21. I Heal My Own Body : White Foods

White corresponds to the Metal (金) element in the Five Elements theory and represents the energy that gathers and unifies dispersed Yang energy. The season is autumn, the direction is west, the life stage is adulthood, and the time of day corresponds to evening. It relates to the lungs and large intestine, acts on the respiratory system, and is expressed through the nose and skin, governing the sense of smell. The associated taste is pungent (spicy).

White foods strengthen the lungs and respiratory system, regulate breathing by exchanging carbon dioxide in the blood for oxygen, stimulate intestinal peristalsis, and help keep the skin clear. They contain high levels of anthoxanthins, which increase resistance to bacteria and viruses. These foods help boost immunity, are effective for respiratory and bronchial diseases, and reduce blood cholesterol levels.

Foods that belong to Metal (辛, pungent taste) and benefit the lungs and large intestine include:

• Grains: Brown rice, Job’s tears (coix seed), etc.

• Vegetables: Balloon flower root (doraji), codonopsis (deodeok), radish, bean sprouts, mushrooms, cabbage, green onions, onions, wild chives, potatoes, garlic, ginger, etc.

• Fruits: Pear, white peach, banana, etc.

• Meats: Various animal lungs and large intestines, horse meat, fish, shellfish, oysters, etc.

• Teas: Job’s tears tea, ginger tea, cinnamon punch (sujeonggwa), etc.

• Seasonings: Chili pepper, ginger, black pepper, mustard, mint, etc.

Regular consumption of cabbage has been proven to prevent breast cancer, as well as colon, lung, stomach, endometrial, ovarian, and prostate cancers. Garlic, known as a natural antibiotic, increases its nutritional value when cooked, like carrots and tomatoes, while reducing odor and stomach irritation. Onion skin tea is recommended for patients with diabetes and hypertension. White foods especially cleanse the respiratory system, so those with weak lungs are advised to consume balloon flower root, radish, and bean sprouts.

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