How to prepare your food based on Chinese Dietetics-why it matters!

In Chinese dietetics, the choice of cooking methods is considered crucial, as it can influence the energetic properties of foods and their impact on the body. Different cooking methods affect the temperature, taste, and overall nature of the food. Here's an explanation of how various cooking methods can impact foods in Chinese dietetics:

1. Steaming:

   • Nature: Generally considered a gentle cooking method that preserves the original nature of foods.

   • Effect: Suitable for tonifying and nourishing, especially for those with Yin Deficiency.

2. Boiling/Simmering:

   • Nature: Retains the original nature of the ingredients.

   • Effect: Suitable for making soups and broths that can tonify Qi and Blood.

3. Braising/Stewing:

   • Nature: A slower cooking process that imparts warmth to the food.

   • Effect: Enhances the warming quality of foods, suitable for nourishing Yang or dispelling Cold.

4. Stir-Frying:

   • Nature: Quick and high-heat cooking method that imparts warmth to the food.

   • Effect: Suitable for cold-natured foods and helps disperse dampness.

5. Roasting/Baking:

   • Nature: Introduces a warming quality to the food.

   • Effect: Suitable for tonifying Yang and improving digestion.

6. Raw Foods:

   • Nature: Cooling and often hydrating.

   • Effect: Suitable for individuals with excess heat or Yin Deficiency.

7. Boiling in Water:

   • Nature: Removes some of the warmth from the food.

   • Effect: Suitable for reducing heat and dampness in certain foods.

8. Fermentation/Pickling:

   • Nature: May introduce sour and pungent flavours.

   • Effect: Can aid digestion and help resolve dampness.

9. Pressure Cooking:

   • Nature: Retains the original nature of ingredients, but shortens cooking time.

   • Effect: Suitable for tonifying Qi and preserving nutrients.

10. Double-Boiling:

    • Nature: A slow and gentle cooking method.

    • Effect: Suitable for tonifying and nourishing, especially for those with Yin Deficiency.

It's important to note that the specific effects of cooking methods can vary based on the ingredients used and the overall context of an individual's health condition and constitution. In TCM dietetics, the goal is to choose cooking methods that balance the energetics of the food with the individual's needs and address any underlying imbalances.