Introduction: According to Traditional Chinese Medicine, "In spring, one should reduce sour foods and increase sweet ones to nourish the spleen and strengthen the yang." This means that for health preservation in spring, it's better to eat more sweet foods and fewer sour ones. This is because spring is when liver qi is flourishing. Eating too many sour foods can cause an excess of liver qi, which damages the spleen and stomach. Therefore, one should consume fewer sour foods. Pungent and warm foods can expel cold, sweet foods can invigorate the spleen, and bland foods can promote urination to remove dampness. This helps the body resist the invasion of cold and wind-dampness evils, reducing the likelihood of illness. Eating more sweet foods in spring is truly beneficial. Below are ten foods suitable for eating in spring to make your health preservation sweet.
1. Jujube (Red Date)
Jujube, also known as Chinese date, is characterized by its extremely high vitamin content, earning it the reputation of a "natural vitamin pill." It has the effects of nourishing yin, supplementing yang, and enriching the blood. Jujubes contain a large amount of sugars, mainly glucose, as well as fructose, sucrose, and low-molecular-weight polysaccharides composed of glucose and fructose, such as arabinan and galactosan. They also contain abundant vitamins like Vitamin C, riboflavin, thiamine, carotene, and niacin. It has a strong nourishing effect, can improve the body's immune function, and enhance disease resistance. Jujubes not only boost human immunity but can also inhibit cancer cells. Pharmacological research has found that jujubes promote the generation of white blood cells, lower serum cholesterol, increase serum albumin, and protect the liver. Jujubes also contain substances that inhibit cancer cells and can even transform them into normal cells. Eating more jujubes in spring is a good choice.
Homemade Jujube Paste
2. Honey
Honey is a natural food composed of monosaccharides like glucose and fructose, which can be directly absorbed by the body without the need for enzymatic breakdown. It is especially beneficial for women, children, and the elderly, earning it the nickname "milk for the elderly." In Traditional Chinese Medicine, honey is considered sweet in flavor and enters the spleen and stomach meridians, able to replenish qi in the middle jiao and moisten the bowels. The spring climate is changeable, with alternating cold and warm weather, making people prone to colds. Since honey contains various minerals and vitamins and has the function of clearing the lungs and detoxifying, it can enhance the body's immunity and is the most ideal tonic in spring. Therefore, in spring, drinking 1-2 teaspoons of honey daily, dissolved in a cup of warm water or with milk, is beneficial for the body.
Honey Mini Doughnuts
3. Cherry
Cherry is known as the "first branch of spring fruits" and is now cultivated all over China. Cherry flesh is thick, delicious, juicy, and brightly colored, rich in nutrients. Its iron content is particularly outstanding, exceeding that of citrus, pears, and apples by more than 20 times, ranking it first among fruits. Cherry is warm in nature and sweet with a slight sour flavor, having the effects of replenishing qi, regulating the middle jiao and improving complexion, and strengthening the spleen to whet the appetite. Eating cherries in spring can induce sweating, replenish qi, expel wind, and promote the eruption of rashes. Recent research has found that cherries also contain anthocyanins, proanthocyanidins, and red pigments, all of which have significant medicinal value. It should be noted that cherry is considered "hot" in nature and should not be eaten in excess. Those with yin deficiency and excessive internal heat should avoid or eat less of it. If you can't eat cherries, strawberries are an excellent alternative.
Cherry Jam
4. Raisin
Raisins have the effects of replenishing qi and nourishing blood, and can nourish the liver's blood, making them suitable for people who are prone to anemia, dizziness, or blurred vision. People who are prone to dizziness in spring often have insufficient qi and blood. Raisins are rich in iron, which is essential for blood production, especially for women. However, due to their high sugar content, those who are concerned about weight gain, 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. Not only that, studies have shown that consuming raisins equivalent to 400 calories daily can effectively lower blood cholesterol by 8% and inhibit the oxidation of "bad" cholesterol. More excitingly, raisins contain a component called resveratrol, which can effectively prevent malignant cell changes and inhibit the growth of malignant tumors!
Raisin Scones
5. Longan
Dried longan has a sedative effect. Those with insufficient liver blood and poor qi and blood circulation are prone to poor sleep and lack of energy in spring. Longans contain a large amount of sugar, which is glucose that the body can directly absorb. Dried longan can enter the spleen to nourish the blood. When the spleen and stomach are well-nourished, the liver blood and qi are also more abundant. Therefore, longan is very beneficial for anemic or physically weak people, and those who have trouble sleeping at night or are prone to dizziness can eat more. In addition, the protein, organic acids, and crude fiber in longans can increase the activity of antioxidant enzymes, thus having a certain anti-aging effect. They can also inhibit the growth of tumor cells and improve immunity and resistance. However, those who often have a dry mouth, are prone to "heatiness," or have a constitution that is relatively hot should eat less. It is recommended not to consume more than half a handful per day.
Longan and Shrimp Balls