Five Elements and Health
What have you eaten today? Was the food colourful?
How are you feeling now?
The Five-Element Diet
The Five Elements can be used to understand the weather, the internal organs of the human body and the causes of illnesses. There are five main internal organs in our body, “Liver, Heart, Spleen, Lungs, and Kidneys”, and they all have their own functions. According to The Medical Classic of the Yellow Emperor (Huangdi Neijing), the earliest medical literature in China, the Five Elements “Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, and Water” correspond to the Five Colours “Green, Red, Yellow, White, and Black” respectively to keep the body healthy.
Wood=Liver=Green
Green Food: Good for the liver
Benefits: Facilitates detoxification by the liver, make skin and eyes radiate
Examples of food: Lettuce, cucumber, broccoli
Fire=Heart=Red
Red Food: Good for the heart
Benefits: Facilitates blood circulation and supports the heart
Examples of food: Apple, Red Rice, Red Carrots
Earth=Spleen=Yellow
Yellow Food: Good for the Spleen
Benefits: Facilitates digestion and absorption of nutrients and keeps the spleen and stomach healthy
Examples of food: Banana, Pumpkin, Brown Rice, Sweet Potato
Gold=Lungs=White
White Food: Good for the Lungs
Benefits: Good for the lungs and ensures a well-functioning respiratory system
Examples of food: Lotus Root, Pear, White Radish, Yam
Water=Kidneys=Black
Black Food: Good for the Kidneys
Benefits: Good for the kidneys and blood-making, maintains smooth hair and skin
Examples of food: Mushroom, Black Bean, Seaweed
Choose natural food! Most processed foods, such as candies and cakes, are artificially coloured. Not only are they less nutritious but also may even be harmful to the body.
Taking Care of Your Emotions
The Medical Classic of the Yellow Emperor (Huangdi Neijing) says that our five organs are also related to our emotions. When our emotions are overly excited, such as being overjoyed or furious, they can affect our physical health. But when all five of our organs are well taken care of, our emotions are in control that leaving us with a peaceful mind.
PLAY to LEARN Little Chef
Please use the Five-Element Diet principles to prepare a Five-Colour dinner for your family!
We need to know our body and learn to take good care of it. Natural food is very beneficial to the body. They are colourful and delicious. Learn the five-element diet to mix and match food. Make sure you include all five colours in your average meal. Take good care of your health!
