Yin represents the earth, femaleness, darkness, passivity and absorption; it is present in even numbers, valleys and streams. The tiger, the color orange and a broken line are its symbols.
Yang represents the heaven, meanness, light, activity and penetration; it’s present in odd numbers and mountains. The dragon, the color blue and an unbroken line are its symbols.
“Chi” is the energy of all living beings and can be sub-divided in five elements: water, fire, metal, wood and earth. Traditional Chinese medicine claimed that almost all foods are curative and that, if we follow a good diet, we can prevent and/or ameliorate many of our ailments, specially the ones of gastrointestinal and ostheoarticular origin.
People with a hot baseline constitution (Yang) are helped by food products that contain cold or fresh energy; people with a cold baseline constitution (Yin) are helped by food products that contain tempered or hot energy. The more natural and less processed the food, the better for the overall health.
Food products that are refreshing and/or relaxing—sugar, fruits, ice cream, alcoholic beverages—can be considered as basically Yin, for which they are helpful to heal a person with a Yang status—hyperactive, aggressive. At the same time they will offset an environment with excessive Yang—hot and dry—for which they are necessary in tropical weather or on vacations.
Food products that have a higher amount of salt, grease and proteins—meat, eggs, fish—can be considered as basically Yang, for which they are helpful to compensate for colder climates or unusual amounts of physical exercise. They are also needed to overcome a Yin related—state of apathy or gloom.
The tangy foodstuff is associated with the wood element and influences the liver function and the breakdown of fatty deposits. Example: lemon, apple.
The salty foodstuff is associated with the water element and influences the kidney function and eliminate bodily toxins. Example: pork, mussels.
The spicy foodstuff is associated with the metal element and influences the pulmonary function and can disperse energy. Example: garlic, onions.
The sour foodstuff is associated with the fire element and influences the cardiovascular function and fight humidity. Example: coffee, tea, almonds.
The sweet foodstuff is associated with the earth element and influences the pancreatic function and help the body tone. Example: rice, poultry, figs.
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