Green Bean (Lü Dòu)
Clears Heat and Detoxifies
From the perspective of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), green beans are considered cold in nature, thus possessing the ability to clear heat and detoxify. From a nutritional standpoint, the health benefits of green beans stem from their antioxidant components, such as flavonoids, tannins, and saponins, which contribute to their heat-clearing and detoxifying effects.
Red Bean (Hóng Dòu)
Clears Heart Fire and Nourishes Heart Blood
In TCM, red beans are believed to clear heat, eliminate dampness, reduce swelling, detoxify, calm the heart, and nourish the blood. They also provide essential nutrients such as potassium, magnesium, phosphorus, zinc, and selenium. Li Shizhen referred to red beans as the “grain of the heart”; they can both clear heart fire and nourish heart blood. Additionally, red beans are rich in dietary fiber, which helps lower blood lipids, reduce blood pressure, and improve cardiac function.
Black Bean (Hēi Dòu)
Nourishes the Kidneys and Activates Blood Circulation
Black beans are sweet and neutral in nature, with functions to nourish the kidneys, strengthen the body, invigorate blood circulation, promote urination, and detoxify. They are particularly suitable for individuals with kidney deficiency. For symptoms such as lower back pain and tinnitus due to kidney deficiency, one can use 50 grams of black beans and 500 grams of dog meat, cook them together until tender, and consume with various seasonings.
Sesame (Zhī Ma)
Invigorates Blood and Enhances Beauty
Sesame promotes bowel movement and invigorates blood circulation, and it also has benefits for brain health, memory enhancement, and anti-aging effects. Sesame contains substances that prevent weight gain, making it a good addition to a diet for weight loss, while also improving rough skin.
Peanut (Huā Shēng)
Longevity Food
Peanuts are one of the “top ten longevity foods,” rich in vitamins, proteins, fats, riboflavin, unsaturated fatty acids, and minerals such as calcium and phosphorus. They are effective in treating digestive disorders, cough, asthma, anemia, constipation, and intestinal dryness, making them suitable for all ages.
Sweet Potato (Hóng Shǔ)
Prevents Cardiovascular Diseases
Sweet potatoes are low in calories and fat, and they can prevent carbohydrates from converting into fat. Consuming them in autumn and winter can aid in weight loss. Additionally, sweet potatoes are rich in potassium, β-carotene, folic acid, vitamin C, and vitamin B6, all of which help prevent cardiovascular diseases.
Fava Bean (Cán Dòu)
Enhances Memory
Nutritionally, fava beans contain important components that regulate the brain and nervous tissue, such as calcium, zinc, manganese, and phospholipids, and are rich in choline, which enhances memory. The calcium in fava beans aids in the absorption and calcification of bones, promoting skeletal growth and development.
Kidney Bean (Yún Dòu)
Beneficial for the Heart
Kidney beans contain saponins, urea enzymes, and various globulins, which effectively enhance immunity and activate T lymphocytes. Urea enzymes are particularly effective for patients with hepatic coma. Kidney beans are also a high-potassium, low-sodium food, making them suitable for individuals with heart disease, arteriosclerosis, hyperlipidemia, and those on a low-salt diet.
Broad Bean (Biǎn Dòu)
Reduces Cholesterol
Small broad beans provide protein and soluble fiber that can lower cholesterol, and their iron content is double that of other beans. They are also high in B vitamins, particularly folic acid, which is very important for women as it can reduce the risk of fetal malformations.
Yardlong Bean (Jiāng Dòu)
Regulates Qi and Benefits the Spleen
Yardlong beans have the effects of regulating Qi, benefiting the spleen, nourishing the kidneys, harmonizing the five organs, promoting vitality, alleviating thirst, relieving vomiting and diarrhea, and detoxifying. They are indicated for symptoms such as vomiting, dysentery, and frequent urination.
