Date: 07/05/2025 07/06/2025
Location: Star Lake Meditation Center
Teacher: Shilin Long
Buddhist Diet and Regimen
The Blood-Nourishing Benefits of Red Beans
Summary
Red beans, also known as adzuki beans, are widely used in traditional vegetarian and Chinese medicinal diets. With their red color linked to heart nourishment in TCM theory, red beans are both a diuretic and a blood tonic. Rich in iron, folate, B vitamins, and various minerals, they are considered a natural remedy for blood deficiency, especially beneficial for women, those recovering from illness, or people with chronic fatigue. This article explores their nutritional value and health-promoting functions, with practical tips for daily consumption.
1. Key Nutrients in Red Beans
1.Iron: Essential for hemoglobin production, helping to improve anemia and fatigue.
2.Folate: Supports red blood cell formation, especially important for women before and during pregnancy.
3.Protein and Amino Acids: Aid tissue repair and enhance hematopoiesis (blood formation).
4.B Vitamins: Maintain nervous system function, assist iron absorption, and boost immunity.
5.Polyphenols and Fiber: Offer antioxidant protection, support cardiovascular health, and promote digestion.
2. Blood-Nourishing and Health Benefits
1.Enhances Blood and Heart Health: Red beans help relieve symptoms of blood deficiency such as pale complexion and fatigue.
2.Regulates Menstruation and Improves Skin Tone: When paired with red dates or longan, they help regulate cycles and brighten the complexion.
3.Reduces Water Retention: Naturally diuretic, red beans assist in relieving swelling and flushing out dampness.
4.Strengthens Digestion: Suitable for people with weak spleen or poor appetite, aiding nutrient absorption.
5.Ideal for Postpartum Recovery: Easy to digest and nutritionally dense, red beans are often used in postpartum nourishing recipes.
3. Usage and Pairing Suggestions
1.Common Preparations: Red bean porridge, sweet red bean soup, red bean sticky rice, or red bean–black rice congee.
2.Effective Pairings:
Red beans + red dates (blood-nourishing and skin-beautifying)
Red beans + Chinese yam (spleen-strengthening and energy-boosting)
Red beans + lotus seeds (heart-calming and sleep-enhancing)
3.Recommended Daily Intake: 20–30g of dried red beans per day is suitable for most adults.
4.Cooking Tip: Soak beans several hours before cooking to soften texture and improve nutrient availability.
