Introduction: The dietary principle after the Summer Solstice is "nourishing Yang in spring and summer," with the focus of nourishing Yang being on "nourishing the heart." To nourish the heart, one can drink more milk and eat more soy products, chicken, lean meat, etc., which can not only supplement nutrition but also strengthen the heart.
In addition to a light diet, one can also eat more bitter vegetables after the Summer Solstice, such as bitter melon and coriander. This is because bitter foods have the effects of removing dryness and dampness, clearing heat and relieving summer heat, promoting urination and blood circulation, relieving fatigue, reducing inflammation and lowering fever, clearing the mind and brightening the eyes, and stimulating appetite. However, bitter foods are all cool and cold in nature. Although they can clear heat and purge fire, they are classified as purgative foods and are not suitable for people with weaker constitutions, as they can worsen their condition.
1. Celery: Its nature and flavor are sweet and bitter, and slightly cool. It has the effects of clearing heat, promoting diuresis, removing dampness, calming the liver, and cooling the blood. Regular consumption is helpful for those with cough with much phlegm, toothache, and swollen eyes. Celery also has the effect of lowering cholesterol and blood pressure.
2. Luffa sponge: Its nature and flavor are sweet and bitter. It has the effects of unblocking the meridians, promoting blood circulation, and cooling the blood to detoxify. Luffa sponge is cool and slightly cold. The flesh is fresh and tender and can be used in soups or stir-fried with meat. It has the effect of clearing heat and resolving phlegm.
3. Lettuce: It has the effects of clearing heat and resolving phlegm, purging fire and detoxifying, promoting qi and relieving chest tightness. For children, it can also help in the teething process.