Vegetables that nourish the lungs and protect the respiratory system in autumn
According to resident doctor Nguyen Thanh Vuong from the Department of Traditional Medicine, Hanoi Medical University, early autumn is a seasonal transition period when the weather is often dry, easily depleting body fluids and affecting the Lungs. Therefore, adding green vegetables properly into the daily diet can contribute to protecting health.
Green vegetables not only help balance nutrition but also assist the body in adapting to seasonal changes. Besides drinking enough water, choosing greens that moisten the lungs, promote body fluid production, and relieve dryness is a simple way to ease a dry throat and support respiratory health.
1. Lung-nourishing vegetables
1.1. Malabar spinach – Clears heat and relieves constipation
According to traditional medicine, Malabar spinach has a cold nature and a sweet-sour taste, with the effects of clearing heat, cooling the blood, and moistening dryness.
Malabar spinach is rich in soluble mucilage, vitamin A, vitamin C, and antioxidants, which help soothe the throat lining while easing constipation—a common condition when the body lacks fluids.
Malabar spinach can be prepared into many familiar dishes such as Malabar spinach soup with crab, with shrimp, or boiled.
People with Spleen-Stomach deficiency-cold who frequently suffer from diarrhea should not eat too much.
Malabar spinach has laxative effects and helps relieve a dry throat in arid weather. Photo: AI.
1.2. Amaranth – Nourishes yin and clears heat
According to traditional medicine, amaranth clears heat, cools the blood, nourishes yin, and promotes body fluid generation. Rich in vitamin C, beta-carotene, folate, and numerous minerals, this vegetable is an ideal addition to meals during dry weather.
Amaranth can be cooked in soup with shrimp, boiled, or used in porridge. It is an ideal vegetable for those who frequently feel internal heat, have dry mouth, or suffer from mild constipation.
1.3. Spinach – Promotes the production of body fluids
Spinach is rich in vitamins A, C, and E, along with numerous antioxidants.
In traditional Eastern medicine, spinach is believed to nourish yin, promote body fluid production, relieve dryness, and help clear heat. Spinach can be prepared in dishes such as minced meat soup, stir-fried with garlic, or cooked into broths.
Consume immediately after preparation and avoid overcooking to minimize vitamin loss.
1.4. Celery – Clears heat and helps soothe the body
According to traditional medicine, celery has a sweet and slightly bitter taste with a cool nature, helping to clear heat and soothe the liver. This vegetable is rich in water, potassium, and antioxidants, contributing to rehydrating the body during seasonal transitions.
Celery can be stir-fried with beef or cooked in soups. People with low blood pressure or spleen-stomach deficiency cold should consume it in moderation.
1.5. Napa cabbage – Promotes fluid production, relieves dryness
Napa cabbage has a high water content and is rich in vitamin C and dietary fiber. According to Traditional Chinese Medicine, napa cabbage helps clear heat, generate body fluids, and moisten dryness, making it suitable for people who often experience a dry throat and mouth as the weather turns to autumn.
Napa cabbage can be made into meatball soup, stir-fried with mushrooms, or used in hot pots. Avoid overcooking to prevent the loss of nutritional value.
1.6. Katuk (Sauropus androgynus) – Supplements vitamins, clears body heat
Katuk has a sweet taste and cooling properties, serving to clear heat, promote body fluids, and act as a diuretic. It is also a good source of vitamin C, beta-carotene, and various minerals, making it ideal for daily meals.
Sweet leaf soup with lean pork is easy to digest, providing both greens and hydration for the body, making it ideal for dry weather days.
2. Diet to help relieve dry throat during seasonal changes
In addition to incorporating vegetables that nourish the lungs and promote body fluids, it is necessary to maintain a healthy diet and lifestyle to minimize dehydration and dry throat when the weather changes.
People who frequently suffer from a dry throat should drink plenty of water throughout the day; supplement with fruits such as pears, grapes, apples, and white-fleshed dragon fruit; limit spicy, grilled, and fried foods; avoid smoking; get enough sleep; and keep warm when the weather turns cold.
If dry throat persists, accompanied by fever, severe sore throat, difficulty swallowing, or a cough lasting more than two weeks, patients should see a doctor to determine the cause rather than relying solely on dietary adjustments.