Autumn winds sweep across the pond, scattering emerald leaves while carrying tender, white lotus root segments to the table.
"Every part of the lotus is a treasure, with autumn lotus root being the most nourishing." Sweet and cooling in nature, lotus root benefits the heart, spleen, and stomach meridians. Raw, it clears heat, generates fluids, cools blood, and stops bleeding; cooked, it fortifies the spleen and stomach, nourishes blood, and promotes tissue regeneration.Slightly sweet and crisp, lotus root can be eaten raw or cooked, serving both culinary and medicinal purposes. Its nutritional value is particularly high in autumn.
Ma Meijing recommends trying osmanthus honey-glazed lotus root this season. Rich in vitamin C and dietary fiber, lotus root benefits those with constipation or indigestion.Rich in trace elements like iron and calcium, plant protein, and vitamins, it strengthens the body.
Simultaneously, lotus root emits a unique, refreshing fragrance. Containing tannins, it aids spleen health and alleviates diarrhea, while enhancing appetite and digestion.Glutinous rice, sweet and warm in nature, enters the spleen, stomach, and lung meridians. Rich in protein, carbohydrates, and B vitamins, it serves as a warming tonic. It fortifies the middle energizer, strengthens the spleen and stomach, and stops spontaneous sweating. It offers relief for poor appetite, abdominal distension, and diarrhea. When consumed together, lotus root and glutinous rice synergize to fortify the middle energizer, nourish yin, and enrich blood.
Moreover, autumn is the most suitable season for nourishing the body. Supplementing during this time can reduce viral infections and prevent the recurrence of old ailments when winter arrives.
The principle for tonifying during the Start of Autumn is "less pungent, more sour." Minimize consumption of pungent foods like scallions, ginger, garlic, spicy dishes, fried foods, and alcohol. Increase intake of sour fruits and vegetables to nourish the liver. Focus on "light tonification" and "balanced tonification," incorporating foods that strengthen the spleen, clear heat, and promote diuresis to improve symptoms of spleen-stomach deficiency such as poor appetite and indigestion.
Autumn's dryness can easily deplete bodily fluids, so meals should focus on "nourishing yin and moistening the lungs." Avoid excessive consumption of warming foods like lamb, deer antler, or cinnamon, as these can exacerbate autumn dryness.