Tastes vary greatly among individuals, with sour, sweet, bitter, spicy, and salty flavors all having their own unique preferences. Traditional Chinese medicine believes that for the sake of health, it is important to have a balanced intake of various flavors of food.
Sweet: Traditional Chinese medicine believes that sweet flavors nourish the spleen. Eating sweet foods can replenish qi and blood, provide energy, relieve fatigue, and aid in digestion and detoxification. However, individuals with diabetes, obesity, cardiovascular diseases, and other conditions should consume sweet foods sparingly.
Sour: Traditional Chinese medicine states that "sour benefits the liver." Sour foods can enhance digestion and protect the liver. Regular consumption can aid in digestion, kill harmful bacteria in the gastrointestinal tract, and have the effects of preventing colds, reducing blood pressure, and softening blood vessels. Sour foods such as tomatoes, hawthorns, and oranges are rich in vitamin C, which can prevent cancer, fight aging, and prevent arteriosclerosis.
Bitter: The concept of "bitter medicine is good for the heart" has been prevalent since ancient times. Traditional Chinese medicine believes that bitter flavors have the functions of dampness elimination and diuresis. Bitter melon, for example, can treat edema when consumed regularly.
Spicy: Traditional Chinese medicine believes that spicy flavors benefit the lungs. They have the effects of inducing sweating and promoting qi circulation. Commonly consumed spicy foods such as onions, garlic, ginger, chili, and pepper can protect blood vessels, regulate qi and blood, and unblock meridians. Regular consumption can prevent colds caused by wind and cold. However, individuals with hemorrhoids, constipation, and nervous exhaustion should avoid consuming spicy foods.
Salty: As the king of flavors, salt is never tiring. Traditional Chinese medicine believes that "salt benefits the kidneys" and has the functions of regulating cell and blood osmotic pressure and maintaining normal metabolism. After vomiting, diarrhea, or excessive sweating, it is advisable to drink a moderate amount of diluted saltwater to maintain normal metabolism.
There is science behind the selection of foods based on the four qi and five flavors - Chinese people pay attention to the four qi and five flavors when choosing their food, and there are unique scientific principles behind it.
Excessive preference for certain flavors can harm health - Excessive sourness impairs memory: People who have a preference for sour foods are prone to fatigue, and long-term consumption can also affect the functionality of the brain's nervous system, leading to memory decline and decreased cognitive abilities.
