Introduction: Beef has become an indispensable delicacy on many family dinner tables. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) holds that beef possesses rare nourishing properties. "The Medical Compendium of Han" states: "Yellow beef supplements Qi, having the same effect as Astragalus root." Meanwhile, "Essentials from the Forest of Medicine" believes: "Beef is sweet in taste and specifically supplements the Spleen." The Spleen and Stomach are the foundation of postnatal Qi and blood; supplementing them means supplementing everything. In short, beef can nourish the Spleen and Stomach, benefit Qi and blood, and strengthen muscles and bones. It is particularly suitable for people with insufficient middle Qi, deficiency of both Qi and blood, prolonged illness due to general weakness, and a pale complexion.
Stir-fried Beef with Onion
Water buffalo beef lowers blood sugar, while yellow beef supplements Qi. Generally, the beef people eat is mainly of two types: water buffalo beef and yellow beef. Among them, water buffalo beef is relatively cool in nature and does not cause "heatiness" or "internal fire," making it especially suitable for people with eczema, allergies, and other skin conditions. Furthermore, "Compendium of Materia Medica" emphasizes that water buffalo beef has a remarkable effect in treating "Xiao Ke" (i.e., diabetes), so people with high blood sugar can also eat more of it. In comparison, yellow beef has a stronger effect in supplementing Qi and blood and strengthening muscles and bones, making it very suitable for middle-aged and elderly people with osteoporosis. Also, people with symptoms of Qi deficiency such as general weakness and fatigue can eat more yellow beef. However, because it is relatively "hot" in nature, people prone to mouth sores or allergies should best avoid it.
Beef Stew with Potatoes
When eating beef, pairing is important. There are numerous ways to prepare beef. For example, the simplest is stewed beef brisket with radish, either carrot or white radish works well, as does curry beef. At home, you can also learn to make Pot-au-feu; the method is simple, but the flavor and nutrition are first-class. From a therapeutic food perspective, pairing beef with different ingredients yields different effects. For instance, beef paired with tomato is the best food for nourishing blood, beautifying the complexion, and skincare. The rich, high-quality protein in beef can effectively improve symptoms of blood deficiency. Beef paired with venison has the best kidney-tonifying effect, making it very suitable for people who overuse their brains or experience premature aging. Beef eaten alone or with prepared Rehmannia root, goji berries, mulberries, etc., can improve hair loss caused by kidney deficiency. Paired with Astragalus root, the Qi-supplementing effect is best; paired with Chinese yam, it can strengthen bones; paired with Gastrodia, it can lower blood pressure; and paired with Cordyceps, it can boost immunity, and so on.
Beef tendon is also a good "supplement." Besides beef, beef tendon is also a rare and valuable thing. It can strengthen muscles and bones, making it especially suitable for the elderly with waist and leg pain or patients after a fracture. It can be stewed with Eucommia bark, which has a very good therapeutic effect on numbness in the hands and feet, as well as waist and leg pain.
Beef Noodles