From the perspective of traditional Chinese medicine, what is better to eat to nourish the five internal organs?

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), it is believed that the five colors nourish the five internal organs. The liver corresponds to wood in the five elements, and since wood is associated with the color green, green foods are thought to benefit the liver. For those with a weak liver function, it's advisable to consume more green foods in daily life. Green vegetables, in particular, when consumed regularly, can help maintain the body's acid-alkaline balance and reduce the risk of cancer to some extent. From a health-preserving perspective, eating green foods can also alleviate stress and relax the mind. Moreover, people with liver issues often have poor eyesight, and consuming more green foods can be beneficial for protecting vision and eye health. Nutritionists recommend increasing intake of dark green fruits and vegetables because they are rich in Vitamin A, which is significant for vision and the body's circulation. Liver-supportive foods include broccoli, spinach, celery, leaf mustard, and lettuce.

From the perspective of traditional Chinese medicine, what is better to eat to nourish the five internal organs?

In the five elements, the spleen corresponds to earth, represented by the color yellow, meaning yellow foods are considered to nourish the spleen. Ancient Chinese medical texts have recorded the benefits of yellow foods for the spleen and stomach. Therefore, those with weak or unbalanced spleen and stomach functions should eat more yellow foods in moderation. Common yellow staples include millet, corn, and soybeans, while yellow fruits encompass bananas, papayas, and oranges, with pumpkins and carrots being typical yellow vegetables. These yellow foods are particularly suitable for regular consumption by individuals with weak spleen and stomach functions. Additionally, from 7 to 11 a.m. is the peak time for the spleen and stomach's activity, so eating yellow foods during this period can enhance their nourishing effects.

From the perspective of traditional Chinese medicine, what is better to eat to nourish the five internal organs?

Those familiar with TCM know that the five colors nurture the five internal organs. In the five elements, fire corresponds to the heart, symbolized by the color red, thus red foods are believed to nourish the heart. To maintain a healthy heart, one should consume more red foods. Among commonly used fruits and vegetables, apples and carrots are top choices for heart maintenance. Apples and carrots are nutritionally comprehensive and tasty, stimulating appetite visually while improving emotional stability related to weakened heart function. Therefore, incorporating red fruits and vegetables into the diet is an excellent choice for heart health.

The concept of "five colors entering the five organs" suggests that different colored foods have special nourishing effects on specific organs. The lungs are no exception; they correspond to metal in the five elements, represented by the color white, indicating that white foods moisten the lungs. For individuals with weaker lung functions, it is beneficial to consume more white foods to nourish the lungs. White radish, lotus root, Chinese cabbage, and tofu are examples of such foods that, when eaten regularly, can nourish and strengthen the lungs. Furthermore, those who catch colds easily or suffer from frequent coughing and inflammation in the lungs and bronchi usually have weaker lungs and could also benefit from consuming more white foods to enhance lung health.

Vital organs are like essential parts of a car; if any part fails, the car is affected, and similarly, our bodies face obstacles. Hence, maintaining the health of the five organs is extremely important.