Summer is the season with the strongest yang energy. In the five elements theory, it corresponds to fire, and the corresponding organ is the heart. Therefore, the heart fire is prone to be strong, depleting qi and injuring yin, resulting in symptoms such as redness and heat in the face, restlessness, dry mouth and tongue, and loss of appetite. It is also the season when people are most likely to feel tired and weak.
Eating the following four foods that nourish the heart can clear heat and dispel fire, but eating them too often can harm the body's yang energy. It is recommended to eat them 2-3 times a week. People with cold constitution, weak spleen and stomach (such as cold hands and feet, and easy diarrhea) are not suitable to eat them.
Nourish the Lungs and Nourish Yin: Lotus Root
Benefits: Lotus root has a sweet and cold nature, and can clear heat, relieve thirst, and nourish the lungs and yin.
How to eat: Take 0.5 qian (about 7.5g) of lotus seed heart, boil it with 600ml of water over high heat, then add 30g of lotus root cut into small pieces, simmer over low heat for 10 minutes, and finally add half a peeled and diced pear, add some rock sugar to taste, and simmer for another 5 minutes. This can reduce internal heat, improve dry mouth and bad breath, and help calm the mind for better sleep.
Reminder: Lotus root is a starchy food. For those who are overweight or have high blood sugar, if you eat lotus root, you should reduce the intake of other starches such as rice and noodles.
Dispel Dampness and Reduce Fire: Celery
Benefits: Celery has a cool and slightly cold nature, with a bitter and sweet taste. It can dispel dampness, cleanse the intestines, and relieve excessive heart fire.
How to eat: Take 150g (about 1 bunch) of celery, wash and cut into small pieces. Take 1 apple, peel and cut into small pieces. Put them in a juicer, add 350-500ml of boiling water and some honey, and blend into juice. This can reduce internal heat and lower blood pressure. It is recommended to consume half of the juice without filtering the residue.
Reminder: Celery is a high-potassium and low-sodium vegetable, which helps prevent cardiovascular diseases. However, for patients with kidney disease who need to restrict potassium intake, it is advisable to consult a doctor first.
Relieve Heat and Quench Thirst: Tomato
Benefits: Tomato has a sweet and sour taste, with a slightly cold nature. It can aid digestion, quench thirst, and improve fever and thirst.
How to eat: Take 10 small tomatoes, wash them, and peel and cut half a kiwi into small pieces. Add 500ml of low-fat yogurt to a blender and blend until it is slightly chunky. This can clear internal heat, quench thirst, help reduce heart fire, and also has the effect of strengthening the stomach and regulating the intestines. Adding 5g of black sesame can enhance the absorption of lycopene.
Reminder: If you are not used to the thick and creamy texture of yogurt, you can add 100ml of boiling water to the blender for a better taste.
Cool and Diuretic: Sugarcane
Benefits: Sugarcane has a sweet and neutral nature. It can promote diuresis, clear heat, relieve thirst, and improve lung heat and restlessness.
How to eat: Take 20g of mung beans, wash them, and add 400ml of water. Boil over high heat and then simmer over low heat for 40 minutes until they are soft. Pour out the soup, then add 500ml of sugarcane juice to the mung beans. This can promote diuresis, relieve summer heat, and detoxify. It also helps improve symptoms such as sore and itchy throat and cough, which are common in lung heat type.
