Three Calcium Rich Chinese Soups
Help Prevent Osteoporosis and Increase Trace Mineral Intake
Basic soups used in Traditional Chinese Medicine to strengthen the Kidneys are rich in calcium, magnesium and trace minerals, all of which are important for healthy bones
Osteoporosis is a major concern for many people, especially women. Today’s diets are often lacking in calcium and magnesium, as well as other trace minerals needed for optimum bone health. Fast foods and foods grown on depleted soils are known to play a part in the lack of trace minerals. Traditional Chinese Medicine has long used whole foods as an integral part of health care. These three soups provide calcium and minerals in an easily utilized form.
Vegetable Soup with Meat Bones
The most basic soup for preventing osteoporosis is one that many will be familiar with. Fish, fowl or other animal bones are broken and then simmered for at least 18 hours in plenty of water to allow the marrow to be absorbed into the soup. Acidic vegetables such as carrots, celery, squash and/or beets are added to help extract the nutrients from the bones. Other vegetables, grains and spices can also be added to enhance the flavor.
Bean and Seaweed Soup
In Traditional Chinese Medicine, the kidneys rule the bones. In other words, the kidneys must be nourished for the bones to be strong. In this context, the kidneys are more than just the organs described in western medicine. While they are involved in water balance, they also are the source of basic essence responsible for growth, development, aging and reproduction.
Beans and seaweeds are used to nourish and regulate the kidneys. Interestingly, both seaweeds and beans are very high in calcium and magnesium. Aduki, lentil, and mung beans, as well as peas, are the most easily digested. To make the soup soak kombu or kelp in soup kettle. Add beans at a ratio of one part seaweed to six or more parts beans. Soak the beans overnight. Spice with coriander, cumin and ginger. Simmer for at least two hours. Other green vegetables can be added, but avoid grains in this soup to prevent the flatulence that grain and bean combinations can cause.
Grain and Green Soup
Finally a very traditional European soup follows traditional Chinese medicine’s principles for strengthening bones. Barley sprouts (whole barley, not pearled) and kale are simmered for ten minutes to make a quick calcium rich soup. Adding a bit of seaweed dramatically enhances the mineral content.
Foods grown on depleted soils do not provide the trace minerals that were once derived from vegetarian sources. Soups made with animal bones (fish, fowl or beast) will help make up the difference. For vegetarians and vegans, the addition of seaweeds to the diet will increase both calcium and trace mineral levels.
While these soups address the calcium and trace mineral aspect of bone health, there are other considerations, both dietary and lifestyle-based, which must be taken into account to minimize the risk of osteoporosis. It makes sense to do as much as possible to ensure healthy bones.
Source:
- Pitchford, Paul. Healing with Whole Foods, Third Edition.2002.Berkeley,CA. North Atlantic Books
