Unknowingly, half of this year has already passed, still immersed in the summer heat, and autumn is rushing in. Start of autumn marks the beginning of autumn. Although the summer heat lingers, the climate will gradually transition towards autumn quietly.
Seasons change, each with its own characteristics. Summer is hot, while autumn is cool. Different climates correspond to different health focuses. There’s a saying that goes “nourish the heart in summer, nourish the lungs in autumn.” Summer heat can harm the heart, while autumn, being dry with noticeable temperature differences, can harm the lungs. Therefore, starting from the beginning of autumn, we should timely adjust and take care of our lungs to prepare for autumn and winter.
On August 7th, the climate changes with the Start of Autumn. Remember: eat 3 things, do 2 things to nurture the lungs and have a stable transition into autumn and winter. Let’s see the specifics! Pay attention to seasonal changes.
Eat 3 things
Lotus Root
As early autumn arrives, lotus roots are ready for harvest; they are crisp, tender, sweet, and juicy. They are rich in alkaloids, crude fiber, amino acids, vitamin C, iron, potassium, phosphorus, etc., helping clear and moisten the lungs, replenish fluids, etc. Lotus roots can be boiled in soups, juiced, stir-fried, or steamed. Try different methods to prepare them for your family.
Recommended dish: Stir-Fried Lotus Root Slices
1. Peel the lotus root, rinse, cut into small cubes after checking for impurities, and set aside.
2. Prepare a sauce with soy sauce, vinegar, sugar, oyster sauce, a pinch of salt to taste.
3. Heat oil in a wok, stir-fry the lotus root cubes until cooked.
4. Add the sauce, stir well, garnish with chopped scallions, and serve.
Silver Ear Mushroom
Silver ear mushrooms, part of the mushroom family, are known for their health benefits. They are a natural lung-nourishing ingredient, containing plenty of polysaccharides, collagen, protein, unsaturated fatty acids, iron, calcium, selenium, etc., aiding in lung nourishment, heat-clearing, fire-reducing, and immune enhancement. In the dry autumn, it is beneficial to drink soups made with silver ear mushrooms regularly.
Recommended dish: Silver Ear Mushroom and Sweet Potato Soup
1. Soak the silver ear mushrooms in water for about 15 minutes until they expand. Trim the roots, tear into small pieces, wash off impurities by changing the water a couple of times.
2. Slice a fresh sweet potato, remove red dates’ pits, and use a small chunk of rock sugar.
3. Cook the silver ear mushrooms in water over low heat for half an hour.
4. Add other ingredients, simmer for twenty minutes, let it cool for ten minutes before serving.
Carrot
Carrots, known as “small ginseng,” are crispy and delicious, providing great benefits to our bodies. Rich in lysine, fiber, vitamin A, vitamin B6, calcium, iron, copper ions, they help moisten the lungs, invigorate the spleen, clear heat and toxins, and relieve coughs and phlegm. Autumn is the season of carrots, easy to store, and can be used to cook porridge, soups, stir-fries, steamed dishes, etc. Eating them regularly will benefit the body.
Recommended dish: Carrot Omelette
1. Wash and shred two carrots.
2. Crack an egg into a bowl, add around 20g of starch water, a bit of salt, mix well.
3. Heat oil in a pan, stir-fry the carrot shreds with some salt until soft.
4. Pour the egg mixture into the pan, cook until set, then serve.
Do 2 things
Maintain moderate exercise
After the Start of Autumn, the weather gradually cools down. It’s good to engage in outdoor activities like running, playing badminton, practicing yoga, or skipping rope to slightly sweat, which not only stretches the limbs but also helps maintain lung health.
Maintain a serene mood
There’s a saying that “sadness harms the lungs.” Negative emotions like irritability, anger, melancholy, etc., not only affect the heart but also harm the lungs. Particularly in autumn, when people are prone to melancholy, it’s essential to adjust the mindset promptly and maintain a cheerful and pleasant mood, which benefits the body in various ways.
