What Foods Are Considered Warming and Nourishing?
There are many warm and tonic foods in daily life. Common examples include lamb, dog meat, shrimp, and loach. Many nuts are also considered warm and tonic foods, such as chestnuts, walnuts, and cashews. Generally, warm and tonic foods are suitable for consumption during winter, as they can nourish the body and replenish yang energy. Men with yang deficiency should eat warm and tonic foods appropriately, while those with yang excess should consume them sparingly.
Shrimp is a nutrient-rich food containing high levels of fat, trace elements (such as phosphorus, zinc, calcium, and iron), and amino acids. It also contains hormones that help nourish the kidneys and strengthen yang energy. In the West, some people even use brandy-infused shrimp to enhance male virility. However, it should be noted that while shrimp is effective for those with kidney yang deficiency, it is not recommended for those with yin deficiency and yang excess.
Loach contains various nutrients, including protein, carbohydrates, minerals (such as calcium, phosphorus, and iron), and vitamins (VB, VA, VC). Its fat content is relatively low, and it has even less cholesterol. Additionally, loach contains unsaturated fatty acids like pentenoic acid, which can help the body resist vascular aging.
Boiled lamb is a common and preferred way to consume this meat. Its main advantage is that you can eat both the meat and drink the broth, which is highly nutritious and excellent for nourishing the body. After boiling, the lamb becomes more tender and easier to digest. Adding appropriate Chinese herbs or complementary foods during cooking can further enhance its nourishing effects. Examples of such dishes include lamb soup with angelica, lamb soup with goji berries, lamb soup with astragalus, lamb and radish soup, lamb and tofu soup, and lamb and pig's trotter soup.
According to traditional Chinese medicine, chestnuts are considered the "fruit of the kidneys" and have excellent effects on nourishing the kidneys and stomach. Many famous Chinese medicine practitioners throughout history have believed that chestnuts have a sweet taste and warm nature, and they are non-toxic. They belong to the spleen, stomach, and kidney meridians and can nourish the spleen, strengthen the kidneys, reinforce the tendons, promote blood circulation, and stop bleeding. They are suitable for treating chronic diarrhea caused by spleen and stomach yang deficiency, soreness and weakness in the waist and knees, frequent urination, as well as traumatic injuries and other symptoms. They are especially effective for patients with kidney deficiency.
Walnut kernels have a sweet taste and warm nature. They can nourish the kidneys and yang energy, tonify the lungs, stop coughs, eliminate phlegm, and lubricate the intestines to relieve constipation. They can be used to treat coughs caused by deficiency in both the lungs and kidneys, dryness and constipation of the intestines, low back pain due to kidney deficiency, and difficult urination. Throughout history, medical experts have considered walnuts as an excellent medicine for nourishing the kidneys. They can be used as adjunctive therapy for various kidney-related conditions, such as weak legs and low back pain, impotence and semen leakage, as well as shortness of breath and frequent urination caused by kidney dysfunction.
