How should one eat and drink healthily in the season of blooming flowers and warm weather?

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This post was last edited by Thank goodness you're here on 2016-3-8 at 14:49. Spring has arrived as scheduled; the weather is getting warmer, and everything around us is beginning to revive, full of vitality. Spring is also the period when the body’s functions and metabolism are most active; therefore, it is an excellent time for maintaining good health. We can achieve this by consuming appropriate foods. So, what foods should one eat to maintain good health? Below are some foods recommended for maintaining health in spring. Seasonal vegetables: Scientific advancements have blurred the concept of seasons, resulting in a wide variety of off-season vegetables available in markets. However, Confucius once said, “Do not eat unless it is the right season,” and the Huangdi Neijing also states, “Eat the grains of that season.” In other words, no matter what season it is, eating more foods that are in season is beneficial for our health. Therefore, fresh seasonal dishes are our best choice. http://static.fx286.com/upfiles/up/201603/1d75d4ce623c0986ee523346.jpg Spinach was known in ancient times as the “red-beaked green parrot,” and it was also referred to as the “king of vegetables.” According to Compendium of Materia Medica, eating spinach can help “regulate blood circulation, open the chest and diaphragm, regulate qi in the body, and quench thirst while relieving dryness.” Indeed, spinach not only contains large amounts of beta-carotene and iron, but is also rich in vitamin A, vitamins B, vitamin C, as well as folic acid and potassium. Its high content of B vitamins enables it to prevent vitamin deficiencies common in spring, such as angular cheilitis and night blindness. Spinach helps improve iron-deficiency anemia and can give the skin a rosy, radiant appearance, which is why it is regarded as an excellent ingredient for beautifying the skin. Spinach is rich in antioxidants such as vitamin E and selenium, which have anti-aging effects and promote cell proliferation. It can activate brain function and help prevent brain aging. It should be noted that spinach contains a high amount of oxalic acid, so it should not be consumed in large quantities at once. When eating spinach, it is advisable to blanch it in boiling water first before frying it. http://static.fx286.com/upfiles/up/201603/c6c11f0c144afcfdbb55f6b2.jpg No.2 Peas: Peas are rich in vitamin A, which has eye-protecting properties as part of a dietary regimen; in addition, their vitamin C content is much higher than that of dried beans, making them not only tasty but also helpful for boosting the immune system. It is suitable for office workers who spend whole days in front of computers; it is not only nutritious but also helps to alleviate symptoms of dry eyes. It is suitable for children and the elderly as well; it is rich in nutrients and easy to digest. No. 3 Celery: Celery is rich in fiber, and its stems and leaves contain medicinal compounds such as apigenin, ligustilide, and volatile oils. These components help to regulate blood pressure and blood lipids, prevent atherosclerosis, and have a calming effect. Spring is a season with a high incidence of cardiovascular diseases; therefore, people suffering from coronary heart disease accompanied by high blood pressure should consume more celery. http://static.fx286.com/upfiles/up/201603/3fbf4993a264398665caabae.jpg Chili No.4: Chilies are rich in vitamin C, more so than any other vegetable; they can help prevent heart disease and coronary artery sclerosis, boost appetite, and aid digestion. People with digestive system diseases, hyperthyroidism, and kidney diseases should consume it with caution. http://static.fx286.com/upfiles/up/201603/3efca8a4a0b16090eaffcb58.jpg Cauliflower No.5: Cauliflower is one of the foods with the highest content of flavonoids; it can help prevent infections and is also an excellent agent for cleaning the blood vessels, thereby reducing the risk of heart disease and strokes. However, it should not be cooked at high temperatures nor boiled; the main method of preparation is stir-frying after blanching. Fruits: http://static.fx286.com/upfiles/up/201603/b9d364785b6da0c4150478a4.jpg No.1 Strawberry. Strawberries are known as the \"first fruit of spring\" because of their high nutritional value and balanced nutrient composition; data shows that their vitamin C content is about 10 times that of watermelons, grapes, or apples in equal amounts. Not only that, strawberries also contain large amounts of iron, fructose, and various other nutrients, which can effectively prevent conditions such as coughs caused by lung heat and sore throats during spring. However, people with weak spleen and stomach due to cold, or those who suffer from coughs caused by lung cold, should not eat too many strawberries. NO.2 Cherry: Cherries are known as the \"first flowers of spring.\" They contain the highest amount of iron among fruits, with a level that is more than 20 times higher than that in citrus, pears, and apples. Cherries are of warm nature and have a sweet and slightly sour taste; they possess the effects of strengthening the middle energizer and boosting qi, regulating the body’s functions and improving appearance, as well as strengthening the spleen and stimulating appetite. Eating cherries in spring can induce sweating, boost energy, dispel wind, and help resolve rashes. http://static.fx286.com/upfiles/up/201603/d9726a8bdf01dbd68aeac1f9.jpg No. 3 Kiwifruit: Kiwifruit not only contains vitamin C but also a high level of the antioxidant lutein, which helps to lower blood pressure. In addition, the abundant fibromas in kiwifruit can increase the rate of fat breakdown, preventing excessive fat accumulation in the legs. It should be noted, however, that some people are allergic to kiwifruit; those with an allergic constitution must use it with caution. NO.4 Sydney Juice “One lychee brings three bursts of heat; eating a pound of pears daily is not too much.” ”Spring is also a good time to eat pears, and pear juice is known as a \"naturally sweet nectar.\" Among them, the flesh of the Sydney apple is pure white, like snow or frost; it is tender and crisp, with plenty of juice and a sweet taste. Buying some pears to make juice from, or preparing a cup of pear soup with rock sugar, can help clear the heart and lungs, relieve coughs and dryness; it is an excellent food for reducing heat and inflammation, as well as promoting the production of body fluids and nourishing yin. NO.5 Sugarcane Juice: Sugarcane juice is an excellent beverage for promoting the production of saliva and relieving dryness. It also has certain therapeutic effects on discomforts such as palpitations, shortness of breath, and chest tightness. It should be noted, however, that as temperatures rise gradually, they create a favorable natural environment for mold to grow; February to April each year is the peak period for poisoning caused by moldy sugarcane. Therefore, if red-hearted sugarcane is found, or if there is a fluffy white substance at the end of the sugarcane, it means it has molded, and it must not be purchased for consumption. http://static.fx286.com/upfiles/up/201603/d5cf51adf82772f32ab766be.jpg