As the heat of summer starts to fade away, we transition into late summer, a time of transition and change. According to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), the late summer months are associated with the earth element, which is said to govern our digestive system and the transformation and transportation of food.
During this time, it’s important to nourish our bodies with foods that are not only nutritious but also in harmony with the season. It’s also the best time to build your immunity for the coming autumn and winter. In TCM, the colour yellow is associated with the earth element, and it’s believed that consuming yellow foods can help support our digestive system and overall health during late summer.
Yellow foods are typically high in nutrients like vitamin C, vitamin A, and beta-carotene, which can help to support the immune system and promote healthy digestion. Some examples of yellow foods to include in your diet during late summer include:
So, what are some examples of yellow foods that we should be incorporating into our diets during late summer? Here’s a complete list:
- Banana
- Cold-pressed canola oil
- Lemons
- Mango
- Pineapple
- Yellow apples
- Yellow corn
- Yellow beets
- Yellow lentils
- Yellow peppers
- Yellow tomato
- Butternut squash
- Onion
- Pumpkin
- Rutabaga
In TCM, the earth element is also associated with the spleen and stomach, which are responsible for breaking down and digesting food. Consuming yellow foods that are easy to digest can help support our digestive system and prevent digestive issues such as bloating, gas, and constipation.
By incorporating these yellow foods into your diet during late summer, you can help to nourish your body and promote overall health and wellness. So why not try adding some yellow peppers to your next stir-fry or enjoying a bowl of corn chowder? Your body will thank you for it!
