Introduction: “Eat the 5 whites in the major heat, and you won’t get sick in autumn and winter.” What are the 5 whites? Did you eat them right on the major heat day of July 22?
On the scorching summer days, the major heat solar term arrived as scheduled, marking the peak temperature and the strongest yang energy. The ancients often said: “Eat the 5 whites in the major heat, and you won’t get sick in autumn and winter.” This phrase not only embodies the thousand-year health wisdom of the Chinese nation but also reflects our ancestors’ profound understanding and respect for the changes of the four seasons. So, what exactly do these “5 whites” refer to? And how can they help us resist diseases in autumn and winter? Let’s explore the mysteries together.
First of all, the first white among these “5 whites” is Tremella. Tremella, also known as white fungus, is honored as the “king of fungi.” It is rich in gelatin, various vitamins, and minerals, with the effects of nourishing yin, moistening the lungs, invigorating qi, and clearing the intestines. On scorching summer days, a bowl of chilled Tremella soup can not only cool down the heat but also moisturize our lungs, laying a solid foundation for our health in autumn and winter.
Next, let’s talk about the second white – Lily. Lily is not only a common ornamental plant but also a great medicinal and edible item. It has a cold nature, sweet taste, and is beneficial for nourishing yin, moistening the lungs, calming the heart, and soothing the mind. During the hot summer, people tend to be irritable, restless, and have insomnia and vivid dreams. Eating Lily in moderation at this time can help calm our minds, improve sleep, and infuse a sense of coolness into the body.
Now, moving on to the third white – Lotus seeds. Lotus seeds are a nutritious food rich in proteins, fats, carbohydrates, and various vitamins and minerals. In traditional Chinese medicine, lotus seeds are believed to tonify the spleen, stop diarrhea, benefit the kidneys, stabilize essence, and nourish the heart and soothe the mind. During the major heat season, cooking lotus seed congee or soup not only nourishes the body and benefits the spleen and stomach but also helps calm the mind, relieve fatigue, and promote tranquility.
The fourth white is the common Chinese yam in our daily life. Chinese yam has a neutral nature, sweet taste, and the effects of invigorating the spleen, benefiting the stomach, nourishing the kidneys, replenishing essence, moistening the lungs, and stopping coughs. In summer, due to the hot weather and high humidity, people tend to lose their appetite and suffer from poor digestion. Eating Chinese yam in moderation can enhance spleen and stomach function, stimulate the appetite, and provide sufficient nutritional support to the body.
Lastly, let’s talk about the final white in these “5 whites” – Job’s tears. Job’s tears are a food item with medicinal properties, rich in proteins, fats, carbohydrates, various vitamins, and minerals. Job’s tears are known for invigorating the spleen, promoting diuresis, clearing heat, and draining pus, providing good relief for common damp-heat symptoms in summer. During the major heat period, consuming Job’s tears in porridge or soup can not only clear heat and detoxify, but also help strengthen the body’s immunity, resisting disease invasion.
So, how should we correctly consume these “5 whites” during the major heat period? First, we should pay attention to moderate consumption and avoid excessive intake. Although these “5 whites” have excellent health benefits, overeating them may cause discomfort. Secondly, we should focus on ingredient combinations and cooking methods. For example, when making porridge or stew, you can add red dates, wolfberries, and other ingredients according to personal taste and needs to enhance their nourishing effects. During the cooking process, attention should be paid to the heat and timing control to prevent nutrient loss in the ingredients.
Additionally, during the major heat period, we should maintain a light and balanced diet. With high temperatures and humidity in summer, people are prone to loss of appetite and poor digestion. Therefore, we should avoid consuming oily and spicy foods, prefer fresh vegetables, fruits, and easily digestible foods. Also, pay attention to a balanced diet, ensuring an adequate intake of proteins, fats, carbohydrates, and other nutrients to meet the body’s needs.
#SummerCollectionLevyofGraphics#In conclusion, the saying “Eat the 5 whites in the major heat, and you won’t get sick in autumn and winter” encapsulates the millennium-old health wisdom of the Chinese nation. Proper consumption of these “5 whites” during the major heat period not only helps us cool down, nourish our bodies but also enhances our immunity and resistance to diseases. Let’s enjoy good food and harvest health and happiness at the same time!
