Cold Dew Solar Term
Cold Dew is the seventeenth solar term in the traditional Chinese calendar and the fifth of the autumn terms, indicating the official start of autumn.Cold Dew occurs between October 7th and 9th each year, when the sun reaches 195 degrees of the zodiac. According to the "Seven-Twenty-Three Seasons Collection Explanation," it says, "In the ninth month, the dew is cold and will soon solidify." The meaning of Cold Dew is that the temperature is lower than during the White Dew period, and the dew on the ground is colder, almost forming frost. During the Cold Dew period, most areas south of the Nanyue Mountains have already entered autumn, with the northeast entering deep autumn and the northwest region entering or about to enter winter.
Three Dietary Tips for the Cold Dew Period
First, prevent autumn dryness in your diet and eat more honey while avoiding spicy foods.During the Cold Dew period, dietary adjustments should focus on nourishing yin and moistening dryness. It is recommended to consume more soft and moist foods such as sesame, glutinous rice, polished rice, chestnuts, and dairy products, while also increasing intake of chicken, duck, beef, pork liver, fish, shrimp, and yam to enhance physical condition.
Avoid or reduce consumption of spicy and grilled foods like chili peppers, ginger, onions, and garlic, as excessive intake can damage body yin and lead to internal heat.
We often hear people say that drinking salt water in the morning and honey water in the evening helps to replenish moisture inside the body. During the Cold Dew period, the climate is relatively dry, making it easy to feel a dry throat. Therefore, we should pay attention to keeping the body hydrated during this time. Hydration can also help to nourish and moisten the lungs.
Second, limit the consumption of persimmons and drink more goji berry and chrysanthemum tea.
The Cold Dew period is the season for persimmon harvests. While persimmons are sweet and delicious, and eating them can benefit the body, it is important not to overeat them. Experts warn that eating too many persimmons can lead to persimmon stone disease. Persimmons contain large amounts of indigestible substances such as pectin and tannins, which can seriously affect digestion in the gastrointestinal tract. Therefore, it is advisable to eat fewer persimmons in daily life. It is currently the season for crabs, so be cautious about eating them together with persimmons, as they may form stomach stones.
It is recommended to drink more goji berry and chrysanthemum tea. In ancient times, people would use newly harvested goji berries after the Cold Dew period to take baths, which could keep one's skin healthy and youthful. If you find it inconvenient, simply brew a cup of wine or tea and drink it every day, which can also help achieve a "radiant and cheerful" appearance.
Third, eat more root vegetables like yam and radish.
Yam is both a traditional Chinese medicine and a delicacy, and is a well-known health supplement. Studies show that the B-vitamin content in yam is several times higher than that of rice, and it has an extremely rich potassium content among minerals. Additionally, yam has a supportive effect on diabetes. Besides promoting a sense of fullness and helping control food intake, mannose has functions that improve sugar metabolism and increase insulin sensitivity. Since yam contains a high amount of starch, it is advisable to replace part of the staple food with yam, i.e., appropriately reduce the amount of staple food consumed, especially for diabetics, to avoid excess energy intake.
Lotus root contains mucin protein and dietary fiber, which can bind with bile salts in the human body, cholesterol, and triglycerides from food, allowing them to be excreted through feces, thus reducing fat absorption. Lotus root emits a unique fragrance and contains tannins, which have a certain function in strengthening the spleen and stopping diarrhea, improving appetite, promoting digestion, and aiding appetite, which is beneficial for those suffering from poor appetite or lack of appetite to recover their health.
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