Chinese tea
Want a new diet or detox to try this year? Then look no further we have the tips to help you lose weight the Chinese way.
We've shown you how to do it Inidian style, and now it's time to look to the East.
The Chinese have eaten foods known to expel toxins and restore balance to the body for centuries and, in fact, many of the detox methods now embraced by Western culture such as drinking green tea or starting the day with hot lemon water have a long history in Chinese medicine.
Wing Yip, the UK’s leading Oriental grocery supplier, has put together five rules for an effective Chinese detox. Rather than a strict regime these tips could offer a much needed quick fix to spring clean your body and mind. They can easily be incorporated into your daily routine to achieve long lasting results throughout the year. These handy hints and tips have been known to lead to a flatter tummy, improve sleep, clear skin and boost energy levels.
Detox Drinks
Ho Yan Hor Herbal tea is considered somewhat of a miracle worker in China, and is known for its ability to cure the common cold and sooth headaches. Made of a soothing mix of 24 carefully selected Chinese herbs, each with unique medicinal and nutritional properties, this 65 year old recipe is perfect for a morning detox. It is packed full of antioxidants and has mild diuretic qualities which have been known to cleanse your digestive system of toxins, and lead to glowing skin and a peak in energy levels.
Oolong tea is said to increase fat burning ability by 10% and drinking two cups a day during your detox could help cleanse the system.
Green tea is understood to flush toxins out of the system through its liquid content, and contains a special type of antioxidant called catechins, which is known to increase liver function.
Chinese Super Foods
Vermicelli noodles are made from the starch of the mighty mung bean so are packed full of antioxidants. Add to any stir fry as a low calorie, gluten free alternative to heavier wheat based noodles.
Pak Choi this leafy green is among some of the richest detox diet foods, can aid digestion and is high in vitamins A and C and powerful anti-oxidants.
Sesame seeds, known to actually protect livers cells from the damaging effects of alcohol and other chemicals, sesame seeds are a fantastic choice for a body clean up. Tahini is a staple in Asian cooking, made from ground sesame seeds; a gem for everyday detoxing.
Ginger is a powerful digestive aide and beyond settling tummy troubles, it is said to be a natural anti-inflammatory packed with antioxidants. Brew it in a tea, spice up your stir fry, or just munch some pickled slices out of the jar.
Garlic is native to Asia and considered a super food as it works wonders for the human body and luckily it also tastes fantastic in Chinese cuisine! Garlic has been known to regulate blood sugar, aid the natural detoxification of nicotine and other toxins and can even help to reduce stress. Use freshly crushed garlic in all dishes and add to cooked dishes just before serving to preserve its anti-bacterial benefits.
Balance your Yin and Yang
Ancient Chinese dieticians categorised all foods as either yin or yang depending on whether they generate heating (yang foods) or cooling (yin foods) sensations in our bodies. These terms often have nothing to do with the food’s taste, nor how it is cooked, but relate to deeper essences of the foods nature.
Heating foods tend to be sweet, grow under the hot sun or contain lots of fats like apricots, grapefruits or walnuts. Cooling foods grow in little sunshine, are salty, lean, rich in potassium and have a soft and wet texture like corgettes, bananas, oysters, and seaweed.
With turkey, chocolate, wine, walnuts and smoked salmon all being yang foods, it is no wonder we Westerners experience symptoms associated with eating too many healthy foods after the festive period! These symptoms include indigestion, bad complexions, and feelings of irritability, all common side effects of the post-Christmas blues. So to get yourself back on track, a healthy balanced meal should contain three parts yang and two parts yin.
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