During this scorching heat of the major heat season, the yang energy in nature reaches its peak, and the human body enters its most vigorous metabolic period. As the old saying goes: “Eat according to the season, do not eat against the season.” On the day of major heat, choosing the right ingredients for tonics can satisfy the body’s nutritional needs, help eliminate internal dampness and toxins, and achieve the goal of health preservation. Today, let’s talk about what foods should be eaten during the major heat season. Let’s give a boost to our family’s health together!
Meats nurture, replenishing strength without wasting
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Duck Meat – A great choice for clearing heat and relieving summer heat
“In the major heat, old duck meat is better than tonics.” Duck meat is cool and sweet, rich in protein, B vitamins, potassium, iron, and other minerals. It has the effects of nourishing yin, tonifying the stomach, promoting diuresis, and reducing swelling. Consuming duck meat in summer not only replenishes the nutrients lost due to sweating but also effectively relieves discomfort caused by summer heat. According to the “Compendium of Materia Medica,” duck meat is “mainly for tonifying deficiencies and eliminating heat toxicity,” making it an excellent choice for summer tonics.
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Lamb – The secret of warm tonification without dryness
You might be surprised, can you eat lamb in summer? In fact, consuming lamb in moderation, especially when stewed with cooling vegetables or medicinal herbs, can play a role in “treating winter diseases in summer” and warming the yang to dispel cold. Pay attention to selecting lean meat portions to avoid excessive fat intake. The high-quality protein and iron in lamb are beneficial for enhancing the body’s constitution.
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Fish – Optimal choice of low-fat, high-protein
As the sea temperature rises in summer, fish become more active, their meat becomes more delicious, and rich in Omega-3 fatty acids, which helps lower blood lipids and protect cardiovascular and cerebrovascular health. Consuming fish 2-3 times a week is a wise choice for a healthy summer diet. According to the latest nutritional studies, Omega-3 fatty acids have significant effects in reducing inflammation and enhancing immunity.
Melons and gourds clear heat, resolve summer heat, and nourish fluids
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Bitter Gourd – Bitter medicine good for summer heat
Although bitter, bitter gourd is a “natural good medicine” for clearing heat and relieving summer heat. It is rich in vitamin C and bitter substances, which can promote appetite, relieve heat, help reduce blood sugar, detoxify, and nourish the skin. Bitter gourd with scrambled eggs or bitter gourd pork rib soup are delicious dishes on the summer table.
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Luffa – Cool and smooth with a good taste
Luffa is cool, sweet, and has the effects of clearing heat, resolving phlegm, cooling blood, and detoxifying. It is rich in B vitamins and saponins, which can enhance the body’s immunity and promote skin cell metabolism. Stir-fried luffa with eggs or luffa soup is simple to make, refreshing, and tasty.
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Winter Melon – Skilled at diuresis and reducing swelling
Winter melon is a great choice for summer heat relief and diuresis; it is almost fat-free and rich in dietary fiber and minerals, effectively promoting intestinal peristalsis, helping eliminate excess water and toxins from the body. Winter melon rib soup or winter melon tea are excellent choices for cooling off in summer.
Guidelines for healthy eating: Six principles to abide by
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Avoid drinking excessively cold beverages
Although it is hot in the major heat period, drinking too many cold beverages can harm the spleen and stomach, leading to problems like diarrhea and abdominal pain. It is advisable to drink warm boiled water or lightly salted water in moderation to replenish lost fluids and electrolytes.
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Avoid overeating
Although appetite may be poor in summer, it is important to avoid overeating to prevent putting too much burden on the stomach and affect digestion and absorption. It is recommended to eat small meals frequently, chew slowly, and enjoy the natural flavors of food.
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Avoid eating excessively spicy and oily foods
Spicy foods can cause internal heat, and greasy foods are hard to digest; it is best to avoid them as much as possible during the major heat period. Choosing light and easily digestible foods helps keep the body fresh and light.
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Avoid staying up late and lack of sleep
Although summer days are long nights are short, maintaining good sleep habits is crucial. Staying up late can deplete yang energy and affect normal body functions. Try to go to bed early and wake up early to ensure an adequate amount of sleep.
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Do not neglect sunscreen and hydration
During the major heat season, the ultraviolet rays are strong, so make sure to take sun protection measures when going out to avoid prolonged exposure to direct sunlight. Also, carry a water bottle with you to replenish fluids in time and prevent heatstroke.
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Do not forget emotional regulation
Hot weather can easily make people irritable; maintaining a good attitude is equally important for physical health. Relaxing activities such as listening to music, reading, and meditation can help relieve stress and tension.
Conclusion
In this major heat season, let’s follow the “Three Meats, Three Melons, and Six Guidelines” for diet and lifestyle, and safeguard our family’s health. May everyone have a refreshing, healthy, and enjoyable summer!
