The focus of health preservation at the Beginning of Summer is to purify and nourish the heart.

The Beginning of Summer is May 5.

Each solar term has its own health-preserving focus. In the Beginning of Summer, it is the time of Qian Gua. In nature, Yang Qi is getting longer and Yin Qi is getting weaker. Among the five internal organs of the human body, the heart governs Yang Qi, blood vessels, and mind. In other words, as far as the internal organs of the human body are concerned, the liver qi is getting weaker and the heart qi is getting stronger at this time. The focus of health care is "nourishing the heart."

"Nourishment of the heart" includes two aspects. On the one hand, it is diet therapy, eating more things that nourish the heart and nourish the heart; on the other hand, it is to nourish the spirit and cultivate the mind through tranquility.

Moringa seeds

There is a Moringa tree in Yunnan and Tibet, and its mosaics, leaves and seeds can be eaten directly. Tianhe’s sister uses Moringa seeds from this tree in her kitchen because of its positive effects on blood vessels. In the store, it is mixed with steamed pumpkin to make juice and made into a drink.

Pig Heart

As the saying goes, the heart makes up the heart and the shape makes up the shape. This is the way of health that the Chinese believe in. Eating animal hearts in moderation is beneficial to nourishing the heart, and both chicken and pig hearts are acceptable. Scientific research shows that pig heart has a positive effect on strengthening myocardial nutrition and enhancing myocardial contractility. It is also rich in protein, calcium, phosphorus, iron, vitamin B1, vitamin B2 and vitamin C.

The Shijian Station on Taojin Road recently launched a new dish called "Steamed Pig Heart as First Dish", which is only available for two to three months. This dish comes from the owner's love for pig heart. He often stir-fries pig heart, pork liver and imperial concubine meat together, and then adds some freshly ground white pepper, which is very fragrant. The first dish is taken from Zengcheng. The locals like to use the first dish to steam pork. The owner steams the first dish with pig heart to get a different taste.

Lotus seeds

Lotus seeds are very beneficial to the heart. They are slightly cool in nature and can nourish the heart and calm the mind. Regular consumption can make people feel full of energy. The lianxinine contained in them is more heart-tonifying and lowering. The ability to suppress stress, so when the fire in your heart is too strong, you can turn to lotus seeds to calm down the fire and stabilize your mood. Lotus seeds are produced in many places in China. Xianglian in Xiangtan, Hunan, Jianlian in Jianning, Fujian, and Xuanlian in Xuanping, Zhejiang are the most popular. Near Lianhua Mountain in Panyu, Guangdong, the land that is rich in lotus is also rich in lotus seeds. The fresh lotus seeds here have a refreshing taste and are good for cooking. After being dried, they are easy to store and have a pinkish taste.

Lotus seeds can be used to make soup, porridge, desserts, and can also be paired with chicken. The "Lotus Chicken" from a fisherman's house near Lianhua Mountain has been in the market for 6 years and has always been very popular. The store uses local ingredients, soaks the dried lotus seeds for half an hour and then steams them for 20 minutes. For chicken, use Wenchang chicken. After steaming, take the chicken juice to simmer the lotus seeds, and finally pour it on the chopped chicken. The lotus seed fragrance is integrated into the chicken, and even the ginger paste can be omitted.

Eggplant

Don’t underestimate the humble eggplant in the vegetable market. It can protect the cardiovascular system and lower cholesterol. Regular consumption can prevent the level of cholesterol in the blood from increasing.

However, in order to maximize its effect, the eating method must be particular. Cut the eggplant into sections, mix it with sesame oil and eat it; of the three meals a day, dinner is the most effective. However, you should not eat too much eggplant. Eat up to about half a catty in one meal. Excessive consumption may cause solanine poisoning. A little tip to resolve this is to add some vinegar when cooking.

Many restaurants that are particular about ingredients specially source the sweet and clean glacier eggplant. At the Xinxian Restaurant on Tiyu East Road, the glacier rice is served with glacier eggplant. After the Thai rice is steamed, add the South Sea scallops and eggplants cut into small pieces and add the clear soup to slowly reduce the juice, then put them on the rice.

Luo Han Ginseng

Luo Han Ginseng can be used to braise crispy meat and has the effect of protecting the heart and softening blood vessels. Lin Junxiong, the chef in Tianhe's kitchen, picked Luohan ginseng from Yunnan, either blanched or stewed in soup, especially when simmered with crispy pork belly specially transported from Zhongshan. The taste is amazing. (Zeng Fanying)