Excess heat can manifest in our bodies for a number of reasons, including hot weather, an imbalanced diet, warm body constitution, and illness. If you are afflicted with excess heat, you may be troubled with symptoms such as migraines, indigestion, acne, and irritability. Incorporating cooling foods into your diet is a simple way to address these symptoms. Let’s explore some of the most common fruits and vegetables used in Traditional Chinese Medicine for cooling.
Fruits for Cooling
Sweet fruits such as apples are often a great choice for cooling the body. Apples nourish the skin and support the digestive system, making them particularly effective in addressing heat symptoms such as acid reflux, stomach ulcers, and acne.
Watermelon, with its refreshing and hydrating properties, is another go-to fruit for cooling down. Its high water content aids in quenching thirst and replenishing bodily fluids, while its sweet taste makes it a favored fruit in TCM for reducing body heat and supporting kidney function.
Citrus fruits, including lemons, oranges, and grapefruits, are also recognized for their cooling effects. Known for their ability to improve qi circulation, support digestion, and replenish bodily fluids, citrus fruits are great for alleviating symptoms of excessive heat.
Some more fruits that can keep your inner cool include bananas, pears, strawberries, and cantaloupe.
Vegetables for Cooling
Leafy green vegetables, like lettuce, boast a high water content, making them easily digestible and hydrating. Moreover, their bitter taste is known in TCM to help alleviate heat-related symptoms and provide relief and balance.
Cucumber, renowned for its cooling and detoxifying properties, is highly effective in clearing heat and eliminating toxins from the body. Cucumber can alleviate symptoms such as acne, irritation, and indigestion associated with excess heat.
Asparagus, characterized by its sweet and bitter taste, possesses multiple cooling properties. This vegetable helps clear heat, relieve dampness, regulate fluid circulation, and eliminate toxins, ultimately contributing to a balanced and cool body.
The list of cooling vegetables doesn’t end here. Other options you can try include kale, celery, Chinese broccoli, and bok choy.
Maintaining a balanced body temperature is crucial for our overall well being. With the help of these cooling foods, you can find relief from heat-related discomfort and support your body’s natural balance.