This idea may have been typical centuries ago, but today, many societies are dealing with overfeeding and undernourishment, resulting in widespread health problems. Returning to fundamental principles could be a significant part of the solution.
“We’ve all heard the saying ‘you are what you eat,’ often used to describe the negative health effects of an unhealthy diet. However, this concept can also work in a positive way. Researchers are revisiting the ancient idea of using food to treat ailments, taking advantage of modern knowledge about genetics and metabolism to reintroduce the teachings of Yinshan Zhengyao to the public.”
“Yinshan Zhengyao is the world’s first authoritative nutritional treatise, compiled by Hu Sihui, a dietitian of the Yuan dynasty. This work embodies the traditional Chinese medicinal concept of
‘homology of food and medicine,’ rich in the cultural heritage of the Chinese nation,” said, Min-Hui Li, researcher and author of the study. Yinshan Zhengyao comprises 174 medicinal plants across 55 unique plant families and 111 genera. These plants are indispensable to the culture of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). Another highly important piece of this traditional Chinese text is the power of the mind and mood over the human body. Cheerfulness and tranquility are aspects that are emphasized in Yinshan Zhengyao, as the mind-body connection can be as important as the fuel taken in by an individual.
“In Yinshan Zhengyao, dietary therapies are particularly interesting for their effects on regulating digestion, respiration, endocrine, and nervous system functions, as well as protecting and regulating various organs,” said Li. The foundation of this text is to provide treatment (and prevention) for chronic diseases through the use of plants, as well as to instil the importance of quality food in society. By viewing food as medicine, greater emphasis and care are put into preparing and consuming food by “putting the food to work” not only as a source of energy but as a source of longevity.
In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), diseases are thought to result from imbalances in the body. For instance, the kidneys are considered to be closely linked with the reproductive system and the regulation of fluid metabolism. Recent research has revealed that, apart from their role in the urinary system, the kidneys are also involved in maintaining fluid balance and endocrine function. Treating a specific part of the body can have unexpected effects elsewhere, such as lower back pain or weakness in the limbs due to kidney issues.
“With the Yinshan Zhengyao text dating back to the early 14th century, modern medicine and therapies can be used in conjunction with the plant and diet information available from this early work on diet, health, and nutrition. Professor Min-Hui Li and his team propose integrating modern information to explore and analyze the healthcare use of medicine and parallel food sources.”
By studying modern applications of health and medicine, such as the human genome, metabolism, regulatory networks, and their relationships, researchers aim to continue enhancing human health and promoting the concept of food as medicine in a broader, more contemporary context.