From a Chinese medicine perspective, the strength of your digestion is central to your overall health and well-being. The digestive system, often referred to as the Spleen and Stomach in Chinese medicine, plays a vital role in transforming food into the energy (Qi) and nutrients your body needs. To support this process, consuming warm cooked foods is highly recommended. Unlike raw or cold foods, warm cooked foods are easier for the digestive system to process, reducing strain on the Spleen and allowing it to function optimally. This simple dietary choice can have profound effects on your energy levels, immunity, and even mental clarity.
Strong Digestion
According to Chinese medicine, the Spleen thrives in a warm and stable environment. Cold or raw foods, such as salads, smoothies, or iced drinks, are believed to dampen the Spleen’s function, leading to sluggish digestion and symptoms like bloating, gas, and fatigue. Warm cooked foods, on the other hand, provide nourishment that is already partially broken down, making it easier for the Spleen and Stomach to absorb and distribute nutrients. These foods also promote the circulation of Qi and Blood, essential for maintaining balance and vitality in the body.
Another benefit of eating warm cooked foods is their ability to strengthen the digestive fire, known as “Stomach Yang.” This digestive fire is responsible for breaking down food efficiently and converting it into usable energy. When the Stomach Yang is weakened—often due to a diet high in cold or processed foods—you may experience symptoms such as poor appetite, loose stools, or a feeling of heaviness after eating. Nutritious, warm soups, stews, and gently cooked vegetables help rekindle this digestive fire, enhancing the overall efficiency of your digestion.
Warm Cooked Foods Essential In Winter
Warm cooked foods are particularly beneficial during colder months or for individuals with weaker constitutions. Seasonal eating is an important principle in Chinese medicine, and during winter, the body’s energy naturally turns inward. Consuming warming, nourishing meals prepared in the Instapot, crockpot, or pressured cooker align with this inward movement, supporting the body’s natural rhythms and conserving energy. Conversely, eating cold or raw foods during this time can disrupt the balance, leaving you more susceptible to colds, fatigue, or digestive distress.
Even in warmer months, incorporating warm cooked foods into your diet can help maintain a harmonious balance. A simple adjustment, such as lightly steaming your vegetables instead of eating them raw or opting for room-temperature water instead of iced beverages, can significantly improve digestive health. For individuals prone to digestive issues, these small changes can be transformative.
Warm Food, Warm Smile
In summary, warm cooked foods are a cornerstone of good digestive health in Chinese medicine. They support the Spleen and Stomach, strengthen the digestive fire, and harmonize the body’s internal energy. By embracing warm cooked foods in your diet, you can nurture your digestion, enhance your energy, and improve your overall well-being. This timeless wisdom from Chinese medicine is a gentle yet powerful reminder of the importance of mindful eating for long-term health.
Here are two simple Instant Pot recipes for warm, cooked foods that are both delicious and supportive of digestive health according to Chinese medicine principles.
Ginger Chicken Congee
Ingredients
1 cup jasmine or basmati rice (rinsed)
8 cups water or chicken broth
1 boneless, skinless chicken breast
2 slices of fresh ginger
2 scallions, thinly sliced
1 tsp sesame oil (optional)
Salt to taste
Instructions
Prepare Ingredients
Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear.
Combine in Instant Pot: Add rice, water or broth, chicken breast, and ginger slices to the Instant Pot.
Cook
Set to “Pressure Cook” on high for 20 minutes. Let it naturally release pressure for 10 minutes before manually releasing the rest.
Shred the Chicken: Remove the chicken breast, shred it with a fork, and return it to the pot.
Season
Stir the congee, adding salt to taste. Serve in bowls topped with scallions and a drizzle of sesame oil if desired.
Congee is gentle on the stomach, easy to digest, and nourishing for the Spleen and Stomach. Ginger adds a warming quality, which enhances digestion and circulation.
Sweet Potato Lentil Stew
Ingredients
1 tbsp olive oil
1 small onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp ground turmeric
1 tsp ground cumin
1 cup red lentils (rinsed)
2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and diced
4 cups vegetable or chicken broth
1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
2 cups fresh spinach (optional)
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh cilantro or parsley for garnish
Instructions
Sauté Aromatics
Turn the Instant Pot to “Sauté” mode. Add olive oil, onion, and garlic, and cook until fragrant. Stir in turmeric and cumin.
Add Ingredients: Add lentils, sweet potatoes, broth, and diced tomatoes. Stir to combine.
Cook
Seal the lid and set the Instant Pot to “Pressure Cook” on high for 10 minutes. Allow a 10-minute natural release before manually releasing the remaining pressure.
Add Spinach (Optional): Stir in spinach while the stew is hot, allowing it to wilt.
Season and Serve
Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Garnish with fresh herbs before serving.
Sweet potatoes and lentils are warming and nourishing foods, rich in nutrients that support the Spleen and Stomach. Turmeric and cumin add digestive fire, while spinach provides a gentle boost of nutrients.
Both recipes are quick, nutrient-dense, and perfect for creating warm cooked foods that support your digestion and overall health. Enjoy!
Next Steps
If you are experiencing fatigue, poor concentration, digestive or bowel dysfunction, you may want to try acupuncture to strengthen your Spleen and Stomach Qi. Likewise, acupuncture can help with weight loss by strengthening your stomach and digestion.
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