You can eat more of these vegetables in early spring.

Introduction: Starting from the Beginning of Spring, the climate turns warmer and yang energy begins to rise. Consequently, the human body's liver yang, liver fire, and liver wind also increase. Therefore, diet during the Beginning of Spring should consider the liver's physiological characteristics, focusing on soothing liver qi. Thus, post-Beginning Spring dietary conditioning should account for the initial growth of spring's yang energy. It is advisable to consume pungent and sweet foods that promote dispersal, and to avoid sour foods that astringe. One should start by enjoying the fresh, green vegetables of early spring to achieve the goal of regulating the body's constitution.

Radishes and chives can be eaten more frequently.

The diet after the Beginning of Spring is also very particular. In many parts of China, there is a custom of eating spring pancakes, radishes, and other foods around this time. The chives in spring pancakes are an excellent food for protecting yang energy, while bean sprouts have a moistening effect, making them both suitable foods for spring.

Stir-fried Chives with Dried Tofu

Reduce cold and raw foods in early spring

As spring arrives, although the weather gradually warms, it has not yet entered a period of high temperatures. Therefore, one should reduce drinking beverages and appropriately eat less of cooling foods like cucumbers, winter melon, and eggplant, to avoid damaging the body's yang energy.

Avoid spicy foods after the Beginning of Spring

After the Beginning of Spring, one should eat less of overly spicy, fried, and grilled foods. Unlike in winter, after the Beginning of Spring, one should eat less of spicy hot pot and mutton, as these foods can deplete yang energy and lead to "internal heat" (shang huo).

Yam and Radish Pork Rib Soup

Four suitable ingredients for the Beginning of Spring

Chives

Also known as "yang-raising grass," chives have been called the "longevity vegetable" since ancient times. They can tonify the liver, boost yang, secure essence, and strengthen the spleen and stomach. Their rich carotene can prevent the malignant transformation of epithelial cells. The contained vitamin C and vitamin E act as antioxidants, improving human immunity and providing anti-aging effects. The darker the color of the chives, the more nutrients they contain and the stronger their health benefits. Chives in early spring are particularly beneficial to health.

Chives with Vermicelli Salad

Radish

Its nature is cooling with a pungent, sweet flavor. It can resolve food stagnation, transform phlegm, clear heat, and detoxify. Eating radishes regularly can lower blood lipids, soften blood vessels, stabilize blood pressure, and prevent diseases such as coronary heart disease, arteriosclerosis, and gallstones. Thus, eating radishes is not merely a custom but, in fact, the ancient wisdom of nutrition, fitness, and disease prevention.

Lettuce

In the north, people eat radishes at the Beginning of Spring, while in the south, they eat lettuce, which holds the same significance. Lettuce has the effects of clearing heat, calming the mind, clearing the liver and gallbladder, and nourishing the stomach. Because its stems and leaves contain lactucarium, it has a slightly bitter taste and can relieve pain and induce sleep, lower cholesterol, and assist in treating neurasthenia. Lettuce also contains effective ingredients like mannitol, which has a diuretic effect and promotes blood circulation.

Oyster Sauce Ball Lettuce

Spring Bamboo Shoots

Spring bamboo shoots have a light, fresh, and tender taste and are rich in nutrients. They contain ample moisture, abundant plant protein, and essential nutrients and trace elements for the human body such as calcium, phosphorus, and iron. Their fiber content is particularly high, and regular consumption can aid digestion and prevent constipation. Therefore, spring bamboo shoots are a nutritious delicacy that is high in protein, low in fat, low in starch, and rich in crude fiber.

Spring Bamboo Stews with Free-Range Chicken