It is often said that poor digestion is caused by a weak spleen and stomach. Here are some meat and vegetable pairings introduced to help strengthen the spleen and stomach.
○ Beef with Potato
Beef is highly nutritious and can strengthen the spleen and stomach. Eating beef in winter can also warm the stomach. However, the coarse fibers in beef can irritate the stomach lining, so adding potatoes can protect the stomach, and potatoes are also very nutritious. Beef with taro can replenish qi, benefit the middle jiao, and relieve constipation.
○ Mutton with Ginger
Mutton nourishes the blood and warms the yang, while ginger relieves pain and expels wind-dampness. When paired together, ginger removes the gamey smell of mutton and helps it exert its warming and cold-dispelling effects. Mutton with yam can nourish the blood, strengthen the body, and promote bowel movements; with cilantro, it can whet the appetite and strengthen yang.
○ Fish with Tofu
Fish is rich in methionine but low in phenylalanine, while tofu is the opposite. When eaten together, they can complement each other's strengths and weaknesses. Tofu contains more calcium, which can utilize the vitamin D in fish to improve the body's calcium absorption rate, making it especially suitable for the elderly.
○ Chicken with Chestnuts
Chicken can enhance the body's hematopoietic function, while chestnuts focus on strengthening the spleen, which helps in absorbing the nutrients of chicken. It is best to use old hen broth to simmer the chestnuts.
○ Duck with Yam
Old duck can replenish the body's fluids, nourish yin, clear heat, and relieve cough. Yam has a stronger effect in nourishing yin. When eaten with duck, it can eliminate greasiness and nourish the lungs.
○ Pork with Onion
Onions can promote fat metabolism, reduce blood viscosity, and mitigate the side effects of high-fat pork. Pork is a versatile meat. When paired with winter melon or lily bulb, it has a lubricating effect on the intestines; with kelp, it can expel dampness and relieve itching; with pumpkin, it can lower blood sugar; with pea shoots, it can promote urination and reduce swelling.