As the days start to cool down in Autumn here in Australia, there are certain foods that keep us warm, not only on the outside, but on the inside. Warming foods do not necessarily mean that they need to be served warm, however they assist with the production of yang energy. Warming foods reduce sore joints, lack of energy, stomachache, fluid retention and the the feeling of coldness.

Below are 5 foods you may wish to consider eating to raise that yang energy.  

Chinese Red Dates (Jujubes)

These oval shaped, thumb sized, maroon coloured fruits are also known as Korean dates or Indian dates. The Jujube trees grow up to around 12 meters high and contain various nutrients including potassium, calcium, copper, magnesium, phosphorus and iron. They contain 20 more times more vitamin C than any citrus fruit which strengthens the immune system and fights infections. Jujubes help maintain a steady blood flow throughout the body and encourage healthy development of muscles, bones, enzymes, hormones, hair, skin and the likes. Continuing studies recommend jujubes as a fruit with the potential to treat and prevent allergies.

Guava

Guava has numerous health benefits including the treatment of diarrhea, constipation, cough and high blood pressure. Full of a powerhouse of nutrients, the fruit is extraordinarily rich in vitamin C, antioxidants and lycopene that are great for the skin. Guava is also beneficial for constipation, poor eyesight and promotes a healthy heart. It is also rich in manganese which assists the body to absorb other key nutrients from the foods that we consume.

80% of this humble fruit is water, no wonder it’s great for keeping the skin hydrated and plump.

Longan

Longan is sweet in taste and warm in properties and it goes to meridians of heart, kidney, liver and spleen. Its properties assist with tonifying heart and spleen, replenishing blood and qi and achieves a peaceful calm state of mind. Longan is also refreshing in taste with very high nutritional value – containing high carbohydrate, amino acids, proteins, vitamins B, C, calcium, iron, phosphorus, tartaric acid, adenine and the like.

Ginger

One of Asia’s all time favourite spices to use is the ginger. It boosts the immune and digestive systems as it instantly warms up your body -> enhances thermogenesis.  Ginger can be added to any stir fries, soups and even smoothies!

This amazing spice contains a powerful substance called gingerol. Gingerol is the oily resin from the root that acts as a highly potent antioxidant, has therapeutic benefits and acts as an anti-inflammatory agent.

Cinnamon

Cinnamon has gentle warming effects on the body. It not only has a pleasant taste, but also acts as an awakening tonic to enliven the body and mind and acts as an immune-enhancing aid to the body’s fight against infection. As cinnamon stimulates blood circulation and and promotes sweating, it is a good fix for aiding in fevers and flues. Because of its antibacterial properties, cinnamon are also great for fighting infections.

The above foods will hopefully give you a kick-start on some of the foods that create a warming or yang effect on the body. Feel free to incorporate them into your everyday cooking for added benefits.

References:

• “Warming And Cooling Characteristics Of Common Foods – Ping Ming Health”. Ping Ming Health. N.p., 2017. Web. 24 Mar. 2017.
• “What Are Jujubes Good For? – Mercola.Com”. Mercola.com. N.p., 2017. Web. 26 Mar. 2017.
• “13 Amazing Benefits Of Guava | Organic Facts”. Organic Facts. N.p., 2017. Web. 27 Mar. 2017.
• “Cinnamon : Anne Mcintyre FNIMH MAPA”. Annemcintyre.com. N.p., 2017. Web. 28 Mar. 2017.
• “10 Medicinal Ginger Health Benefits – Dr. Axe”. Dr. Axe. N.p., 2017. Web. 28 Mar. 2017.
• 15 Amazing Guava Benefits: Heart Healthy, Weight Loss Friendly and More – NDTV Food et al. “15 Amazing Guava Benefits: Heart Healthy, Weight Loss Friendly And More”. food.ndtv.com. N.p., 2017. Web. 30 Mar. 2017.
• “The Many Benefits Of Guava”. Mercola.com. N.p., 2017. Web. 30 Mar. 2017.
• “Longan Fruit (Long Yan Rou) | Chinese Herbs Healing”. Chineseherbshealing.com. N.p., 2017. Web. 3 Apr. 2017.