China has a vast territory, and the geographical environment and climate conditions vary greatly in different regions. Different regional environments have different effects on diet and health, and diet structure should be adjusted accordingly.
The book "Suwen·Yifa Fangyi Lun" states: "The eastern region is where heaven and earth originated. It is a place abundant in fish and salt, with people who eat fish and love salt. They are content with their surroundings and enjoy their food. The western region is a place abundant in gold and jade, with sandy and rocky terrain, and it is where heaven and earth draw in. The people here live on hills and are exposed to strong winds. The land and water are tough and strong. The people do not dress well but have a hearty diet, resulting in a plump physique. The northern region is a place where heaven and earth store and hide. It is a high and cold place with strong winds and freezing temperatures. The people here enjoy living in harsh conditions and have a diet rich in dairy products. The southern region is where heaven and earth nurture and flourish, the place where the sun is at its peak. The land is low and the water and soil are weak, with mists and dew gathering here. The people here have a preference for sour and fermented foods. The central region is flat and humid, where heaven and earth give birth to all things. The people here have a varied diet and live a leisurely lifestyle."
These descriptions explain the characteristics of the eastern, western, northern, southern, and central regions, as well as the influence of the environment on the residents' physique and regional diseases. These theories are of great significance for a deeper understanding of the relationship between regional environment and physique, the relationship between different regional environments and diseases, and the characteristics of health preservation in different regional environments.
Modern medical research has found that the impact of regional environment on the human body is not only influenced by climate, environment, and customs, but also by local land resources, such as various trace elements, water sources, air and water pollution, and vegetation destruction. Medical research has confirmed that certain endemic diseases are often related to the deficiency or excessive content of certain trace elements in local soil or water sources. These are all adverse effects of regional environment on the human body, and protecting oneself from these factors is the content of regional health preservation.
In the northwest and northeast regions of China, the climate is cold and the air is dry. The diet consists mainly of beef and mutton, and the cooking methods are often roasting, frying, and grilling, resulting in a strong and rich flavor. Meat-based diets provide high heat, which helps resist the cold, but at the same time may lead to excessive dryness and heat. Therefore, it is also necessary to regularly consume foods that nourish Yin and moisturize dryness.
In the southern region, the climate is hot, and the diet mainly consists of fish and vegetables. The cooking methods include steaming, boiling, and stir-frying, resulting in a light flavor. This type of diet is low in calories, suitable for adapting to the hot weather, and beneficial for digestion and absorption. In Guangdong, which is located in the southern region, residents have a preference for soups. Unlike the northern region where soup is consumed after meals, in Guangdong, soup is consumed before meals, and the frequency of soup consumption is higher. This is because in hot regions, pores are more open and sweating is more abundant, resulting in a lack of body fluids. At this time, consuming a large quantity of high-quality soup is undoubtedly beneficial for health. The preparation time and ingredients for soups are particularly important in Guangdong, especially the emphasis on using seasonal ingredients and drinking different types of soups. These practices are all based on the needs of health preservation.
The southwestern region of China is relatively humid, including Sichuan, Hunan, Hubei, Guangdong, and Fujian, as well as coastal areas. We can observe that in Sichuan and Hunan, which have cold and humid climates, the diet is focused on drying out dampness and tends to be spicy. Sichuan and Hunan cuisines are famous for their spiciness. On the other hand, in Guangdong and Fujian, which have hot climates, the diet is focused on clearing heat and dampness. Rice and mung beans are commonly used in soup, and cool herbal teas are often consumed to clear heat and dampness.
Adapting to the local environment is essential. If the regional environment changes but the dietary habits remain the same, deviations may occur. For example, some residents who have migrated from Sichuan to Guangdong may find it difficult to change their dietary habits and continue to consume spicy food every day, which may lead to mouth ulcers or constipation. The dietary flavors and habits in different regions are actually means for residents to adjust their health through diet according to their local environment, aiming to achieve harmony with the environment they live in.
Therefore, understanding and studying the relationship between different geographical environments, climate conditions, and human physique, as well as the dietary characteristics of different regional environments, and promoting the relationship between environment, diet, and health, are of great significance in terms of health preservation.
