This year, the Hanlu is on the 8th of October. The term “Hanlu” literally means “cold dew,” which indicates the further cooling of temperature in the northern hemisphere. Around this time, the high-pressure system from the north will gradually occupy the temperate zone and move towards subtropics. Since the weather is going to get cold, it is also a good time to preserve the yang and foster the yin. Here are some food choices to help you prepare for the cold winds.
Sesame Seeds
Sesame is usually used as an ingredient in cooking for its pleasant flavour. However, it is also an herbal medicine according to Traditional Chinese Medicine. The Compendium of Materia Medica (Ben Cao Gang Mu) highly praised sesame for its various effects, including boosting stomach functions, improving digestion, relieving constipation, reducing blood pressure, stopping coughing, and calming the nerves.
Modern science has shown that sesame seeds are highly nutritious. They contain a lot of dietary fibers, proteins, B vitamins, iron, magnesium, calcium, phosphorus, and zinc.
Persimmon
Persimmon is a kind of edible fruit that looks and somewhat taste like tomatoes. Chinese people actually call the tomatoes “western persimmons.” Persimmons usually ripen around this time so people can eat fresh ones of them.
Persimmons can stop coughing, moisturizing the lungs, and stimulating saliva production. They can protect your respiratory system during dry autumn weather. They also contain a lot of dietary fibers, manganese, iron, vitamin C, and provitamin A beta-carotene.
Lotus Root
After the lotus flowers blossom in summer, the lotus roots mature in autumn. They give a distinctive refreshing fragrance and are tasty. They can improve blood circulation, boost appetite, enhance digestion, and relieve diarrhea. Some studies also indicate that lotus roots may regulate blood pressure and reduce stress.
The lotus root is rich in vitamins and minerals. It contains potassium, phosphorus, copper, iron, manganese, thiamin, pantothenic acid, zinc, vitamin B6, and vitamin C. It is also a very significant source of dietary fiber and a decent source of protein.
Sugarcane
Sugarcane is juicy and sweet. It can quickly replenish water and carbohydrates for the body. Besides, chewing sugarcane is good for teeth and oral hygiene because the bagasse can clean your teeth and remove plaque.
Sugarcane contains various minerals, such as iron, potassium, calcium, zinc, magnesium, and selenium. It also contains different kinds of amino acids and vitamins C and E.
Sesame seeds are probably more prevalent than the other three. Fresh persimmons are hard to preserve as they are very squishy, and edible lotus roots are not common in grocery stores. However, you can purchase dried slices of them and eat them as snacks. Alternatively, you can use molecular scalar and put the slices on the receiver coil to receive their benefits. Stay warm and eat healthily!
