Spinach and Sweet potato and Tomato and Tomato

Spinach

Sweet (Earth), cool, balance of Yin and Yang

Spinach nourishes qi and the blood; its high iron content makes it a useful remedy for anemia. Spinach has a cool, glossy texture, which exerts a lubricating effect on ailments of a hot, dry nature, such as a dry and rasping cough, thirst, and red and dry mucus in the mouth and nose. Spinach also nourishes the intestines; this, coupled with its smooth texture, make it a good laxative. Spinach broth is a remedy for intoxication. Spinach is often eaten to stop hair loss. Another of its recognized characteristics is that spinach arrests bleeding. It is therefore consumed as a remedy against nosebleed, as well as for anal bleeding. Protein, 0.4 g; Fat, 0.1 g; Fiber, –; Carbohydrate, 0.7 g; Vitamin A, 1232 IU; Vitamin B1, 0.01 mg; Vitamin B2, 0.04 mg; Niacin, 0.1 mg; Vitamin C, 8 mg; Calcium, 16 mg; Phosphorus, 8 mg; Iron, 0.22 mg

Sweet potato

Sweet (Earth), neutral, Yang

Sweet potato nourishes the spleen, liver, blood, and qi. It is a valid remedyfor constipation and for indigestion. Sweet potato soup will help to clear the head after drinking alcohol. Its diaphoretic effects render it effective against the common cold. Protein, 2.7 g; Fat, 0.5 g; Fiber, –; Carbohydrate, 39.8 g; Vitamin A, 27,968 IU; Vitamin B1, 0.09 mg; Vitamin B2, 0.23 mg; Niacin, 1.1 mg; Vitamin C, 28 mg; Calcium, 35 mg; Phosphorus, 44 mg; Iron, 0.92 mg

Tomato

Sweet and sour (Earth and Wood), slightly cold, Yin

Tomato dissipates heat and stimulates the appetite and digestion. In China, raw tomato is served as an appetizer to promote digestion. It is prescribed to treat anemia, high blood pressure, constipation, and indigestion. A decoction made from the tomato plant is used to treat amoebic dysentery. Protein, 1.1 g; Fat, 0.3 g; Fiber, 1.0 g; Carbohydrate, 5.3 g; Vitamin A, 1394 IU; Vitamin B1, 0.07 mg; Vitamin B2, 0.06 mg; Niacin, 0.7; Vitamin C, 22 mg; Calcium, 8 mg; Phosphorus, 29 mg; Iron, 0.59 mg

hancheng

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