The beginning of autumn every year means that the hot summer is about to pass and the cool autumn is coming.
In traditional Chinese medicine and food culture, the beginning of autumn is an important time of change. At this time, the body's needs also change, and more nutrients are needed to adapt to climate changes and strengthen immunity. Today, we are going to introduce a very important eating habit after the beginning of autumn - eating "autumn three fresh".
What is "Autumn Three Fresh"?
"Autumn Sanxian" refers to three ingredients that are very suitable for consumption after the beginning of autumn, which are not only delicious, but also rich in nutrients, which can effectively help us through the transition of seasons. So, which are the three freshnesses of this "autumn three freshness"?
Eggplant: the treasure of balance between summer and autumn
Eggplant is very common in the late summer and early autumn seasons. It is rich in vitamin C, vitamin B, potassium, magnesium and other nutrients. The purple pigment in eggplant is a powerful antioxidant that can help remove free radicals from the body and slow down the aging process. Eggplant is also high in fiber, which can promote gastrointestinal motility and prevent constipation.
Eggplant can be made in a variety of ways and can be stir-fried, stewed, steamed, roasted, and even made into eggplant sauce. I recommend a home-cooked dish - garlic eggplant. The eggplant is steamed and torn into strips and mixed with garlic, soy sauce, sesame oil and other seasonings, which not only tastes delicious, but also retains more nutrients.
Lotus root: a good product for moisturizing and nourishing the lungs
Lotus root is a very popular ingredient in autumn, especially after the beginning of autumn, when the climate gradually dries out and the lungs need more moisture. Lotus root is rich in vitamin C, dietary fiber and a variety of minerals, which has the effect of moistening the lungs and relieving cough, strengthening the spleen and appetizing.
Lotus root can be mixed cold, boiled in soup, and stir-fried. Lotus root pork rib soup is especially recommended, this soup not only nourishes the body, but also strengthens the immune system. Boil the lotus root and pork ribs together, add ginger slices and a pinch of salt, and simmer until the pork ribs are crispy, the lotus root is soft and glutinous, and the soup is sweet, which is both delicious and nutritious.
Soybean sprouts: a good product for leveling and replenishing the five organs
Soybean sprouts are a vegetable after soybean sprouts have been sprouted, and they are rich in a variety of vitamins and minerals, especially vitamin C and folic acid. Soybean sprouts are also very high in protein and are known as "plant-based meat". Eating soybean sprouts after the beginning of autumn helps to flatten the five organs, especially to nourish the liver and eyes, moisten dryness and nourish the body.
There are also many ways to cook soybean sprouts, and they are very delicious in stir-fried, cold dressing, and boiled soup. A simple stir-fried pork fillet with soybean sprouts is a nutritious home-cooked dish. Stir-fry the slices of meat until fragrant, then add soybean sprouts, stir-fry slightly, drizzle with a little soy sauce and salt, and a delicious dish with both color and flavor is complete.
The nutritional value of "Autumn Three Fresh".
Eating "Autumn Three Fresh" is not only to satisfy the taste buds, but more importantly, their nutritional value.
Boosts immunity
Eggplant, lotus root, and soybean sprouts are all rich in vitamin C, a powerful antioxidant that boosts the immune system and helps the body defend itself against viruses and bacteria. Especially at the turn of the seasons, the weakening of immunity can easily lead to various diseases, and moderate intake of vitamin C can effectively improve this situation.
Protects the cardiovascular system
Both the anthocyanins in eggplant and the unsaturated fatty acids in soybean sprouts help protect the cardiovascular system. Anthocyanins lower blood cholesterol levels, while unsaturated fatty acids help prevent arteriosclerosis.
Improves gastrointestinal function
The dietary fiber content in "Autumn Three Fresh" is quite rich, which can promote gastrointestinal peristalsis, help digestion, and prevent constipation. Especially in the season when the temperature changes greatly, the stomach and intestines are easily irritated, and moderate intake of dietary fiber can protect gastrointestinal health.
How to incorporate "Autumn Three Fresh" into your daily diet?
Weekend family dinners
Weekends are a great time for family gatherings, and you can prepare some dishes based on "Autumn Three Fresh", which can enhance the family atmosphere and enjoy the food. For example, you can prepare eggplant with garlic, pork ribs soup with lotus root, and stir-fried pork slices with soybean sprouts, which are three dishes that are nutritionally balanced and rich in taste.
Weekday bento
In the Chinese food on weekdays, it can also be integrated into the "autumn three fresh". For example, a variety of cold dishes made with lotus root and eggplant are not only easy to carry, but also nutritious. Stir-fried pork slices with soybean sprouts can also be used as a main dish in a bento, and they are perfect with rice or noodles.
Healthy breakfast
Breakfast is the most important meal of the day, and you can add soybean sprouts from "Autumn Three Fresh" to your breakfast. For example, making a soybean sprout omelet is easy to make and nutritious. In addition, lotus root porridge is also a very good choice, which can provide energy and moisturize the body.
After the beginning of autumn, if you have money or not, don't forget to eat "Autumn Three Fresh". These ingredients are not only delicious, but also nutritious, which can help us better survive the change of seasons. Through the introduction of this article, I hope that everyone can better understand and pay more attention to the importance of "autumn three fresh", and make more use of it in their daily diet. Let's enjoy the food together, the more you eat, the healthier you get!
Feel free to share your recipes and cooking tips in the comments section, or ask any questions about autumn diets. Communicate together, make progress together, and contribute to a healthy life!
Source: Wen 丨 Yun Qi Miscellaneous Talk