What pairs well with white radish?
White radish and shiitake mushrooms
White radish also dilates blood vessels, lowers blood pressure, reduces blood lipids, and lowers blood sugar. Rich in organic sulfur compounds, it possesses potent antibacterial properties, effectively treating inflammation and coughs caused by colds.Shiitake mushrooms are also masters at fighting cancer and lowering blood lipids and blood pressure. Simmering them together doubles the effectiveness in fighting cancer, lowering the three highs (blood pressure, blood lipids, blood sugar), and preventing colds.
Benefits: Anti-cancer, lowers the three highs, prevents colds
White Radish and Kelp
Kelp and laver are rich in iodine. Cooking white radish and kelp together in soup helps dissolve phlegm and reduce swelling, and is effective in preventing goiter.
Benefits: Dissolves phlegm, reduces swelling, prevents goiter
White Radish and Lamb
Eating lamb in autumn and winter dispels cold, warms the heart and stomach, boosts qi and blood, nourishes the liver, and improves circulation.However, "meat generates phlegm"—excessive lamb consumption can cause internal heat. Simmering it with cooling white radish not only dissolves phlegm and reduces heat but also cuts through greasiness, creating nutritional synergy.
Benefits: Nourishes the liver, prevents internal heat
White Radish and Crucian Carp Soup
Simmering white radish and crucian carp in soup warms the middle burner, descends qi, strengthens the spleen, and drains dampness.The soup's visual appeal lies in its "two whites" combination: white radish immersed in milky-white fish broth creates an appetizing presentation.
Benefits: Warms the middle burner, regulates qi, strengthens the spleen, and drains dampness
White Radish and Tofu Soup
As temperatures drop, a steaming bowl of white radish and tofu soup offers low calories, high fiber, and quality plant protein—an excellent choice for those managing high blood pressure, high blood sugar, or high cholesterol.
Method: Slice white radish and ginger; cut tofu into cubes. Add sliced radish and ginger to water, bring to a boil, then reduce to low heat. Once radish is tender, add tofu and simmer for 5–10 minutes. Season lightly, sprinkle with chopped scallions, and serve.
Benefits: Low-calorie, high-protein—ideal for those with high blood pressure, high blood sugar, or high cholesterol.
Note: Avoid combining radish with qi-tonifying herbs like ginseng, codonopsis, or astragalus, as radish counteracts their effects. Those with spleen deficiency-cold or poor digestion should limit consumption and avoid eating raw.
How to Select White Radish
Color: Fresh white radish has a tender, pale white hue.
Weight: Fresh radishes feel heavier and have a firm surface when squeezed. Lighter weight or softness indicates lack of freshness.
Root hairs: Straight, uniform root hairs usually indicate freshness. Tangled, forked, or messy root hairs may signal a hollow-core radish.
Winter Solstice Wellness Tips
Protect Knees and Warm Feet
As winter chill sets in during the Winter Solstice, joints become vulnerable to cold exposure, increasing susceptibility to back and leg pain. Prioritize warmth by avoiding knee-exposing clothing and protecting feet. Fashion-conscious women should especially insulate ankles—ditch boat shoes and thin socks to prevent foot chill.
Nourish the Spleen and Stomach
The noticeable cooling at the start of winter can irritate the gastrointestinal tract. Metabolism increases, and digestive juices are secreted more abundantly, making this a high-risk period for digestive ulcers. Modern life's fast pace leads many to drink coffee and strong tea, eat irregularly, and favor spicy flavors—all factors that can easily cause gastrointestinal issues.
Preventing Vascular Diseases
As temperatures drop, some less active seniors may experience leg pain and swelling. While many attribute this to exposure to cold, it could actually indicate lower limb vascular disease. Conditions like peripheral arterial disease (PAD) and deep vein thrombosis (DVT) in the legs often mimic arthritis symptoms, leading patients to mistakenly believe they are experiencing a flare-up.However, if accompanied by pain, coldness, or intermittent claudication, it is advisable to seek examination at the orthopedic or general surgery department of a hospital.
Preventing Dampness from Invading the Body
Winter brings abundant rainfall, necessitating precautions against dampness-related discomforts like edema or diarrhea. If the spleen is damaged by dampness, it can lay the groundwork for winter ailments such as chronic bronchitis. Therefore, incorporate dampness-dispelling foods like lotus seeds, foxtail millet, winter melon, lotus root, and Chinese yam into your diet.
Warming and Tonifying the Kidneys
After the Start of Winter, consciously focus on tonifying the kidneys. Frequent foot soaks during this season not only nourish the kidneys but also help prevent colds, alleviate cold symptoms, and improve respiratory function. When soaking feet in hot water, add mugwort leaves. While soaking, rub the waist area by placing clenched fists on the waist points and moving them up and down for 15-20 minutes.