In TCM, certain colours are associated with certain seasons, and consuming foods of those colours during those seasons can help support the body. In the winter, we should eat foods that are dark in colour, black, purple, such as black beans and blueberries…
Winter is the season of rest and restoration. In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), it is believed that during the winter months, our bodies require foods that are warm, nourishing, and rich in nutrients to help us stay healthy and energized. According to TCM, the Water element dominates during winter, and it is recommended to consume foods that are dark in color, such as black, purple, and blue. In addition to these, salty foods and water element foods like seaweed and seafood are also recommended.
Let’s take a closer look at some of the recommended foods in TCM for the winter season:
Dark-colored foods
Foods that are dark in color are believed to nourish the Kidney and Bladder meridians, which are associated with the Water element. Some examples of dark-colored foods include:
- Blueberries
- Blackberries
- Black beans
- Cocoa
- Eggplant
- Plums
- Figs
Salty foods
Salty foods are recommended in TCM for the winter season as they help to balance the body’s fluids, which is especially important during the winter months when the body tends to retain fluids. Some examples of salty foods include:
- Soya sauce
- Miso
- Teriyaki
- Salted peanuts
- Cured fish
Water element foods
Water element foods are believed to nourish the Kidney and Bladder meridians, which are associated with the Water element. Some examples of water element foods include:
- Seaweed
- Fish and seafood
- Lotus root
- Celery
Incorporating these foods into your winter diet can help to nourish your body, boost your immune system, and increase your energy levels. Here’s a complete list of foods that are recommended in TCM for the winter season:
- Adzuki beans
- Aronia
- Beets
- Black beans
- Blackberries
- Blackcurrant
- Black olives
- Black sesame seeds
- Blueberries
- Celery
- Cocoa
- Eggplant
- Figs
- Fish and seafood
- Kale
- Kelp
- Lotus root
- Miso
- Moulded cheese
- Plums
- Prunes
- Pork
- Purple carrot
- Purple chiccory
- Radicchio
- Raisins
- Red cabbage
- Red kidney beans
- Red onion
- Rucola
- Seaweed
- Soya sauce
- Ube
- Watercress
In conclusion, TCM recommends consuming warm, nourishing, and nutrient-dense foods during the winter months. Dark-colored foods, salty foods, and water element foods like seaweed and seafood are some of the recommended foods in TCM for the winter season. Incorporating these foods into your diet can help you stay healthy, energized, and balanced during the colder months.
