20. I Heal My Own Body : Yellow Foods

Yellow corresponds to the Earth (土) element in the Five Phases and is characterized by a mild nature, containing both yin and yang energies. It represents the energy of harmony and mediation. The season is the transitional period between the four seasons, the direction is the center, the life stage is young adulthood, and the time of day corresponds to midday. Among the five organs, it belongs to the spleen and stomach, acts on the digestive system, is expressed through the mouth and lips, and governs the sense of taste. Its taste is sweet.

Yellow foods strengthen the digestive system, remove worn-out red blood cells, and stimulate the production of new white blood cells, enhancing immune function. Beta-carotene and lutein in these foods help boost immunity, prevent cancer, reinforce the walls of capillaries, and improve blood circulation.

Belonging to Earth (甘 sweet taste), foods beneficial for the spleen and stomach:

• Grains: glutinous rice, millet, white soybeans, proso millet, corn, etc.

• Vegetables: pumpkin, carrot, lotus root, kudzu, sweet potato stems, water parsley, yam, etc.

• Fruits: tangerine, persimmon, orange, pineapple, golden kiwi, Korean melon, walnut, mango, etc.

• Meats: various animal stomachs, spleens, pancreas, beef, rabbit, loach fish, chicken, etc.

• Teas: ginseng tea, honey tea, kudzu tea, jujube tea, sweet rice drink (sikhye), milk, duzhong tea (Eucommia), etc.

• Seasonings: syrup, brown sugar, fruit jams, honey, malt syrup, malt, glucose, etc.

Yellow foods primarily support the spleen and stomach, i.e., the digestive system. The reason pumpkin porridge is given to postpartum women is not only to reduce swelling but also to protect the stomach. Conversely, coix seeds (Job’s tears) also reduce swelling but are weaker in protecting the stomach, so they are generally not given to postpartum women. When coix seeds are used for people with weak digestive function, they are lightly roasted to turn yellow before use. One of the important conditions for longevity and health is strong digestive power, and yellow foods represent this well. Also, I emphasize the importance of never skipping breakfast.

Dr. Jin-man Kim, director of Peace Oriental Clinic
​