Five Cold Foods to Avoid for People with Cold Body Constitution
1. Aloe Vera
Aloe vera is known for its various benefits in skincare, including moisturizing, sun protection, wrinkle reduction, and nourishing the skin. However, it also contains certain toxins. Reports suggest that consuming 9-15 grams of aloe vera may lead to poisoning, causing symptoms such as nausea and diarrhea. Some people even use raw aloe vera as a main dish, which experts consider to be dangerous. Aloe vera has a cold and bitter nature and can have a laxative effect. It can even treat burns when applied topically, indicating its strong cooling properties. People with a cold body constitution should be cautious when using aloe vera. Whether consumed raw or cooked with warming ingredients, a daily intake of 5 grams is sufficient, and it is important to remove the skin before consumption.
Tips: Aloe vera is best used in cold salads, and it goes well with tomatoes.
Recommended Recipe: Tomato and Aloe Vera Salad
Ingredients: Cherry tomatoes, aloe vera gel.
Method: Wash the cherry tomatoes, cut them into pieces, and mix them with aloe vera gel in a small container.
Benefits: Hydrates and nourishes the skin, clears heat and acne, detoxifies and beautifies.
2. Honeysuckle
Honeysuckle has the effects of reducing internal heat and dispelling dampness. Its ingredient chlorogenic acid can penetrate the pores, inhibit and kill bacteria, and prevent the clogging of sebaceous gland ducts, which is beneficial for the discharge of sebum and prevents the formation of acne. However, for those with weak spleen and stomach, the consumption of honeysuckle is not recommended. Honeysuckle has a bitter and cold nature, and excessive intake may cause nausea and vomiting, exacerbating the disharmony of the spleen and stomach. The recommended dosage of honeysuckle is 10-30 grams.
Tips: Honeysuckle and goji berries are a perfect combination for healthy and beautiful skin.
Recommended Recipe: Goji Berry and Honeysuckle Soup
Ingredients: Goji berries, honeysuckle, rock sugar, water, honey.
Method: Put goji berries, honeysuckle, and rock sugar in a pot and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer for 20 minutes. After turning off the heat, let the soup cool down and add honey to taste.
Benefits: Whitens the skin, reduces swelling, and brightens the eyes.
3. Cassia Seed
Cassia seed has a sweet, bitter, and cold nature, and it has the functions of reducing fat, promoting bowel movements, and detoxifying the body.
For women with a cold body constitution, cassia seed can cause diarrhea and coldness. Especially for those with a weak spleen and stomach, it is not recommended to consume cassia seed. It may worsen your digestive problems, hinder fat decomposition, and prolong the storage of food in the body, which goes against your weight loss goals. The safe dosage of cassia seed is 9-15 grams.
4. Chrysanthemum
Chrysanthemum has the effect of beautifying the skin. Its essential oils and chrysanthemum pigment can effectively inhibit the production of skin pigments and soften the epidermal cells, thereby reducing wrinkles and making the facial skin fair and tender.
Chrysanthemum tea is generally considered a safe beverage for everyone, but that is not the case. Chrysanthemum is also a cold medicinal herb, and people with weak constitutions are more prone to diarrhea. Therefore, it is best to consume it in moderation.
Tips: You can still enjoy cold foods by making soups and congees with them!
Recommended Recipe: Cassia Seed and Chrysanthemum Congee
Ingredients: Cassia seed, chrysanthemum, glutinous rice or rice, rock sugar.
Method: Boil cassia seed and chrysanthemum to make a decoction, and then use the decoction to cook the congee. Add rock sugar according to taste.
Benefits: Clears heat, brightens the eyes, detoxifies and nourishes the skin, and moisturizes.
5. Coix Seed
Coix seed can moisturize the skin, whiten and moisturize it, promote blood circulation, regulate menstruation, and relieve pain. It is known as the "queen of herbal medicine" in traditional Chinese medicine.
Coix seed can cause coldness in the body. Women with a cold body constitution should not consume it for a long time, and pregnant women and women during menstruation should avoid it. In addition, coix seed contains high amounts of sticky sugars, and excessive consumption can hinder digestion.
Tips: Coix seed is cold in nature, so it can be paired with some warming foods.
Recommended Recipe: Lotus Seed, Jujube, and Coix Seed Porridge
Ingredients: Coix seed, lotus seeds, red dates, rock sugar.
Method: Add cold water to a pot, add coix seed, and bring to a boil over high heat. Add lotus seeds and red dates, simmer over low heat until fully cooked, and finally add rock sugar to taste.
Benefits: Beautifies the skin.
