Did you know that celery can help prevent hypertension, oats can lower high cholesterol, red dates can combat anemia, and black fungus can help prevent retinal artery hemorrhages? Additionally, foods like lily bulbs, purslane, and bitter melon can be used to fight bacterial and viral infections.

As the ancient Chinese medical text, Huang di Nei jing Su Wen黄帝内经素问, states, “Regulate your diet and carefully balance the five flavors.” Traditional Chinese medicine emphasizes the use of food as medicine, and many common Chinese ingredients can be used to prevent and treat diseases. Interestingly, many foods found in American supermarkets also have medicinal properties.

Let’s explore a few common foods and their health benefits:

Onion: Effective in treating the common cold, onion can also help prevent cardiovascular hardening and lower cholesterol. However, it should be avoided by those who are weak and prone to sweating.

Mint: Beneficial for treating heat-related colds, mint is suitable for people with hot temperaments, depression, and bloody stools. However, those with cold abdominal pain during menstruation should avoid it.

Banana: Regular consumption of bananas can alleviate symptoms of chronic constipation, hypertension, and coronary heart disease. However, individuals with kidney disease should limit their intake.

Eggplant: Known for its cooling and detoxifying properties, eggplant can also promote urination. However, those with chronic diarrhea should avoid excessive consumption.

Tomato: Rich in glucose, fructose, and organic acids, tomatoes can benefit people with hypertension and kidney disease. However, individuals with joint pain should consume them with caution.

For more information on the health benefits of various foods, please consult Ting Xie, PhD, LAC.