Seasonal Eating and Nutrient Deficiency: A TCM Perspective
by Gavin Larsen
The pursuit of maintaining immunity and vitality becomes particularly challenging in the winter months. As the cold sets in, we become susceptible to coughs, colds, and a lingering sense of lethargy.
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) recommends adjusting your diet based on the season to support your overall well-being. During the colder month, it’s advisable to incorporate warming foods into your meals, such as root vegetables, whole grains, and cooked dishes. These types of foods can help enhance and maintain the body's Yang energy, which is important during colder months.
In addition to adjusting your diet to support your body's Yang energy, TCM also advises paying attention to potential nutrient deficiencies that may occur this time of year. Vitamin C, for example, is less readily available, so it's important to include foods that are rich in this essential nutrient. Vitamin C can help combat potential deficiencies and strengthen the immune system, which can be particularly beneficial in preventing coughs and colds that are common during the fall and winter.
Asian poached pears can be a nourishing and delicious remedy to combat these issues while boosting essential nutrients. Additionally, including medicinal herbs and supplements may be recommended for specific nutrient deficiencies.
Asian Poached Pear Recipe for Seasonal Health
This simple recipe is a tasty addition to your winter cookbook and can help improve your immune system and energy levels.
Ingredients:
2 Asian pears
4 cups water
2-3 slices of fresh ginger
2-3 dried red dates (Jujubes)
1 tablespoon honey (optional)
Instructions:
Start by washing and peeling the pears, making sure to leave the stems intact. Then, core the pears from the bottom, creating a small cavity for the filling.
In a pot, add water, ginger slices, and dried red dates. Bring the mixture to a boil.
Carefully place the prepared pears into the boiling water. Reduce the heat to a simmer and cover the pot.
Allow the pears to simmer for approximately 30-40 minutes, or until they are soft but still firm.
If desired, add honey to the poaching liquid and stir until it is fully dissolved.
Serve the poached pears warm, with a drizzle of the poaching liquid.
Health Benefits:
Asian pears are incredibly nutritious and contain a high amount of vitamin C, which is known for its immune-boosting properties. This can be particularly beneficial in fighting off coughs and colds, as it helps to strengthen the immune system.
Moreover, this dish is not only delicious but also aligns perfectly with the principles of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). According to TCM, it is important to nourish the body's Yang energy and combat dryness, especially during the colder seasons. The warmth of this dish helps to achieve exactly that, making it an excellent choice for staying healthy and balanced.
To enhance the nourishing properties of this dish even further, ginger and red dates have been added. These ingredients not only provide additional warmth but also offer numerous health benefits, particularly for digestion. By incorporating ginger and red dates, this dish becomes even more beneficial for promoting digestive health and overall well-being.
A Recipe for Seasonal Vitality
The principles of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) offer a rich understanding of how our diets can harmonize with nature. Rooted in this wisdom, adjusting your nutrition to align with the energetics of the seasons can help support your body's natural rhythms and promote overall health, immunity, and vitality.
For personalized guidance on holistic well-being through TCM, book an appointment with a qualified Acupuncture & Traditional Chinese Medicine practitioner.
Gavin Larsen, R.Ac., R.TCM.P.
Gavin Larsen, an esteemed Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioner and Acupuncturist in good standing with the College of Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioners and Acupuncturists of British Columbia (CTCMA), places significant importance on educating his clients in ways that empower them to achieve their goals.
