beneficial food for 5 five organs
Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) believes in the concept of "colors corresponding the five organs," which aligns with the TCM theory of the "Five Elements."
Each color is associated with specific health benefits corresponding to each of the body's major organs. In the Huangdi Neijing (The Yellow Emperor's Inner Canon), it is written: “Colors and flavors are associated with the five organs: white for the lungs, spicy; red for the heart, bitter; green for the liver, sour; yellow for the spleen, sweet; and black for the kidneys, salty.”
Here is an explanation of the relationship between food colors and organ health:
1. Green for the Liver
According to TCM, the liver corresponds to the Wood element, and green and sour flavors benefit the liver. Common green, liver-nourishing foods include purslane, spinach, broccoli, chickweed, cucumber, loofah, and green tea. Those who often feel irritable, experience low moods, sigh frequently, or have a dry and bitter taste in the mouth should focus on supporting liver health.
2. Red for the Heart
In TCM, the heart corresponds to the Fire element, and red and bitter flavors nourish the heart. Common red, heart-nourishing foods include hawthorn, adzuki beans, red beans, red dates, and cherries. People with heart deficiency, who often feel palpitations or are easily startled, should consider heart-nourishing foods.
3. Yellow for the Spleen
In TCM, the spleen is linked to the Earth element, with yellow and sweet flavors benefiting the spleen. Common yellow foods that support the spleen include coix seeds, pumpkin, ginger, chestnuts, sweet potatoes, soybeans, and corn. Those with spleen deficiency may experience fatigue, loose stools, and abdominal bloating and should focus on foods that strengthen the spleen.
4. White for the Lungs
According to TCM, the lungs correspond to the Metal element, with white and spicy flavors entering the lungs. Common white, lung-moistening foods include snow pears, water chestnuts, figs, winter melon, white radishes, white fungus, lotus root, lilies, and yam. People with lung qi or yin deficiency, who often have a dry cough, no phlegm, or catch colds easily, should consider foods that moisten and nourish the lungs.
5. Black for the Kidneys
In TCM, the kidneys correspond to the Water element, with black and salty flavors entering the kidneys. Common black, kidney-nourishing foods include black beans, black rice, black sesame seeds, black fungus, morinda root, and cistanche. Those with kidney deficiency, who experience lower back and knee soreness, heel pain, or fatigue, should consider foods that strengthen the kidneys.
