Pagkain para sa Bato at Sinturon: Ang Dama ng Lupa ay Masarap

Chestnut, commonly known as “lupis,” also called “guilid,” “maliit na lupa,” or “hangin na lupa,” is a native Chinese specialty, famed as the “king of dried fruits.” Scientific tests confirm chestnuts contain up to 70.1% sugars and starch, 7% protein. They also contain fat, calcium, phosphorus, iron, and various vitamins—especially vitamin C, B complex, and beta-carotene, higher than most other dried fruits.
According to Traditional Chinese medicine, chestnuts are sweet and warm, non-toxic, and beneficial for “tonifying qi, strengthening the spleen, nourishing the intestines, tonifying the kidneys, strengthening tendons and bones, activating blood, and stopping bleeding.” Listed as a top-grade herb in *Mingyi Bie Lu*, Tao Hongjing said it “tonifies qi, nourishes the intestines, and strengthens kidney qi.” *Bencao Gangmu* notes: “Treats kidney deficiency, weak legs, and uses a bag of raw chestnuts hung dry, consuming 10–15 daily, followed by pig kidney congee to assist. Long-term use ensures strength.” *Tu Jing Bencao* also records: “Among fruits, chestnuts are most beneficial, especially for treating leg weakness. Best consumed raw.” Raw or cooked chestnuts treat weak legs, frequent urination, vomiting, bloody stools, chronic lymphadenitis, cervical lymph node tuberculosis, and chronic diarrhea due to spleen cold or infertility due to kidney deficiency. Burned and powdered chestnut shells mixed with honey and taken with water treats internal hemorrhoids. Chestnut shells combined with prunella and salvia treat acute cervical lymphadenitis and thyroid enlargement. Chestnuts excel at strengthening the spleen and kidneys, tonifying the kidneys and tendons, and activating blood to stop bleeding. They suit spleen deficiency-induced chronic diarrhea, kidney deficiency-related waist pain, leg weakness, frequent urination, wounds, and bone injuries. A chestnut porridge made with 50g chestnuts and 100g rice is suitable for all ages, helping strengthen the spleen and improve appetite while nourishing the kidneys and tendons—ideal for elderly people with declining function, poor appetite, weak knees, and difficulty walking.
Though ancient texts praise “chestnuts are most beneficial among fruits,” chestnuts are hard to digest raw and may cause bloating when cooked. Thus, avoid overeating—excess harms the spleen and stomach. Chew thoroughly until no residue remains before swallowing slowly. Since chestnuts contain high sugar content, avoid excessive intake, especially for diabetics, to prevent blood sugar instability.