Cheng Tng for the Haze Season

The weather has been bad recently, with haze going into the hazardous range. It is important to avoid breathing in too much "dirty" air containing particulates, especially so for my 2 month old infant. Many people rush to buy air purifier. But do not choose a good one. For really cleaning up the air indoors, a HEPA filter on the air purifier is needed.

I believe my air-conditioner, together with religious vacuuming and wiping of dust and dirt is good enough for the purpose required.

As usual, I enjoy using food nutrition to nourish the immune system so that our body is strong and can prevent falling sick in such a weather. Since I am breastfeeding now as well, I'm particularly drawn to food such as longan and red dates, which are milk boosters.

So today I cooked Cheng tng for my family. This is a tasty dessert that soothes the throat and reduces the heatiness of the body. 

The following ingredients are used.

Snow fungus

Snow fungus is an immune stimulant that may help fight infection as seen in cell studies. Laboratory studies have found that it also demonstrates antitumor activity, lowers levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL, or "bad") cholesterol, protects the liver, and fights inflammation, and that it may slow the ageing process. Supposedly, if snow fungus is eaten regularly, facial freckles will disappear, although this has not been tested in any scientific fashion.
(extracted from http://www.herbmuseum.ca/content/medicinal-benefits-snow-fungus)

Longan

Longan fruit is rich in antioxidants and can protect against heart disease, chronic inflammation and may even help prevent some cancers. Just one half cup provides 80% of your daily vitamin C requirements. Vitamin C also plays a vital role in immunity. 

Iron absorption depends on vitamin C and combining longan fruit with meat increases your iron levels. Longan helps with blood production, most likely through the iron content needed to produce new red blood cells.
(extracted from http://www.newhealthguide.org/Longan-Fruit.html)

Red dates

Red dates are said to stimulate the production of white blood cells, which improves immunity, and decrease the levels of cholesterol in your bloodstream, which helps protect the liver.
Because of their high levels of Vitamin C, dates convert excessive cholesterol into bile acid, which helps prevent gallstones. Meanwhile, phosphorus and iron play an important role in preventing osteoporosis and anemia, both common in women.
(extracted from http://www.theworldofchinese.com/2012/03/red-dates-the-healthiest-fruit-on-earth/)

Lily bud

Believed to  help with insomnia and to help settle a cough.

Lotus seeds

Lotus seeds contain L-isoaspartyl methyltransferase, an enzyme with anti-ageing properties. It is known to help in repairing damaged proteins. The seeds contain kaempferol, a flavonoid known for its anti-inflammatory properties. It is known to help in repairing aging gum tissue. The astringent properties of lotus seeds make them beneficial for the kidneys. They help to regulate the energy levels of the body.
(extracted from http://www.home-remedies-for-you.com/herbs/lotus-seed.html)


To sum up, eating healthily does not mean spending huge amounts of money. Understanding the benefits of each type of plant food, and use as needed, can help us to increase our immunity against diseases.

We can also remain youthful and healthy with correct choices of food.

Our health depends on what we eat. So choose wisely. 

CHEERS!! :)


Regards,
Ee Ting
eetingchoo@gmail.com