Spring brings unpredictable weather changes: sometimes it’s hot, sometimes it’s cold; the air can be humid or dry, accompanied by strong winds. Additionally, the amount of allergens such as pollen and fine dust in the environment also increases during this time. This can easily lead to health issues such as a cough, dry throat, or a sensitive nose. According to traditional medicine, the lungs are quite fragile and require special care, especially when it comes to moisturizing them in the spring. Below, we would like to share two nutritious lung-friendly foods, along with simple recipes to help you take care of your respiratory system this spring.
Taro – The Natural Lung Moisturizer
Taro has long been considered “food of the gods” due to its abundant nutritional value. The protein and mucus in taro have the ability to moisturize the lung mucosa and reduce dry and irritated symptoms. At the same time, the amylase and polyphenol oxidase content in taro support better digestive function. Eating taro regularly in the spring not only nourishes the lungs but also improves spleen and stomach function, and supplements qi and blood.
Suggested recipe: Stir-fried Taro with Carrots and Celery
Ingredients
– 1 taro
– ½ carrot
– ½ celery stalk
– 1 wood ear mushroom (soaked)
– Garlic, salt, sesame oil
Stir-fried Taro with Carrots and Celery
Preparation
Step 1: Peel and clean the taro, then slice it thinly. Soak the taro in water to prevent oxidation. Clean the celery stalk, remove the tough outer layer, and slice it. Peel and slice the carrot. Tear the soaked wood ear mushroom into small pieces.
Step 2: Boil a pot of water, add a pinch of salt and some cooking oil, and blanch the wood ear mushroom (1 minute), taro, and celery stalk (30 seconds) one by one. Drain and set aside. Next, heat some oil in a pan and sauté the garlic.
Step 3: Add the carrot and stir-fry for about 1 minute, then add the taro and celery stalk, stirring on high heat. Season with salt to taste and drizzle with sesame oil for aroma. Once all the ingredients are cooked, turn off the heat and serve.
This stir-fry dish is not only visually appealing with the harmonious combination of colors but also offers a crunchy yet soft texture with minimal fat and abundant fiber. It is an ideal choice to moisturize the lungs and support eye health.
Celery: The Green Guardian for Lung Cleansing and Protection
Celery is a fiber-rich vegetable that contains apigenin, a valuable compound that promotes the detoxification process in the lungs. Moreover, the natural essential oil found in celery helps soothe bronchial spasms and reduces allergic coughs commonly experienced in the spring.
Suggested recipe: Celery Salad with Dried Shrimp
Ingredients
– 300g celery
– 40g dried shrimp
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 dried chili
– 1 small piece of cinnamon
– 1 bay leaf
– 1 star anise
– 20g cooking oil
– Seasonings to taste
– Chicken essence
Celery Salad with Dried Shrimp
Preparation
Step 1: Separate the leaves and keep only the celery stalks. Clean and split the stalks into thin strips to better absorb the flavors. Finely chop the dried chili and garlic. Bring a pot of water to a boil and blanch the celery for about 1-2 minutes. Then, quickly soak it in cold water to retain its crispness and fresh green color. Drain the celery.
Step 2: Place the blanched celery in a large bowl and add the dried shrimp, garlic, chili, seasonings, and chicken essence. Next, heat the cooking oil in a pan and sauté the star anise, bay leaf, and cinnamon until fragrant. Once aromatic, pour this hot oil over the garlic and chili to activate their flavors. Finally, mix all the ingredients and serve.
This celery salad with dried shrimp harmoniously blends the sweetness of dried shrimp with the refreshing taste of celery. This dish is not only delicious but also highly nutritious, making it an excellent side dish for daily meals, especially during seasonal transitions.
Give this recipe a try to take advantage of celery’s incredible benefits for lung health!
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