Introduction: Spring is a season of rebirth and vitality, a time when yang energy begins to flourish. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) holds that each season has its most suitable foods, and consuming them in moderation can have excellent health benefits. What is best for spring health preservation? Let's find out together.
An Excellent Spleen-Nourishing Food: Jujubes
The ancient Chinese physician Sun Simiao once said: "In spring, one should reduce sour foods and increase sweet ones to nourish the spleen." This means that in spring, it is advisable to eat less sour food and more sweet food. TCM believes that spring is a time when liver qi is vigorous. Consuming too many sour foods can cause an excess of liver qi, which in turn damages the spleen and stomach. Therefore, sour foods should be eaten sparingly. People engage in more outdoor activities in spring than in winter, leading to greater physical exertion and increased energy needs. However, the spleen and stomach are relatively weak during this time, and the digestive system is not suited to greasy, meaty foods. Therefore, calories can be appropriately supplied by sweets. Jujubes are precisely such an excellent food for nourishing the spleen in spring.
Brown Sugar and Jujube Chiffon Cake
Qi-Boosting and Blood-Nourishing Raisins
Raisins have the effects of boosting qi and nourishing blood, and can nourish liver blood. They are suitable for people who are prone to anemia, dizziness, or blurred vision. Those who are prone to dizziness in spring often have insufficient qi and blood. Moreover, raisins are rich in iron, which is essential for blood production for women. However, due to their high sugar content, those who are afraid of gaining weight, have diabetes, or are prone to diarrhea should eat them in moderation. It is recommended not to consume more than half a handful per day.
Spleen-Entering and Blood-Nourishing Dried Longans
Dried longans can enter the spleen to nourish blood. People with insufficient liver blood and poor qi and blood circulation are prone to poor sleep and low energy in spring. Dried longans can nourish the spleen and blood. When the spleen and stomach are well-nourished, liver blood and qi will also be more abundant. Those who have trouble sleeping at night or are prone to dizziness can eat more. However, those who often have a dry mouth and throat, are prone to "heatiness" (上火), or have a "hot" constitution should eat them in moderation. It is recommended not to consume more than half a handful per day.
Honey Peach and Longan Jam
Spinach Detoxifies and Prevents Spring Dryness
Spinach is another vegetable to eat in spring. It is available year-round, but is best in spring. "Spring spinach" has red roots and green leaves, is exceptionally fresh and tender, and is most delicious. The spinach available in spring is particularly beneficial for detoxification and preventing the dryness of spring. TCM also holds that spinach is sweet and cool in nature, and can nourish blood, stop bleeding, astringe yin, and moisten dryness. Because spinach contains a lot of oxalic acid, which can hinder the absorption of calcium and iron, it is best to blanch it in boiling water until soft before stir-frying.
Warming and Tonifying the Spleen and Stomach with Glutinous Rice
Glutinous rice cakes replenish physical strength. Glutinous rice has the effect of tonifying the middle jiao and qi, and supplementing nutrition. Eating glutinous rice in the cool early spring weather can warm and tonify the spleen and stomach, nourish blood, and calm the spirit. It is suitable for people with spleen and stomach qi deficiency and frequent diarrhea, or for those who experience abdominal pain, diarrhea, or a cold stomach when the weather is cold. However, glutinous rice is not easily digested. For those who are prone to indigestion, about half a handful per day is sufficient.
Mixed Grain Glutinous Rice Egg