Tomorrow marks the end of heat, and the weather gradually transitions from warm to cool, but the humidity in the air seems reluctant to part, causing one to often feel heavy and burdened, as if carrying an invisible weight. The older generation often says, “As autumn arrives, the humidity is heavy, and one needs to dispel the dampness for health.”
During this seasonal change, nature quietly prepares for us a “natural damp-dispelling vegetable” that is both seasonal and beneficial for health—broad beans. Not only are they delicious, but they are also excellent for strengthening the spleen and dispelling dampness, allowing us to easily cope with the invasion of humidity while enjoying the delicacies.
Heavy humidity during seasonal changes, broad beans come to help
As the seasons change, the human body also needs to adapt to the natural fluctuations. Late summer and early autumn see a gradual drop in temperature, yet the humidity in the air remains high. Coupled with people’s consumption of cold drinks and air conditioning throughout the summer, the body often accumulates a fair amount of dampness.
According to the latest health research reports, approximately 70% of the population will experience varying degrees of excessive dampness symptoms during this period, such as fatigue, loss of appetite, and oily skin. Broad beans, with their unique medicinal value and rich nutritional content, have become an invaluable damp-dispelling ingredient for this season.
The charm of broad beans: both strengthening the spleen and dispelling dampness
Broad beans, also known as mung beans or vegetable beans, have a neutral nature and a sweet taste, and are associated with the spleen and stomach channels. They offer a delicate texture as well as benefits for strengthening the spleen, alleviating summer heat and dampness, and promoting water discharge and reducing swelling.
Modern scientific research has also confirmed that broad beans are rich in protein, dietary fiber, various vitamins, and minerals, particularly abundant in potassium, which aids in promoting water metabolism in the body and expelling excess dampness. Additionally, the dietary fiber in broad beans can enhance intestinal motility, improve constipation, and further reduce the accumulation of dampness in the body.
Seasonal broad beans: a perfect fusion of taste and health
Late summer and early autumn is the season when broad beans are plentiful. At this time, broad beans are at their freshest and most tender. Whether stir-fried, stewed in soup, or cooked in porridge, broad beans can showcase their deliciousness and nutrition to the fullest.
1. Stir-fried broad bean shreds
Ingredients: Fresh broad beans, minced garlic, shredded red pepper, salt, chicken essence.
Method: Wash the broad beans, remove the strings, and cut into fine shreds; set the shredded red pepper aside. Heat oil in a pan, sauté minced garlic until fragrant, then add the broad bean shreds and shredded red pepper and stir-fry quickly until cooked. Finally, season with salt and chicken essence to taste. This dish is visually appealing and flavorful, refreshing and not greasy, making it an excellent appetizer for the seasonal change.
Ingredients: Fresh broad beans, minced garlic, shredded red pepper, salt, chicken essence.
Method: Wash the broad beans, remove the strings, and cut into fine shreds; set the shredded red pepper aside. Heat oil in a pan, sauté minced garlic until fragrant, then add the broad bean shreds and shredded red pepper and stir-fry quickly until cooked,
