Looking at nutrition from a different lens-Chinese Dietetics: The basics
Chinese dietetics is a branch of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) that focuses on the principles of balancing and harmonising the body through the foods you eat. It's based on the idea that different foods have distinct energetic properties and can affect the balance of Yin and Yang within the body, as well as the flow of Qi (energy).
In TCM dietetics, foods are classified based on their energetic qualities, tastes, and effects on the body. Here are examples of different food qualities according to Chinese medicine:
Yin and Yang Nature:
Yang Foods: Foods with warming and energising qualities, such as ginger, garlic, and lamb.
Yin Foods: Cooling and nourishing foods, including cucumber, watermelon, and tofu.
Five Elements:
Wood Element: Sour flavours are associated with the Wood element, like vinegar, citrus fruits, and tomatoes.
Fire Element: Bitter flavours, found in foods like bitter melon, coffee, and dark chocolate are related to the Fire element.
Earth Element: Sweet flavours, such as grains, sweet potatoes, and honey, are associated with the Earth element.
Metal Element: Pungent or spicy flavours, found in onions, radishes, and chilli peppers, are linked to the Metal element.
Water Element: Salty flavours, present in sea vegetables, miso, and soy sauce, are associated with the Water element.
Thermal Nature:
Warm Foods: Foods that have a warming effect on the body, like cinnamon, ginger, and chicken.
Cool Foods: Cooling foods include watermelon, mint, and cucumber.
Tastes:
Sweet: Sweet flavours, found in grains, fruits, and root vegetables, are considered nourishing and harmonizing.
Sour: Sour foods, like vinegar and citrus fruits, are thought to stimulate digestion and astringe.
Bitter: Bitter foods, such as bitter melon and dark leafy greens, are believed to clear heat and dry dampness.
Pungent: Pungent or spicy foods, like garlic, onions, and ginger, can promote circulation and disperse stagnation.
Salty: Salty foods, such as sea salt and seaweed, are associated with softening hardness and promoting moisture.
Specific Actions:
Blood Tonifying Foods: Examples include red meat, dark leafy greens, and goji berries.
Qi Tonifying Foods: Foods like rice, sweet potatoes, and carrots are considered Qi tonics.
Dampness-Resolving Foods: Barley, adzuki beans, and lotus root are thought to help resolve dampness in the body.
It's important to note that TCM dietetics emphasises balance and individualization. Foods are chosen based on an individual's constitution, current health condition, and any imbalances present. Consulting with a qualified TCM practitioner can provide personalized guidance on incorporating specific foods to support overall well-being.