Rice bran and Soybean and Tofu
2 min readRice bran
Pungent (Metal), warm, strong Yang
Rice bran, a diaphoretic, dissipates cold and affects the stomach and intestines. An ancient remedy for beriberi, rice bran is commonly used in China for treating constipation. When mixed with honey, it provides relief from coughs. Protein, 11.9 g; Fat, 21.7 g; Fiber, –; Carbohydrate, 45.6 g; Vitamin A, 0 IU; Vitamin B1, 2.21 mg; Vitamin B2, 0.26 mg; Niacin, 31.2 mg; Vitamin C, 0 mg; Calcium, 355 mg; Phosphorus, –; Iron, 7.88 mg
Soybean
Sweet (Earth), neutral, weak Yang
Soybeans have been used medicinally in China for five thousand years. Because of their high protein content and ease of digestion, they are one of the most valuable ingredients in Chinese cuisine. Soybeans energize the entire body, nourishing the spleen and lubricating the intestines. They build muscles and regulate body fat, and are therefore valuable for low-fat and weight-reducing diets. Soybeans are commonly used as a remedy for malnutrition, poor digestion, diarrhea, and high cholesterol. A product of soybeans used extensively in Chinese cuisine and medicine is tofu. Protein, 11 g; Fat, 5.8 g; Fiber, –; Carbohydrate, 10 g; Vitamin A, 140 IU; Vitamin B1, 0.23 mg; Vitamin B2, 0.14 mg; Niacin, 1.1 mg; Vitamin C, 15 mg; Calcium, 131 mg; Phosphorus, 142 mg; Iron, 2.25 mg
Tofu
Sweet (Earth), cool, balance of Yin and Yang
Tofu (pronounced doe-fu in China) is made from dried, crushed soybeans that are boiled and then coagulated to form solid tofu and soymilk. Tofu is soft and pudding-like; the rubbery skin that forms on the surface during coagulation, called bamboo tofu, is an important ingredient of Chinese vegetarian cuisine. Tofu dissipates heat and dryness. It tones the entire body and is particularly nourishing to the blood and qi. Tofu is used to treat chronic amoebic dysentery; anemia; stubborn, dry cough; nausea; vomiting; intoxication; high blood pressure; insufficient lactation; and arthritis and rheumatism. According to recent Western research, soy protein’s ability to clear cholesterol from the blood is unsurpassed by any other foodstuff.6 Protein, 11 g; Fat, 2.3 g; Fiber, –; Carbohydrate, 11 g; Vitamin A, 209 IU; Vitamin B1, 0.2 mg; Vitamin B2, 0.13 mg; Niacin, 0.5 mg; Vitamin C, 0 mg; Calcium, 258 mg; Phosphorus, 239 mg; Iron, 13.9 mg
