"Eat Fewer Melons, More 'Five Whites' After Start of Autumn: Boost Energy, Moisturize Lungs, and Strengthen Immunity for a Healthier Year!"

As the Start of Autumn passes, the sweltering summer heat gradually eases with the cool breezes of early mornings and evenings. However, if you still crave icy summer treats, it might harm your health—especially those two types of melons. It’s time to bid them a temporary farewell!

The first one to avoid is bitter melon. While excellent for clearing heat and relieving summer discomfort, its cold nature can be harsh on the body after autumn begins. Our spleen and stomach now need warmth and nourishment to recover their vitality. Eating bitter melon at this time is like pouring cold water on a newly lit flame, potentially weakening the digestive system’s energy.

The second melon to cut back on is watermelon. Undeniably great for cooling down and promoting urination, its strong diuretic effect can strip the body of essential fluids as the weather turns cooler. This may worsen autumn dryness and increase internal dampness, leaving you feeling sluggish and uncomfortable.

So, if we should eat fewer melons, what should we eat instead? Ancient wisdom has the answer: "Eat more 'Five Whites'!" These foods, mostly white in color, are associated with lung health in traditional medicine. They are mild in nature, helping to moisturize lungs parched by autumn dryness while quietly replenishing energy (Qi) and boosting immunity—ensuring a smooth and healthy seasonal transition.

1. Yam: The Underground "Energy Treasure"

Yam is a powerhouse for replenishing Qi and strengthening the spleen. Its neutral nature makes it nourishing without being drying. It excels at fortifying digestive energy, improving nutrient absorption, and boosting overall vitality. Its sticky texture also helps soothe dry lungs.

Recommended Recipe: Yam and Pork Stomach Soup

This hearty soup is simpler to make than it sounds! Clean and slice pork stomach, then simmer it into a rich broth. Add cubed yam, carrots, heart-clearing lotus seeds, blood-nourishing goji berries, and red dates. Simmer on low heat until the yam turns soft and the pork stomach becomes tender. The result? A thick, savory broth with melt-in-your-mouth yam, chewy pork stomach, and a subtle sweetness from lotus seeds and dates—comforting and deeply nourishing for the entire body.

2. Lily Bulbs: The Lung-Moisturizing "Freshness Booster"

White as jade with a delicate sweetness and slight bitterness, lily bulbs excel at moisturizing lungs, calming coughs, and soothing the mind. Autumn dryness often triggers dry coughs and restless sleep, making lily bulbs an ideal remedy.

Recommended Recipe: Stir-Fried Lily Bulbs with Eggs

For a quick, satisfying dish, rinse fresh lily bulb petals and set aside. Scramble eggs until fluffy, then remove. Sauté minced chili (adjust for spice preference), add lily bulbs, and stir-fry until slightly translucent. Toss the eggs back in, season with salt, and serve. The crisp sweetness of lily bulbs pairs perfectly with tender eggs and a hint of chili—delicious over rice!

3. Lotus Root: The Crispy "Heat-Clearing Expert"

Grown in water, lotus root naturally carries cooling and hydrating properties. It clears heat, generates fluids, cools blood, and aids digestion. Autumn dryness often causes thirst and mild internal heat, making lotus root a refreshing choice.

Recommended Recipe: Stir-Fried Lotus Root with Snow Peas and Black Fungus

This light, crunchy stir-fry is a hydration powerhouse! Thinly slice lotus root and carrots, trim snow peas, and soak black fungus before tearing into pieces. Stir-fry lotus root and carrots first until edges caramelize slightly for extra texture. Add snow peas and fungus, stir-fry until tender, then season with salt and a pinch of sugar. The result? Crisp lotus root, sweet snow peas, slippery fungus, and a hint of carrot sweetness—a vibrant, refreshing dish.

4. Silver Ear Fungus: The "Affordable Bird’s Nest"

Known as the "people’s bird’s nest," silver ear fungus is a champion at nourishing yin and combating dryness. Rich in natural collagen, its gelatinous texture soothes dry lungs and throats, relieving autumn-induced coughs and skin dehydration.

Recommended Recipe: Pear and Silver Ear Fungus Soup with Red Dates

This sweet soup is autumn’s perfect antidote! Soak silver ear fungus, tear into small pieces, and simmer with chopped pear (skin on for extra lung benefits) and red dates. Cook until the fungus turns soft and the broth thickens slightly. Add goji berries near the end. Sweeten with honey or rock sugar if desired. Each spoonful coats the throat like a hydrating film, blending the pear’s freshness with the dates’ richness—warming and comforting.

5. Tofu: The "Plant-Based Protein Bank"

Soft, white tofu is a superb source of digestible plant protein, offering hydration, energy replenishment, and zero heat-inducing effects—ideal for autumn nutrition.

Recommended Recipe: Braised Sea Catfish with Tofu

A protein-packed, flavorful dish! Pan-fry sea catfish segments and tofu blocks until golden. Sauté aromatics (ginger, garlic, scallions), return fish to the pot with cooking wine, soy sauce, sugar, and water. Simmer with tofu until flavors meld. The tofu absorbs the fish’s umami and sauce’s richness, becoming irresistibly savory—perfect over steamed rice!

Final Tip: Rotate these "Five Whites"—yam, lily bulbs, lotus root, silver ear fungus, and tofu—into your autumn meals. They form a gentle defense, suppressing dryness, nourishing lung energy, and replenishing vitality. With stronger immunity, you’ll stay energetic and healthy all season long!

(Expanded to meet word count while maintaining natural flow and adding descriptive depth to recipes and benefits.)