As autumn quietly approaches, our dining table should also be adjusted to adapt to seasonal changes and nourish the body and mind. Here are the five essential “food champions” for autumn, each with their unique nutritional value and health benefits, making them the preferred choices for autumn health preservation.
First dish: Lotus root
Reason for being on the list: “Lotus is a treasure, and autumn lotus root is the most nourishing.” This proverb accurately summarizes the nourishing value of lotus root in autumn. In autumn, the climate is dry. Eating lotus root can nourish yin, clear heat, moisturize dryness, quench thirst, clear the heart and calm the mind. At the same time, lotus root is warm in nature and helps to nourish the lungs and blood. It is a star ingredient on the autumn dining table.
Nutritional highlights: Lotus root is rich in carbohydrates, proteins, various vitamins and minerals, especially dietary fiber, which is beneficial for improving constipation and promoting the elimination of harmful substances in the body.
The best way to enjoy the flavor: Seven hole lotus root is suitable for soup, with a sticky but not crispy texture; Nine hole lotus root is more suitable for cold mixing or stir frying to maintain its crispness, tenderness, and juiciness.
Golden partner: Paired with Tremella fuciformis to moisten the lungs and nourish yin, or black fungus to nourish kidney yin, both are excellent choices.
The first nut: peanuts
Reason for being on the list: Peanuts, known as the “longevity fruit”, are particularly suitable for autumn consumption. The high protein and high fat content (especially the high proportion of unsaturated fatty acids) of peanuts make them unique in terms of nutritional value.
From the perspective of traditional Chinese medicine: Peanuts have a flat and sweet nature, and can regulate the spleen and lung meridians. They help to invigorate the spleen and stomach, moisten the lungs and reduce phlegm, nourish and regulate qi, and have auxiliary therapeutic effects on various health problems.
Best way to enjoy: Cooking with a shell is the best way to preserve nutrients and fully utilize the medical and health benefits of peanut shells and red clothing.
Perfect pairing: Cook with red dates to nourish the spleen and blood, especially for women.
The first nourishing holy product: yam
Reason for being on the list: It is suitable for nourishing and nourishing in autumn. Yam stands out with its reputation as the “food of immortals” and has dual effects as both food and medicine.
Nutrition and efficacy: rich in amylase, polyphenol oxidase, etc., to aid digestion; Mucin, vitamins, and trace elements are beneficial for cardiovascular health and longevity.
Best cooking method: Steaming, boiling soup, or stir frying can all be used, with steaming resulting in the least loss of nutrients.
Ideal partner: Cook Congee with medlar, and the nourishing effect will be doubled.
The first lung moistening fruit: pear
Reason for being on the list: Pears are known as “natural mineral water” with a water content of up to 85%. They are rich in vitamins and various trace elements, making them a great choice for moisturizing and quenching thirst in autumn.
Variety and consumption suggestions: Different varieties of pears have varying degrees of coldness. Eating them raw can alleviate symptoms such as throat discomfort and constipation; Eating it cooked can nourish yin and moisten the lungs, relieve cough and phlegm, especially suitable for those with a cold constitution.
Sweet combination: Pear syrup made with pear and honey is a blessing for patients with chronic cough.
The first calming Congee: lily Congee
Reason for listing: dry autumn is easy to cause respiratory discomfort. Lily has become the first choice of autumn Congee because of its effects of moistening the lungs, relieving cough, clearing the heart and calming the nerves.
Nutritional analysis: Lily is rich in protein, vitamins, and various bioactive ingredients, which have a positive effect on enhancing physical fitness and inhibiting cancer cells.
Delicious presentation: cooking Congee is the best way to eat. It can be used alone or with glutinous rice, almonds, lotus seeds, etc., which is both delicious and soothing.
The above five foods are not only delicious dishes on the autumn dining table, but also natural medicines that nourish the body and mind, allowing us to enjoy delicious food while also gaining health and pleasure.
