What to Eat to Improve Blood Health and When Women Need to Boost Their Blood
Every month, women experience their menstrual cycle, and anemia can be a significant concern for them. Therefore, maintaining healthy blood levels is particularly important for women. There are various ways to boost blood levels for women, but it's equally important to know when the best time to do so is. So, when is the ideal time for women to improve their blood health, and what foods should they consume for this purpose? Let's go through these topics one by one for your reference.
When is the Best Time for Women to Boost Their Blood?
During Menstruation
During this time, it's essential to avoid spicy foods, as they can lead to increased menstrual flow. Likewise, it's important not to consume cold foods to prevent blood clotting and stagnation. Keeping warm is also crucial, especially for the navel, lower back, and the soles of your feet. In winter, extra precautions should be taken to stay warm and avoid getting chilled.
Seven to ten days after menstruation
During this phase, two things are crucial. Firstly, avoiding staying up too late, as late nights can deplete the body's Yin blood. Secondly, women should not expose themselves to cold temperatures at this stage. Consuming cold foods or frequently staying up late can lead to hormonal imbalances and menstrual irregularities, which can have a negative impact on fertility.
Ovulation Period (Body Heat Phase)
This phase falls in the middle of the two menstrual cycles, typically lasting for 3-5 days. Ancient wisdom suggests that women will experience a slight increase in body heat and an abundance of transparent, stringy cervical mucus during this time, which is an indication that the body is preparing for potential pregnancy. As the body's Yin energy continues to rise, it's crucial to maintain emotional stability and avoid excessive excitement. For women trying to conceive, this is an optimal time for sexual activity.
Post-Ovulation Until Menstruation
During this period, it's vital for women to avoid exposure to cold temperatures and refrain from consuming cold or low-temperature foods, especially those with strong cold properties such as pears, grapes, mangosteens, and watermelons. Instead, it's advisable to consume foods like yam congee to support spleen and kidney health.
What Foods Can Women Consume to Improve Blood Health?
Lotus Seed and Longan Soup
Prepare a soup using an appropriate amount of lotus seeds, longan, and red dates, and sweeten it with rock sugar. Before cooking, it's best to remove the lotus seed cores to avoid bitterness.
Nutritional Benefit: This soup helps improve blood, nourish the skin, and promote tranquility. It also supports spleen and stomach health, making it particularly beneficial for women experiencing restlessness, nervousness, or insomnia.
Goji Berry Steamed Egg
Soak goji berries in water for half an hour, then beat eggs and mix them with salt and moist starch to create an egg batter. Steam the mixture for 10 minutes, then sprinkle the soaked goji berries on top and steam for an additional 5 minutes.
Nutritional Benefit: This dish is both delicious and easy to digest, making it ideal for women with symptoms of dizziness, palpitations, or pale complexion due to anemia.
Angelica Sinensis and Beef Soup
Combine angelica sinensis (danggui) and beef and simmer them over high heat with water for two hours. Once the soup has a rich aroma, season it with salt and scallions before serving.
Nutritional Benefit: Angelica sinensis and beef soup is suitable for women of different ages. It aids in improving blood circulation, regulating menstrual cycles, and alleviating menstrual pain. This makes it an excellent dietary choice for women experiencing irregular periods, dysmenorrhea, or Yin deficiency.
Lotus Root and Radish Drink
Blend lotus root and white radish into a drink and add some rock sugar. Be cautious not to consume this drink around the menstrual period, as it could exacerbate menstrual discomfort.
Nutritional Benefit: This sweet beverage possesses detoxifying and hemostatic properties, making it an excellent choice for women who wish to lose weight but are concerned about anemia. It helps cool the body and stabilize menstrual flow.
Red Date and Glutinous Rice Porridge
Make a porridge by combining black rice, glutinous rice, red dates, and angelica sinensis. Before cooking, remember to rinse and soak the black rice and glutinous rice in cold water for a few hours.
Nutritional Benefit: Red date and glutinous rice porridge is a nourishing dish that improves blood and Qi, strengthens the spleen, and benefits the stomach. It's particularly suitable for women who often stay up late or work overtime and experience poor complexion.
Black Chicken and Angelica Sinensis Soup
Prepare a soup by cooking black chicken, angelica sinensis, red dates, goji berries, and astragalus root together. This nutritious soup is clear and refreshing, offering benefits for blood and Qi, making it ideal for women dealing with anemia, dizziness, and fatigue.
In conclusion, maintaining healthy blood levels is crucial for women's well-being. By understanding the best times to boost blood and consuming the right foods, women can take proactive steps to promote their overall health and vitality.
