Are Peanuts a Cooling or Heating Food? - An Exploration of the Nature of Peanuts
Peanuts are a common nut, loved by many for their crispy texture and rich flavor. However, in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) theory, the nature of food is closely related to human health. So, are peanuts considered a cooling or heating food? This article will explore this question from a TCM perspective.
I. The Efficacy and Nutritional Components of Peanuts
Peanuts are rich in nutrients such as protein, fat, carbohydrates, and vitamin E. They can supplement the body's required nutrients, enhance physical fitness, and also have multiple benefits like lowering blood lipids, reducing blood pressure, and preventing arteriosclerosis.
II. Introduction to the Concept of "Food Nature"
In TCM theory, every food has its specific nature; some are warming, while others are cooling. The effects food has on the body after consumption are what is known as its "food nature".
III. Characteristics of Cooling FoodsCooling foods are characterized by their refreshing and moistening properties. They can clear heat and detoxify, and have effects such as reducing inflammation, relieving pain, and stopping bleeding. Common cooling foods include cucumbers, bitter melon, and watermelon.
IV. Characteristics of Heating Foods
Heating foods are characterized by their warming and Yang-tonifying properties. They can warm the middle burner and stomach, promote blood circulation, and have effects such as enhancing physical fitness and boosting immunity. Common heating foods include chili peppers, ginger, and lamb.
V. The Nature of Peanuts
Peanuts have a nature that is slightly warm, but they also possess a certain coolness, making them a blend of both. Peanuts can both nourish the spleen and stomach and have effects like moistening the lungs and stopping coughs.
VI. The Application of Peanuts in TCM
In TCM, peanuts are believed to have effects such as "harmonizing the stomach to stop vomiting" and "moistening the lungs to stop coughing." They play a certain role in treating conditions like a weak spleen and stomach, or dry lungs with cough.
VII. Suitable Populations for Peanut Consumption
Due to their neutral nature, peanuts are suitable for most people. However, excessive consumption can easily lead to discomfort such as a dry mouth and thirst. For individuals with a weak spleen and stomach or poor gastrointestinal function, a small amount is sufficient.
VIII. Suitable Methods for Consuming Peanuts
TCM suggests that peanuts are best eaten cooked to better utilize their nutritional value. Additionally, peanuts should not be consumed in excess; the daily intake should generally not exceed a small handful.
IX. Populations Who Should Avoid Peanuts
Because peanuts are rich in fat and calories, they can easily lead to problems like obesity and high blood lipids. Therefore, individuals who are obese or have high blood lipids should consume them in moderation. Furthermore, peanuts are not suitable for people with allergies, especially pregnant women and children who are prone to allergies.
X. Pairing Peanuts with Other Foods
Peanuts can be paired with many other foods, such as tofu, chicken, and pork liver, to enhance nutritional value and improve the absorption and utilization of nutrients in peanuts.
XI. TCM Nutrition's Explanation of Food Nature
In TCM nutrition, the nature of food is closely related to the body's Yin-Yang balance. Consuming too many heating foods can easily lead to an excess of "fire" in the body, while too many cooling foods can affect the digestive and absorption functions of the spleen and stomach. TCM nutrition advocates eating more temperate and neutral foods to maintain Yin-Yang balance.
XII. The Nutritional Value of Peanuts
Peanuts are rich in various nutrients such as protein, fat, vitamin E, magnesium, and zinc, which can effectively enhance the body's immunity and improve its resistance.
XIII. How to Determine the Nature of a Food
The nature of a food can be determined through comprehensive consideration of multiple factors such as its taste, color, origin, and growing environment. At the same time, attention should be paid to food pairing; it is not advisable to pair too many foods of the same nature together.
XIV.
In summary, although peanuts are slightly warm, they also possess a certain coolness. Therefore, they can not only supplement the body's needed nutrients but also provide benefits like moistening the lungs to stop coughs and harmonizing the stomach to stop vomiting. When consuming them, it is best to eat them cooked, and the daily intake should not be excessive.
XV. References
1. China Association of Chinese Medicine. Chinese Medicine Diet Therapy [M]. Shanghai Science and Technology Education Press, 2004.
2. Xie Zhenhua. TCM Nutrition [M]. Nanjing University Press, 2003.
3. Chinese Nutrition Society. Chinese Residents' Dietary Guidelines [M]. People's Medical Publishing House, 2007.