Diet based on the five elements

based on the German version "Ernährung nach den Fünf Elementen"

The traditional chinese medicine based on the five elements; wood, fire, water, earth or metal.  All foods are assigned to these five elements. The Five Flavors : Salty, Sour, Bitter, Sweet and Savory, Pungent or Umami. 

The element wood: sour -> liver and gallbladder: Stands for refreshing energy and preserves the juices. The foods of this element include cereals (spelled and wheat), sprouts, fresh herbs, lettuce, green vegetables, sour fruit.

The element Fire: bitter -> heart and small intestine: stands for warmth and light. The associated foods have a bitter taste and help with the digestive process. Fire foods include chicory, rocket, grapefruit, cereals (rye, millet) but also bitter liqueurs.

Soil: Sweet -> Spleen and Stomach: The earth element stands for the sweet taste (builds up qi), for the mild and filling. It therefore makes up most of the food. Almost all types of cereals, meat and vegetables, eggs, fats and nuts are foods of the earth element.

Metal: Spicy -> Lungs and large intestine: The metal element stands for the pungent taste, which is helpful both in the penetration of external cold and internal cold (diffuses Qi). Metal foods include drinks such as ginger tea or mulled wine, warm spices, various types of vegetables such as kohlrabi, radish, leek, onions and horseradish.

Water: Salty -> Kidney and Bladder: The water element softens and has a salty taste. In addition to the seafood mentioned, foods of the water element include mineral water, freshwater fish and legumes. Prepared in winter, they are ideal for stews, soups, casseroles, compotes and cooked cereal dishes.

Sources

• http://5elementfood.blogspot.com/p/five-elements-of-food.html
• https://dr-barbara-hendel.com/en/nutrition/forms-of-nutrition/five-elements-diet/