The two must-haves on the dining table.

Introduction: As the saying goes, "Meat causes internal heat, fish causes phlegm, while tofu and cabbage ensure peace and health." This shows the high status of tofu and cabbage on the dining table. These two dishes are particularly beneficial to the health of the elderly.

Saucy Tofu

Common tofu is made from soybeans, and its protein content is comparable to that of fish and meat, making it a standout among plant-based proteins. Soybeans are rich in linoleic acid, which can help prevent common illnesses such as cardiovascular disease and obesity. The abundant phytoestrogens and calcium are beneficial for preventing and treating osteoporosis. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, tofu is considered sweet and cooling in nature, affecting the spleen, stomach, and large intestine meridians. It has the effects of replenishing qi, harmonizing the middle jiao, promoting body fluids, and detoxifying. Tofu can be a dish on its own, or serve as a main or auxiliary ingredient; it is suitable for braising, stir-frying, steaming, and stewing.

Lion's Head Tofu

Chinese cabbage is delicious and suitable for both meat and vegetable dishes. The great master of traditional Chinese painting, Mr. Qi Baishi, dedicated a painting to Chinese cabbage, calling it the "king of vegetables" and praising it as "a hundred vegetables cannot compare to cabbage." An old saying also goes, "Eat cabbage for half a year, and the doctor can enjoy a leisurely life." This shows that eating cabbage regularly is conducive to a long and healthy life. Chinese cabbage contains minerals, vitamins, protein, dietary fiber, and carotene. It also contains an enzyme that can break down carcinogenic nitrosamines. From a medicinal perspective, Chinese cabbage can nourish the stomach, benefit the intestines, alleviate alcohol intoxication, promote bowel movements, lower lipids, clear heat, and prevent cancer. There are many ways to prepare cabbage, and all methods—such as stir-frying, quick-frying, braising, pan-frying, stewing, simmering, hot pot, cold salad, and pickling—result in delicious dishes.

Braised Cabbage and Tofu

Patients with hyperlipidemia, obesity, and arteriosclerosis should eat more tofu. People with habitual constipation, colds, and coughs should eat cabbage in moderation. It should be noted that tofu is high in purines, so it should be avoided by patients with gout.

Hot and Sour Cabbage