Due to the stimulation of heat, the gastrointestinal function of the human body relatively weakens in the summer. Therefore, special care must be taken with the diet. The diet should be light, low-fat, easily digestible, and rich in fiber. Experts suggest that attention should be paid to the "three mores" in summer diet. So, what kind of food should one eat for summer health preservation? Let's find out with the editor.
Summer Diet and Health Preservation: The "Three Mores"
More Porridge
Various types of porridge are the best choice for summer. According to "Compendium of Materia Medica," the stomach is空虚 (空虚) in the morning on an empty stomach. Eating a large bowl of porridge generates谷气 (grain energy), which is not a minor supplement. It is also extremely soft and smooth, compatible with the stomach and intestines, making it the most wonderful secret of diet. Drinking porridge at night can also nourish the stomach and intestines without causing obesity and can help with sleep. The ancients called it "diet therapy in one."
More Soup
Data shows that in high temperatures, the human body can sweat as much as 3 to 10 liters a day to dissipate heat. Theoretically, as sweat flows and evaporates from the body, it carries away a lot of heat. However, in the sweat excreted by the body, besides about 99% water, a certain amount of trace elements such as sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium, and inorganic salts are also expelled. These substances are extremely precious to the human body.
More Tea
In the hot summer, under the scorching sun, people sweat profusely, consuming a lot of physical energy and feeling listless. At this time, it is good to drink green tea. Because green tea is unfermented and has a "cold" nature, its "coldness can clear heat," making it best for reducing internal heat, promoting saliva production to quench thirst, aiding digestion and resolving phlegm, and accelerating the healing of oral and mild gastric ulcers.
What to Eat for Health Preservation in Early Summer
Summer Health Preservation: Supplementing in Summer - Duck Eggs
As the custom goes, eating eggs on the day of "Lixia" (Start of Summer) is called "bu xia" (supplementing in summer), which prevents people from losing weight or becoming thin in the summer, ensuring they have plenty of energy and strength for work. Old Chinese medicine practitioners say that eating salted duck eggs gives people strength in the summer, which coincides with what nutritionists say. Nutritionists state that duck eggs are rich in inorganic salts such as calcium and iron, with higher calcium and iron content than chicken eggs and fresh duck eggs, making them the top choice for supplementing calcium and iron in the summer.
Summer Health Preservation: Reducing Internal Heat - Bitter Melon
Don't think that the more bitter the bitter melon, the better its effect of reducing internal heat and clearing fire. However, this does not mean that its other ingredients are different. So, you can just pick it according to your preferred taste and preference!
Summer Health Preservation: Nourishing the Heart - Lotus Seeds
The season for nourishing the heart is summer, when the heart is most fragile. The scorching heat can easily irritate and damage the heart, harming the heart's blood. Although the taste of lotus seed cores is quite bitter, they can clear heart fire and are an excellent product for nourishing the heart and calming the mind. They can also strengthen the stomach and intestines.
Summer Health Preservation: Tonifying Blood - Octopus
Octopus (cuttlefish) has the effects of tonifying blood and Qi, and treating carbuncles and swellings. It is rich in nutritional elements such as protein and minerals, and also contains important health factors that can combat fatigue, delay aging, and prolong human life—natural taurine. It can be consumed by most people, especially those who are physically weak, have insufficient Qi and blood, or suffer from malnutrition.
Summer Health Preservation: Promoting Qi Flow - Lettuce
Lettuce contains a large amount of plant fiber, which can promote intestinal wall peristalsis, facilitate the digestive tract, and treat constipation. It is the best food for patients with anemia. Fish mint salad with lettuce is recommended. It has the effects of clearing heat and detoxifying, promoting urination to drain dampness, and resolving phlegm.
Summer Health Preservation: Cleansing the Intestines - Peas
Peas are rich in various nutrients needed by the human body, especially high-quality protein, which can improve the body's disease resistance and recovery ability. The coarse fiber in peas can promote large intestine peristalsis, keep bowel movements smooth, and play a role in cleansing the large intestine.