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The *Huangdi Neijing* (Yellow Emperor's Inner Canon) states: The generation of Yin essence fundamentally lies in the five flavors; the injury to the five palaces (Zang organs: Heart, Liver, Spleen, Lung, Kidney) also stems from the five flavors. Bian Que stated: The key to securing one's body must rely on food. One who does not understand the appropriateness of diet is insufficient to preserve life. The chapter "Xiangdang" (Village Customs) in the *Analects* is fully preserved, detailing the sage's moderation in diet extensively. Later generations have rushed after fame and profit, resulting in irregular hunger and fullness; indulged in wealth and honor, striving only for rich and sweet foods. Failing to follow the four seasons and not understanding the five flavors leads to the onset of diseases. Guarding against this allows one to attain their natural lifespan (Tian Nian).

The *Neijing* states: Carefully harmonizing the five flavors results in straight bones and flexible sinews. Qi and Blood become abundant, and the Couli (skin texture and pores) become dense, allowing one to enjoy their heavenly destiny. The *Huainanzi* states: If the five flavors disturb the mouth, it causes damage to taste, which is a disease. Tao Hongjing said: Excessive preference for any of the five flavors is not beneficial to humans; it may bring disaster according to the affected Zang organ. A slight thinness in the five flavors makes the spirit refreshing. However, if slightly excessive, it damages the Zang organs. This is the natural principle of the Five Elements; initially unnoticed, it becomes a calamity over time.

Excessive sour flavor injures the Spleen, causing wrinkled flesh and everted lips. Therefore, during the 72 days of Spring, one should reduce sour and increase sweet flavors to nourish Spleen Qi. Curving and straightening generates sour, which belongs to Wood; the Spleen governs flesh and belongs to Earth, and Wood conquers Earth. Overconsumption of sour damages Stomach Qi as well as skin, muscles, sinews, and bones, offering no benefit to men and damaging complexion. Sour should not be eaten with clams, as their properties are contrary. It is said: Drinking a small amount of hot vinegar is superior to wine. (Huan Jian said he did not eat vinegar since childhood; now over eighty-nine years old, he still retains his vivid spirit.) Additionally, the Heart has a red color and benefits from sour foods. Adzuki beans, dog meat, plums, and Chinese chives all possess sour flavors.

Excessive salty flavor injures the Heart, causing blood to coagulate and stagnate, leading to discoloration. Therefore, during the 72 days of Winter, one should reduce salt and increase bitter flavors to nourish Heart Qi. Moistening downward generates salty, which belongs to Water; the Heart governs blood and belongs to Fire, and Water conquers Fire. Salt that is too salty injures the Lung and simultaneously damages sinew strength. People in the Northwest who cannot tolerate high salt intake live long, while people in the Southeast who desire salty food often have shorter lifespans. Those suffering from cough and water retention should completely avoid salt. The hermits in Taoyuan during the Jin Dynasty were unfamiliar with salty flavors and lived long lives. After the five flavors became common, human longevity decreased. Additionally, the Spleen has a yellow color and benefits from salty foods. Soybeans, pork, millet, and soybean leaves all possess salty flavors.

Excessive sweet flavor injures the Kidney, causing bone pain and tooth loss. Therefore, during the last 18 days of each season, one should reduce sweet and increase salty flavors to nourish Kidney Qi. Planting and harvesting generate sweet, which belongs to Earth; the Kidney governs bones and belongs to Water, and Earth conquers Water. Additionally, the Liver has a green color and benefits from sweet foods. Japonica rice, beef, jujubes, and malva vegetables all possess sweet flavors.

Excessive bitter flavor injures the Lung, causing dry skin and falling hair. Therefore, during the 72 days of Summer, one should reduce bitter and increase pungent flavors to nourish Lung Qi. Flaming upward generates bitter, which belongs to Fire; the Lung governs skin and hair and belongs to Metal, and Fire conquers Metal. Additionally, the Lung has a white color and benefits from bitter foods. Wheat, mutton, apricots, and wild leeks all possess bitter flavors.

Excessive pungent flavor injures the Liver, causing tight sinews and withered nails. Therefore, during the 72 days of Autumn, one should reduce pungent and increase sour flavors to nourish Liver Qi. Transforming and moving generates pungent, which belongs to Metal; the Liver governs sinews and belongs to Wood, and Metal conquers Wood. Black pepper harmonizes Qi, but excessive consumption damages Lung Metal and causes hemoptysis. Long-term consumption of fine chili peppers causes blindness and Qi deficiency. He-kou pepper harms humans; do not eat pepper in the tenth month, as it injures the Heart, damages blood vessels, and causes forgetfulness. Pepper removes dampness and warms the middle, benefiting women. Additionally, the Kidney has a black color and benefits from pungent foods. Yellow millet, chicken, peaches, and scallions all possess pungent flavors.