables.
Lotus seed pork tripe soup