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Cathy Jieyu

Food remedies in spring – ancient Chinese wisdom on diets

In ancient Chinese philosophy, the dominant energy in spring is wood/ tree element, resonating with the liver energy line in the body. The energy flow is rising and uplifting.

When we follow such energy pattern of nature in our lifestyle, exercise and diet, our well-being is effortlessly secure.

Here, we looked into the food food with the best energy for spring – Sprouts.

In additional to the concentrated nutrients (high levels of folate, magnesium, phosphorus, and vitamin K ) and the potential health benefits of lowing blood sugar level, the powerful growing energy in sprouts is what the Chinese doctors value most.

How recent studies support the ancient knowledge:

The view of Chinese medicine, sprouts take up energy from soil, similarly they help clean the excessive fat and remains in our digestive system from the slow winter.

Many studies nowadays show, much of the fiber in sprouts is “insoluble” fiber, which means it doesn’t dissolve in the stomach. Instead, it acts as a prebiotic and feeds the “good” bacteria in your intestines. These bacteria are important for maintaining a healthy digestive system, and can help reduce symptoms like bloating and gas. 

A good spring time diet supports our wellbeing in summer, as the wood /tree is the supply for fire element, the energy of summer.

Recent studies showed an increase in “good” HDL cholesterol as well as a drop in triglycerides and “bad” LDL cholesterol. Lower levels of cholesterol are connected to a lower risk of heart disease and atherosclerosis. 

So be generous and add some sprouts in your dish. This humble ingredient goes well with almost everything. Sandwich, pasta, salad, stir fried or savoury pancakes ( a traditional Chinese spring food)

And the even better news it’s very easy to grow at home if you like:

The top choices from both practical and remedies perspective I would suggest pea and lentils.

Here’s how:

  1. Soak the lentil over night (up to 12 hours if temperature high) 50g makes a full cup of spouts.
  2. Drain the water, remain moister on the seeds, cover the container with a cloth to prevent drying out.
  3. Rinse two times a day, to keep hygiene and moist
    Vola, after 3-4 days, ready when you see 1cm sports

Similarly for peas and green, red beans. They will take a bit longer to sprout. Have them with the sour or spicy flavor for spring – will cover this in next week. 

Hope you enjoy this wonderful energy in spring time.

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