The classic text Yellow Emperor’s Classic of Internal Medicine says: “If the blood and qi (vital energy) aren’t harmonized, all kinds of diseases will arise.” What kinds of food can help to supplement blood production? Some people think eating only vegetables and no meat will cause anemia, but many plant-based foods act as excellent blood tonics.
7 popular blood tonic products
These can be purchased daily and can quickly act as a blood tonic in the body. The effect is no less than that of Colla Corii Asini.
1. Grapes
Grapes are rich in calcium, phosphorus, and iron, as well as a variety of vitamins and amino acids. They’re a good tonic for the elderly, women, the weak and anemic, and people who are overworked.
Eating dried grapes or raisins is also beneficial. Chinese medicine practitioners believe grapes “nourish the blood and strengthen the muscles and bones, nourish the kidney, benefiting the liver and improving your complexion.”
Raisins are also rich in iron. Career women may eat a small handful of raisins daily for many benefits, such as relieving cold hands and feet, back pain, anemia, hypoglycemia, and boosting immunity.
2. Squash/Pumpkin
Praised by Chen Xiuyuan, a famous doctor in the Qing Dynasty, squash or pumpkin is rich in vegetable protein, carotene, vitamins, essential amino acids, calcium, zinc, iron, cobalt, phosphorus, etc. Among them, cobalt is one of the important components of vitamin B12, which can help the normal functioning of the blood’s red cells.
Zinc directly impacts the function of the mature red blood cells, and iron is a basic micronutrient food for the production of hemoglobin. All of them are excellent nutrients and strong blood tonics.
3. Spinach
To replenish blood, first replenish iron. Spinach is rich in iron, beta-carotene, and vitamin C, which help to supplement your blood. Spinach is readily available and can be eaten in various ways, such as cold spinach, spinach soup, spinach wontons, etc.
4. Sugar cane
Among seasonal winter produce, sugarcane is quite popular and holds a lot of nutrients, including iron, zinc, calcium, phosphorus, manganese, etc. It also has the highest iron content in any plant product — as high as nine milligrams per kilogram — so in Chinese, it’s been called the “blood replenishing fruit.”
However, from the perspective of traditional Chinese medicine, sugar cane has a cold medicinal property and should be consumed sparingly by those with a weak spleen and stomach.
5. Longan fruit
Longan fruit is available fresh every summer. Longans contain vitamins A, B, glucose, and sucrose and are rich in iron. Longan soup, wine, and other foods are recommended for pregnant women and postpartum women, serving as excellent blood tonics.
6. Red dates
Red dates are rich in vitamins, fructose, and various amino acids. Traditional Chinese medicine believes red dates have a warm medicinal property, acting as a blood tonic and improving circulation.
Pharmacological research has found that red dates contain certain nutrients that can increase the red blood cell count and enhance the bone marrow’s blood production, giving your face a healthy glow. Eating red dates with longan fruits not only supplements blood and qi (vital energy), but they can also beautify.
7. Carrots
Commonly known as carrots, the Japanese call carrots ginseng, which makes a lot of sense. Carrots are rich in beta-carotene, a nutrient extremely beneficial to blood replenishment. You can use carrots to make soups, turning your after-dinner soups into blood tonic soups you can drink regularly.
How can I tell if I have insufficient blood?
Eyes
A Chinese saying goes: “The white of the eyes is yellow when you are old.” This means that when the whites of the eyes look cloudy, yellow, and bloodshot, it indicates a deficiency of blood and qi.
Hair
Thick, smooth hair means sufficient qi and blood; dry hair, hair loss, yellowing or whitening hair, and split ends all mean insufficient qi and blood.
Fingertips
Whether it is a child or an adult, if the pads of your fingers are flat or have thin tips, it means that there is insufficient qi and blood. However, if the finger pads are full and have elasticity, there is sufficient qi and blood.
Gums
Adults find that the gaps between their teeth have become larger, most likely due to gum recession. Shrinking gums represent a lack of blood and qi, indicating that the body is declining and aging.
Sleep quality
Adults who fall asleep quickly, sleep deeply, breathe evenly, and wake up naturally likely have sufficient qi and blood. Insomnia, palpitations, and excessive dreaming generally indicate blood deficiency.
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