Introduction: The first supplement of spring focuses on nourishing the liver. In spring, yang energy begins to flourish, and the liver takes on a greater role in regulating the body's balance. Traditional Chinese medicine believes that spring health preservation should prioritize nourishing the liver. Below are ten liver-nourishing foods to help you replenish your liver this spring.
1. Grapes
Grapes are not only delicious but also highly nutritious. The sugar content in mature berries can be as high as 10% to 30%, primarily glucose. The various fruit acids in grapes aid digestion, and eating a moderate amount of grapes can strengthen the spleen and stomach. Grapes contain minerals such as calcium, potassium, phosphorus, and iron, as well as various B vitamins (B1, B2, B6), vitamin C, and vitamin P. They also contain many amino acids essential for the human body. Regular consumption of grapes is highly beneficial for neurasthenia and excessive fatigue. Moreover, grapes are rich in glucose and vitamins, which can increase plasma albumin levels, greatly helping to prevent hepatitis B, a common modern ailment. At the same time, the bioactive substances in grapes can eliminate free radicals in the body, which is beneficial for adjuvant therapy for those with poor liver function.
However, you should not drink water immediately after eating grapes. Drinking water right after eating grapes may cause diarrhea within fifteen minutes. This is because grapes themselves have a laxative effect. Eating grapes and then immediately drinking water dilutes the stomach acid before it can digest and absorb the water. The grapes, water, and stomach acid then undergo rapid oxidation and fermentation, accelerating intestinal peristalsis and causing diarrhea.
Grape Bread
2. Goji Berries
Goji berries are rich in nutrients essential for eye health, such as carotene, vitamins A, B1, B2, and C, as well as calcium and iron. Therefore, they have the effect of improving eyesight. Goji berries also boost the body's immunity, replenish qi and strengthen essence, nourish the liver and kidneys, quench thirst, warm the body, and combat aging. Regular consumption of goji berries in spring can also lower blood pressure, blood lipids, and blood sugar, prevent atherosclerosis, protect the liver, and promote liver cell regeneration. Goji berries have a mild nature and can generally be eaten by anyone in moderate amounts without issue, but excessive consumption should be avoided. Typically, goji berries should not be eaten with an excessive amount of warm-toned supplements such as longan and red dates.
Goji Berry and Pork Liver Soup
3. Chives
Chives are rich in nutrients, with main components including vitamin C, vitamins B1 and B2, niacin, carotene, carbohydrates, and minerals. Chives are also rich in fiber, with 100 grams containing 1.5 grams—more than green onions and celery. This can promote intestinal peristalsis, prevent colorectal cancer, and reduce cholesterol absorption, helping to prevent and treat diseases such as arteriosclerosis and coronary heart disease.
In Traditional Chinese Medicine, chive roots are pungent in taste, enter the liver meridian, and are used to warm the middle jiao, promote qi circulation, and dispel stasis. Chive leaves are sweet, pungent, and salty in taste, and warm in nature, entering the stomach, liver, and kidney meridians. They warm the middle jiao, promote qi circulation, dispel stasis, nourish the liver and kidneys, warm the lower back and knees, and strengthen yang and secure essence. Eating chives in spring is most beneficial for boosting yang energy. When cooked with pork liver, it can nourish liver blood and is known as "Chive and Pork Liver Soup." It is suitable for patients with liver disease, night blindness, constipation, and insufficient kidney yang.
Chives