Introduction: As Frost's Descent arrives, the sky turns overcast and the weather grows cold. After Frost's Descent, we are in the heart of autumn. The dry and cold climate is most likely to trigger respiratory diseases and harm the lungs. There is a folk saying, "A year's nourishment is not as good as the nourishment during Frost's Descent," highlighting the importance of health preservation during this time. Besides keeping warm, health preservation during Frost's Descent should focus on gentle nourishment. Eating more gentle vegetables and fruits is beneficial for nourishing the stomach and moistening the lungs, but one must also pay attention to the proper ways of doing so.
persimmon
In the southern Fujian region, there is a saying: "Eating persimmons during Frost's Descent will prevent a runny nose." Persimmons are rich in organic acids and have the effect of nourishing the lungs and stopping a runny nose. Furthermore, the vitamins and sugar content in persimmons are about 1-2 times higher than in ordinary fruits. They are also rich in trace elements like carotene, riboflavin, and vitamins, and have the effects of clearing heat, generating body fluids, moistening the lungs to stop coughs, moistening the intestines, and harmonizing the stomach. They are particularly suitable for those with symptoms like coughing with a low-grade fever from pulmonary tuberculosis, excessive phlegm, or coughing up blood due to deficiency. However, persimmons are not easy to digest, and eating them on an empty stomach can easily lead to stomach stones, so it is best to eat them after a meal.
Persimmon Cake with Ginger Juice
chestnut
After Frost's Descent is the peak season for colds. Chestnuts are rich in vitamin C, which can improve the body's immunity. Eating them in moderation can help keep colds at bay. Additionally, chestnuts have a sweet and warm nature and contain minerals like potassium, zinc, and iron, as well as soft dietary fiber. They are also suitable for people with diabetes and high blood pressure. However, eating too many chestnuts at once can harm the spleen and stomach. Traditional Chinese medicine suggests eating no more than 10 per day. Adding chestnuts to various dishes is a good choice—using them in soups, congee, or rice. But chestnuts should not be eaten with beef, mutton, or almonds, as this can cause physical discomfort.
Fresh Jujube
Around Frost's Descent, fresh jujubes are at their peak season. The nutritional content of fresh jujubes, including vitamin C, potassium, magnesium, iron, and zinc, ranks among the highest. Vitamin C can soften blood vessels, prevent coronary heart disease and arteriosclerosis, and help block the formation of carcinogens. Potassium is beneficial for controlling blood pressure, and magnesium helps combat stress. However, jujubes are considered "heaty" in nature, and people with excess phlegm, constipation, abdominal bloating, women during their menstrual period, and patients with stomach or diabetes should not eat too many. Furthermore, the skin of jujubes is thin but hard, and consuming a large quantity at once can easily cause gastrointestinal discomfort.
Chestnut Filling
hawthorn
Hawthorn contains various organic acids that can increase the activity of pepsin, promote the digestion of protein, and regulate gastrointestinal motility. In addition, the flavonoids in hawthorn have effects of lowering blood pressure and lipids, resisting atherosclerosis, and strengthening the heart, which can prevent cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases. However, although hawthorn stimulates the appetite, it should not be eaten in excess. Its high content of pectin and tannic acid can easily lead to stomach stones. It is also forbidden to eat with seafood, as the calcium and protein in seafood can form indigestible precipitates under the action of hawthorn's tannic acid. Furthermore, pregnant women should avoid eating hawthorn, as it may cause miscarriage.
Hawthorn Jam