Food as medicine: Greens in Season
Traditional Chinese Medicine theory categorizes food by colour and taste. The five colours of food nourish the five different organs in our body. Green foods help clear liver heat because its' cooling in nature. The liver is an "emotional" organ in which anger, frustration, and stress may cause excess heat. Green foods are more cooling and contain sulforaphane, an anti-cancer compound and vitamin. White foods help moisten the lungs to enable the lungs to disperse fluids throughout the body. The lungs manifest in the skin, so a person with dry skin is said to have lung dysfunction. Consuming white foods can help. White foods are packed with potassium, magnesium, fibre, and antioxidants.
#1 Leek (Colour: White)
Leeks are a popular remedy for several ailments. They are highly nourishing, inexpensive and can be used in different forms. The ancient Chinese medical texts cite that Leeks enter the lung, stomach, spleen, and liver. The temperature is warm. Chinese leek seeds, aka 韭菜籽 Jiu Cai Zi, are used to treat nocturnal emission, enuresis, frequent urination, diarrhea, cold and pain in the lumbar & knees.
In Western nutrition, leeks are a great source of vitamins B6 and K, iron, manganese and dietary fibre. It's high in the nutrient folate is especially beneficial for women, and the prebiotics help regulates healthy gut bacteria and digestion. Leeks are also good for skin and hair. 👉See 17 Best Benefits Of Leeks For Skin, Hair And Health
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#2 Napa Cabbage (Colour: Green)
Cabbages have been cited in a couple of ancient texts such as 'Qian Jin Yao Fang Shi Zhi" and "Ben Can She YI" for their ability to improve circulation, clear inflammation, and regulate water metabolism. In Chinese medicine terms, cabbages primarily have its energetic effect on the liver, stomach, and intestines.
In Western nutrition, Napa cabbage is rich in vitamins B6, C, low in calories and an excellent source of antioxidants, calcium, iron, potassium, magnesium, and fibre. Depending on how the dishes are prepared and cooked, they have been popular to help lose weight or strengthen joints.
If you see "Chinese cabbage" in a recipe, it usually refers to the Napa cabbage. You will see this popular vegetable available all year round in the grocery store and local farms (ex. Hy-Hopes Farms in Pickering). Adding to soup dishes is our way to enjoy its digestive health benefits for the winter.
Recipes
Resources:
All About Cabbage https://www.unlockfood.ca/en/ViewPDF.aspx?docid=9189&respgid=2609&lang=en&datemod=2018-01-16%2010:41:57%20AM
Cabbage and circulation around the joints https://www.pingminghealth.com/article/227/cabbage-and-circulation-around-the-joints/
Chinese Cabbage in TCM http://chinesenutrition.org/view_image.asp?pid=369
Effect and function of leek https://www.theplantaide.com/articles/effect-and-function-of-leek2.html
Jiu Cai Zi https://theherbdepot.ca/products/jiu-cai-zi-chinese-leek-seeds
Leek in TCM http://chinesenutrition.org/view_image.asp?pid=379
Leeks https://www.specialtyproduce.com/produce/Leeks_113.php
Napa cabbage and wong bok: kitchen basics https://harvesttotable.com/napa_cabbage_and_wong_bok/
What Is Chinese Cabbage? https://www.thespruceeats.com/chinese-cabbage-info-694681