Dietary therapy is an important method of health preservation, also known as nourishing through food, which is very popular in Traditional Chinese Medicine. The ancients consumed the following 7 foods for beauty and health preservation, believing them to be the golden treasures for enhancing beauty.
Sacred Root Lotus Root
Its roots, leaves, flowers, stamens, and fruits are all treasures. It is rich in starch, protein, vitamins C and B1, as well as inorganic salts like calcium, phosphorus, and iron, making it highly compatible with the body's needs. It nourishes qi and blood, enhances immunity, is easy to digest, and is suitable for all ages. Traditional Chinese Medicine describes it as "primarily nourishing the middle jiao and spirit, and replenishing qi and strength." Short, thick stalks are best, with the second section from the tip being the optimal choice.
King of a Hundred Fruits, Jujube
Hailed as the "ironclad crop" and "woody grain," also known as the Chinese date, it is one of the "Five Fruits" along with peach, plum, apricot, and plum (or chestnut). It has an extremely high vitamin content. The folk saying goes, "Eat three jujubes a day, and you'll never show your age for a lifetime," earning it the name "natural vitamin pill." Patients who continuously eat jujubes recover three times faster than those who only take vitamin supplements.
Brain-Boosting Longan
"Longan in the south, ginseng in the north." Also known as dragon eye (longyuan, rougui). It is said to be a great tonic for qi and blood, its effects surpassing those of ginseng and astragalus. "Among foods, lychee is considered the most precious, but for nourishment, longan is superior" (*Compendium of Materia Medica*). Unlike the "damp-heat" nature of lychee, it can be used as medicine to strengthen yang, replenish qi, nourish blood, and calm the spirit. It is suitable for recovery after childbirth or illness and can inhibit uterine cancer cells.
The Old Man Repeller, Goji Berry
Its content of vitamin C, beta-carotene, and iron is higher than that in oranges, carrots, and steak. There is a saying, "If you are traveling a thousand miles, do not eat goji berries," as it is believed to significantly stimulate sexual function, making it unsuitable for long journeys but suitable for home-based recuperation.
10,000-Year-Old Nut, Walnut
Also known as hu-tao or qiang-tao, it is one of the "Four Great Nuts" along with almond, cashew, and hazelnut. In the West, it is called the "brain-boosting fruit," "food for strongmen," and "nutrient-rich nut." In the East, it is regarded as the "longevity fruit" and "treasure for nourishing people." The American Dietetic Association recommends eating walnuts two to three times a week, especially for middle-aged and elderly people and postmenopausal women.
Little Ginseng, Carrot
Also known as the sweet potato or "earth ginseng," it has a mild and continuous diaphoretic effect. It stimulates skin metabolism, improves blood circulation, and makes the skin delicate, smooth, and rosy. American scientists believe that eating two or three carrots a day can lower cholesterol by 10-20%, helping to prevent heart disease and tumors.
Beauty Therapist, Aloe Vera
Also known as "green gold from nature." Since the 1980s, a global "aloe fever" has emerged. No other plant has been found to have such all-around effects as aloe vera, including whitening, moisturizing, sun protection, freckle removal, detoxification, anti-inflammation, sterilization, pain relief, hair care, and promoting wound healing. It is particularly effective in treating acne.