Nine Chinese Nutritional Foods That Are Packed With Detoxifying And Germ-Killing Benefits
- Strawberry
The delicious bright red color of strawberry has made it a very popular fruit. In Chinese nutritional therapy, strawberry has a “cool” quality, which means it can lubricate the lungs, increase body fluids, detoxify alcohol intoxication, and strengthen the abdomen and spleen. Strawberry also contains cancer-killing ingredients that prevent people from aging and developing cancer.
- Apple
The age-old saying of “one apple a day keeps the doctor away,” definitely applies here. In Chinese nutritional therapy, apple has a “cool” nature and provides people with several health benefits. Research shows that consuming an apple or two a day reduces the risk of heart disease. Apple is made up of soluble fiber that helps prevent constipation. The aroma of apples refreshes people’s spirits and helps them relax. Apple cider vinegar reduces fat and improves digestion. Eating apple slowly can be an enjoyable way to kill bacteria in the mouth.
- Tomato
Tomatoes are packed with nutrition and in Chinese nutritional therapy, it is considered “cool” in nature. It is known that tomatoes can slow down aging and prevent the development of cancer. It is a fruit that helps lower blood pressure and contributes to the detoxification of the body. Tomatoes contain a slew of minerals and vitamins that support health and reinforce the immune system. Moreover, while high in nutrition, tomatoes are low in calories, and are often included in a variety of weight loss diets.
- Grape
Practitioners of Chinese nutritional therapy believe that grape has a neutral quality or can have either a “cool” or “warm” nature. Eating grape can increase urination, strengthen your bones, and tonify the blood. Grape is a good food choice for preventing cancer since it contains extremely strong anti-cancer ingredients. In addition, raisin, or dried grape is high in iron, which is very helpful for adults and children suffering from anemia.
- Peach
The Chinese sometimes refer to peach as “Longevity peach” because they believe that peach increases longevity in people. According to Chinese nutritional therapy, peach is naturally moderately “warm”. Its seed is used extensively in Chinese medicine to loosen the bowels, lubricate the intestines, dissolve blood clots, and bolster blood circulation. Since peach is high in iron, Chinese women believe that eating sufficient amounts of this fruit can enhance their beauty.
- Cucumber
Lots of people love the taste of cucumber, but very few know about its therapeutic value. In Chinese nutritional therapy, cucumber has a “cooling” quality. It also has a detoxifying effect and could relieve throat pain related to various illnesses. Cucumber has been found to be replete with vitamin E, which helps slow down the aging process. To reduce wrinkles, women will put a film of cucumber on their face or drink cucumber juice to reduce wrinkle and smoothen their skin. Cucumber is also rich in vitamin B1, which is vital for nervous system and brain function. Practitioners of Chinese nutritional therapy believe cucumber can relieve or cure insomnia.
- Garlic
Garlic is a ubiquitous herb with very powerful healing powers. It has a “warming” quality in Chinese nutritional therapy. Majority of Chinese dishes contain generous amounts of garlic. The Chinese not only use it to enhance food flavor, but use it to prevent diarrhea, improve digestion, and kill bacteria. Researchers found that regular consumption of garlic can reduce the likelihood of colon and stomach cancer. Other healing qualities that garlic posses include the treatment of hepatitis, diabetes, and hypertension. Chinese nutritional therapists suggest eating garlic crushed and raw. When it’s crushed, fresh raw garlic unleashes its most powerful healing abilities.
- Ginger
The Chinese mainly use ginger for seasoning purposes. But its value is goes beyond serving as a flavoring agent. In Chinese nutritional therapy, ginger has a “warm” quality. It is frequently used in the treatment of bleeding, headache, nausea, diarrhea, and bloating in the stomach. This herb is also used for promoting cardiovascular health and blood circulation, neutralize poisons in food, boost digestion, and cure colds and cough. Moreover, ginger is widely used to treat inflammatory joint diseases, such as rheumatism and arthritis. Its healing efficacy has made it one of the most popular food remedy in Chinese culture.
- Scallion (Green Onion)
In the daily life of the Chinese, scallion is mostly used as seasoning; nonetheless, its health and nutritional value cannot be underestimated. Scallion (Green onion) is deemed to be naturally “warm” in Chinese nutritional therapy. It’s used for loosing muscle tension, relieving congestion, and dispersing chill. Mixing scallions with brown sugar and ginger is a Bellingham traditional Chinese medicine prescription for early treatment of cold. Green onions can also benefit the lungs and stomach since they can kill respiratory and oral and bacteria and promote digestion.