22. I Heal My Own Body : Black-Colored Foods

Black corresponds to the Water (水) element in the Five Elements theory, representing the energy of storage and regulation. The season is winter, the direction is north, the stage of life is old age, and the time of day is late night. It corresponds to the kidneys and bladder among the organs, strengthening kidney function and regulating hormones. It is associated with the ears, bones, bladder, reproductive organs, lower back, and hair, and governs hearing. The taste is salty.

Black and purple foods owe their color to anthocyanins, plant pigments that neutralize free radicals responsible for aging and various diseases, thus preventing illnesses, slowing aging, providing anti-cancer effects, protecting the heart and vision, and relieving mental stress.

5. Water (水, salty taste) foods that benefit the kidneys and bladder:

Grains: black beans, black-eyed peas, black rice, black sesame, chia seeds, buckwheat, etc.
Vegetables: purple sweet potatoes, red cabbage, eggplant, wood ear mushrooms, mulberry leaves, yam, etc.
Fruits: raisins, mulberries, watermelon seeds, chestnuts, blueberries, blackberries, prunes, grapes, etc.
Meats: kidneys, bladder, reproductive organs of various animals, black goat, Ogol chicken, pork, squid ink, caviar, laver, seaweed, kelp, sea lettuce, etc.
Teas: Pu’er tea, Douxiang tea, soy milk, Vegemil, etc.
Condiments: soybean paste, soy sauce, roasted salt, tofu, etc.

Our ancestors gave black beans and black sesame to convalescent patients because black foods were believed to strengthen kidney function, which is responsible for reproduction, growth, and blood formation. Black beans, a complete protein, help detoxify, stimulate kidney metabolism, and are effective for diabetes, dementia, menopausal symptoms, skin beauty, anti-aging, tinnitus, gray hair, and hair loss prevention. They can be eaten mixed with rice, made into braised beans, or roasted. Drinking black bean soy milk on an empty stomach in the morning can also be beneficial. Commercial products often have low content and high sugar, which the author does not recommend. The Yongquan acupoint is a representative point that nourishes the kidney’s prenatal energy; it is where the groom’s sole was struck on the wedding night and where scholars used to tap their fists while sitting cross-legged reading.

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