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The Five Flavours in TCM

Foods are associated with certain specific properties according to their taste. The five flavours TCM recognizes are: sour, sweet, bitter, pungent and salty. These are also linked to the four natures, being temperatures: cold, cool, warm and hot. TCM uses the flavours of food to coincide with the seasons. For example: In winter we enjoy more warm – hot meals to warm us up, and in Summer we enjoy more cool – cold foods to cool us down.

It is thought that lemons originated in China (along with India, Burma and other parts of southeast Asia) so it’s no surprize that the lemon also forms a part of a healthy diet according to Traditional Chinese Medicine (or TCM).

Hot lemon water first thing in the morning is ideal for the liver to get things moving for the day ahead, both energetically, as well as to hydrate the body after 8 hours of sleep, and to stimulate bile to assist the digestive system in breaking down food.

 

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  • Lemons are very beneficial for colon health due to the pectin fibres and also serves as a powerful antibacterial 
  • Lemon is an excellent and rich source of vitamin C, an essential nutrient that protects the body against immune system deficiencies
  • It balances maintain the pH levels in the body 
  • Having warm lemon juice early in the morning helps flush out toxins 
  • It aids digestion juices and encourages the production of bile 
  • It is also a great source citric acid, potassium, calcium, phosphorus and magnesium 
  • It helps prevent the growth and multiplication of pathogenic bacteria that cause infections and diseases 
  • It helps reducing pain and inflammation in joints and knees as it dissolves uric acid 
  • It helps shift common cold symptoms
  • The potassium content in lemon helps nourish brain and nerve cells 
  • It strengthens the liver by providing energy to the liver enzymes when they are too dilute 
  • It helps balance the calcium and oxygen levels in the liver In case of a heart burn, taking a glass of concentrated lemon juice can give relief
  • It is of immense benefit to the skin and it prevents the formation of wrinkles and acne 
  • It helps maintain the health of the eyes and helps fight against eye problems
  • Lemon juice helps replenish body salts especially after a strenuous workout session

 

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Tips

Juice a whole heap of lemons in one go and freeze the juice into ice cubes so that they are ready to go each morning

Diluting the juice and brushing your teeth after drinking is advised to prevent tooth enamel decay.

Take care of you, see you in the clinic,

TK xx

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