The short version: the two cold types, So-Eum and Tae-Eum, do best on warm, cooked, grounding food. The two hot types, So-Yang and Tae-Yang, do best on cooling, lighter food with plenty of vegetables and seafood. The same food (ginseng, pork, chicken, raw salad) can sit on one type's "favour" list and another's "limit" list.
Check any food
Type a food, pick your type, or both. 146 foods
| Food | Nature | Tae-Yang | Tae-Eum | So-Yang | So-Eum |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Meat | |||||
| Chicken 닭고기 Warming nature strengthens So-Eum's weak spleen. Creates heat problematic for hot constitutions. | Warm | ·No strong rule for Tae-Yang | ✕Limit for Tae-Eum | ✕Limit for So-Yang | ✓Good for So-Eum |
| Beef 소고기 Substantial protein for Tae-Eum's strong metabolism. Too heating for Tae-Yang's ascending energy. | Warm | ✕Limit for Tae-Yang | ✓Good for Tae-Eum | ·No strong rule for So-Yang | ·No strong rule for So-Eum |
| Pork 돼지고기 Most cooling common meat - essential for So-Yang's excess heat. Too cold for So-Eum. | Cool | ·No strong rule for Tae-Yang | ✕Limit for Tae-Eum | ✓Good for So-Yang | ✕Limit for So-Eum |
| Lamb 양고기 Strongly warming, builds yang. Dangerous for constitutions with excess heat. | Hot | ✕Limit for Tae-Yang | ·No strong rule for Tae-Eum | ✕Limit for So-Yang | ✓Good for So-Eum |
| Duck 오리고기 Cooling and nourishing yin. Traditional summer meat for clearing heat. | Cool | ✓Good for Tae-Yang | ·No strong rule for Tae-Eum | ✓Good for So-Yang | ✕Limit for So-Eum |
| Goat 염소고기 Very warming, tonifies kidney yang. Too hot for heat constitutions. | Hot | ✕Limit for Tae-Yang | ·No strong rule for Tae-Eum | ✕Limit for So-Yang | ✓Good for So-Eum |
| Turkey 칠면조 Mildly warming, lean protein. Generally well-tolerated. | Warm | ·No strong rule for Tae-Yang | ✓Good for Tae-Eum | ·No strong rule for So-Yang | ✓Good for So-Eum |
| Seafood | |||||
| Salmon 연어 Fatty fish with warming nature, nourishes blood. | Warm | ·No strong rule for Tae-Yang | ✓Good for Tae-Eum | ·No strong rule for So-Yang | ✓Good for So-Eum |
| Shrimp 새우 Warming seafood that tonifies kidney yang. | Warm | ·No strong rule for Tae-Yang | ·No strong rule for Tae-Eum | ✕Limit for So-Yang | ✓Good for So-Eum |
| Crab 게 Very cooling, clears heat. Damages So-Eum digestive fire. | Cold | ✓Good for Tae-Yang | ·No strong rule for Tae-Eum | ✓Good for So-Yang | ✕Limit for So-Eum |
| Oyster 굴 Nourishes kidney yin and calms spirit. Excellent for So-Yang. | Cool | ·No strong rule for Tae-Yang | ·No strong rule for Tae-Eum | ✓Good for So-Yang | ·No strong rule for So-Eum |
| Clam 조개 Cooling shellfish, clears heat. Too cold for So-Eum. | Cold | ✓Good for Tae-Yang | ·No strong rule for Tae-Eum | ✓Good for So-Yang | ✕Limit for So-Eum |
| Mussel 홍합 Warming shellfish, nourishes liver and kidney. | Warm | ·No strong rule for Tae-Yang | ✓Good for Tae-Eum | ·No strong rule for So-Yang | ✓Good for So-Eum |
| Squid 오징어 Cooling seafood, nourishes yin. | Cool | ✓Good for Tae-Yang | ·No strong rule for Tae-Eum | ✓Good for So-Yang | ✕Limit for So-Eum |
| Octopus 문어 Cooling, nourishes blood. | Cool | ✓Good for Tae-Yang | ·No strong rule for Tae-Eum | ✓Good for So-Yang | ✕Limit for So-Eum |
| Tuna 참치 Warming fish, tonifies Qi and blood. | Warm | ·No strong rule for Tae-Yang | ✓Good for Tae-Eum | ·No strong rule for So-Yang | ✓Good for So-Eum |
| Mackerel 고등어 Warming oily fish, moves blood and Qi. | Warm | ·No strong rule for Tae-Yang | ✓Good for Tae-Eum | ·No strong rule for So-Yang | ✓Good for So-Eum |
| Cod 대구 Neutral fish, gentle on digestion. | Neutral | ·No strong rule for Tae-Yang | ✓Good for Tae-Eum | ·No strong rule for So-Yang | ✓Good for So-Eum |
| Anchovy 멸치 Small warming fish, strengthens bones. | Warm | ·No strong rule for Tae-Yang | ·No strong rule for Tae-Eum | ·No strong rule for So-Yang | ✓Good for So-Eum |
| Sea cucumber 해삼 Cooling, strongly nourishes kidney yin. | Cool | ·No strong rule for Tae-Yang | ·No strong rule for Tae-Eum | ✓Good for So-Yang | ✕Limit for So-Eum |
| Abalone 전복 Cooling delicacy, nourishes liver yin. | Cool | ✓Good for Tae-Yang | ·No strong rule for Tae-Eum | ✓Good for So-Yang | ✕Limit for So-Eum |
| Fish 생선 Generally neutral, depends on specific type. | Neutral | ·No strong rule for Tae-Yang | ✓Good for Tae-Eum | ·No strong rule for So-Yang | ✓Good for So-Eum |
| Shellfish (general) 해산물 Most seafood is cooling, good for heat types. | Cool | ✓Good for Tae-Yang | ·No strong rule for Tae-Eum | ✓Good for So-Yang | ✕Limit for So-Eum |
| Other proteins | |||||
| Tofu 두부 Cooling plant protein. Weakens So-Eum digestion. | Cool | ✓Good for Tae-Yang | ·No strong rule for Tae-Eum | ✓Good for So-Yang | ✕Limit for So-Eum |
| Egg 계란 Nourishing and easy to digest. | Neutral | ·No strong rule for Tae-Yang | ✕Limit for Tae-Eum | ·No strong rule for So-Yang | ✓Good for So-Eum |
| Tempeh 템페 Fermented soy, warming and easier to digest than tofu. | Warm | ·No strong rule for Tae-Yang | ✓Good for Tae-Eum | ·No strong rule for So-Yang | ✓Good for So-Eum |
| Grains | |||||
| Rice 쌀 Staple grain, tonifies Qi. Suitable for most constitutions. | Neutral | ·No strong rule for Tae-Yang | ✓Good for Tae-Eum | ·No strong rule for So-Yang | ✓Good for So-Eum |
| Brown rice 현미 Whole grain, more fiber. Good for Tae-Eum. | Neutral | ·No strong rule for Tae-Yang | ✓Good for Tae-Eum | ·No strong rule for So-Yang | ·No strong rule for So-Eum |
| Barley 보리 Cooling grain that clears heat. Weakens So-Eum fire. | Cool | ✓Good for Tae-Yang | ·No strong rule for Tae-Eum | ✓Good for So-Yang | ✕Limit for So-Eum |
| Buckwheat 메밀 Strongly cooling, descends energy. Essential for Tae-Yang. | Cool | ✓Good for Tae-Yang | ·No strong rule for Tae-Eum | ·No strong rule for So-Yang | ✕Limit for So-Eum |
| Oats 귀리 Warming and nourishing, supports digestion. | Warm | ·No strong rule for Tae-Yang | ✓Good for Tae-Eum | ·No strong rule for So-Yang | ✓Good for So-Eum |
| Wheat 밀 Cooling grain, can create dampness. | Cool | ·No strong rule for Tae-Yang | ·No strong rule for Tae-Eum | ✓Good for So-Yang | ✕Limit for So-Eum |
| Bread 빵 Wheat-based, can create dampness. | Cool | ·No strong rule for Tae-Yang | ✕Limit for Tae-Eum | ·No strong rule for So-Yang | ✕Limit for So-Eum |
| Pasta 파스타 Wheat-based, heavy. Can create stagnation. | Cool | ·No strong rule for Tae-Yang | ✕Limit for Tae-Eum | ·No strong rule for So-Yang | ✕Limit for So-Eum |
| Quinoa 퀴노아 Warming complete protein grain. | Warm | ·No strong rule for Tae-Yang | ✓Good for Tae-Eum | ·No strong rule for So-Yang | ✓Good for So-Eum |
| Corn 옥수수 Neutral grain, supports digestion. | Neutral | ·No strong rule for Tae-Yang | ✓Good for Tae-Eum | ·No strong rule for So-Yang | ·No strong rule for So-Eum |
| Vegetables | |||||
| Ginger 생강 Powerfully warming digestive fire. Essential So-Eum medicine. | Hot | ✕Limit for Tae-Yang | ·No strong rule for Tae-Eum | ✕Limit for So-Yang | ✓Good for So-Eum |
| Garlic 마늘 Warming, moves Qi. Too ascending for Tae-Yang. | Warm | ✕Limit for Tae-Yang | ✓Good for Tae-Eum | ·No strong rule for So-Yang | ✓Good for So-Eum |
| Onion 양파 Warming, moves Qi. Generally beneficial. | Warm | ·No strong rule for Tae-Yang | ✓Good for Tae-Eum | ·No strong rule for So-Yang | ✓Good for So-Eum |
| Green onion 파 Warming, releases exterior cold. | Warm | ·No strong rule for Tae-Yang | ·No strong rule for Tae-Eum | ✕Limit for So-Yang | ✓Good for So-Eum |
| Cucumber 오이 Clears heat, generates fluids. Damages So-Eum fire. | Cool | ✓Good for Tae-Yang | ·No strong rule for Tae-Eum | ✓Good for So-Yang | ✕Limit for So-Eum |
| Radish 무 Opens lungs, resolves phlegm. Essential for Tae-Eum. | Cool | ·No strong rule for Tae-Yang | ✓Good for Tae-Eum | ·No strong rule for So-Yang | ✕Limit for So-Eum |
| Carrot 당근 Neutral, nourishes blood and vision. | Neutral | ·No strong rule for Tae-Yang | ✓Good for Tae-Eum | ·No strong rule for So-Yang | ✓Good for So-Eum |
| Spinach 시금치 Cooling, nourishes blood and yin. | Cool | ✓Good for Tae-Yang | ·No strong rule for Tae-Eum | ✓Good for So-Yang | ✕Limit for So-Eum |
| Lettuce 상추 Cooling green, clears heat. | Cool | ✓Good for Tae-Yang | ·No strong rule for Tae-Eum | ✓Good for So-Yang | ✕Limit for So-Eum |
| Cabbage 배추 Neutral, basis of kimchi. Broadly suitable. | Neutral | ✓Good for Tae-Yang | ✓Good for Tae-Eum | ·No strong rule for So-Yang | ·No strong rule for So-Eum |
| Broccoli 브로콜리 Cooling vegetable. Cook for So-Eum. | Cool | ✓Good for Tae-Yang | ·No strong rule for Tae-Eum | ✓Good for So-Yang | ✕Limit for So-Eum |
| Celery 셀러리 Cooling, clears liver heat. | Cool | ✓Good for Tae-Yang | ·No strong rule for Tae-Eum | ✓Good for So-Yang | ✕Limit for So-Eum |
| Asparagus 아스파라거스 Cooling, nourishes kidney yin. | Cool | ·No strong rule for Tae-Yang | ·No strong rule for Tae-Eum | ✓Good for So-Yang | ✕Limit for So-Eum |
| Zucchini 주키니 Cooling summer squash. | Cool | ✓Good for Tae-Yang | ·No strong rule for Tae-Eum | ✓Good for So-Yang | ✕Limit for So-Eum |
| Eggplant 가지 Cooling, clears heat. | Cool | ✓Good for Tae-Yang | ·No strong rule for Tae-Eum | ✓Good for So-Yang | ✕Limit for So-Eum |
| Tomato 토마토 Cooling, generates fluids. Cook for So-Eum. | Cool | ✓Good for Tae-Yang | ·No strong rule for Tae-Eum | ✓Good for So-Yang | ✕Limit for So-Eum |
| Potato 감자 Neutral, tonifies Qi. | Neutral | ·No strong rule for Tae-Yang | ✓Good for Tae-Eum | ·No strong rule for So-Yang | ✓Good for So-Eum |
| Sweet potato 고구마 Warming, tonifies spleen Qi. | Warm | ·No strong rule for Tae-Yang | ✓Good for Tae-Eum | ·No strong rule for So-Yang | ✓Good for So-Eum |
| Pumpkin 호박 Warming, strengthens spleen. | Warm | ·No strong rule for Tae-Yang | ✓Good for Tae-Eum | ·No strong rule for So-Yang | ✓Good for So-Eum |
| Squash 호박 Warming, nourishes spleen. | Warm | ·No strong rule for Tae-Yang | ✓Good for Tae-Eum | ·No strong rule for So-Yang | ✓Good for So-Eum |
| Mushroom 버섯 Neutral, tonifies Qi. | Neutral | ·No strong rule for Tae-Yang | ✓Good for Tae-Eum | ·No strong rule for So-Yang | ·No strong rule for So-Eum |
| Shiitake 표고버섯 Tonifies Qi, boosts immunity. | Neutral | ·No strong rule for Tae-Yang | ✓Good for Tae-Eum | ·No strong rule for So-Yang | ·No strong rule for So-Eum |
| Bean sprouts 숙주 Cooling, clears heat. | Cool | ✓Good for Tae-Yang | ·No strong rule for Tae-Eum | ✓Good for So-Yang | ✕Limit for So-Eum |
| Lotus root 연근 Opens lungs for Tae-Eum. | Cool | ·No strong rule for Tae-Yang | ✓Good for Tae-Eum | ·No strong rule for So-Yang | ·No strong rule for So-Eum |
| Bellflower root 도라지 Opens lungs, resolves phlegm. Essential for Tae-Eum. | Neutral | ·No strong rule for Tae-Yang | ✓Good for Tae-Eum | ·No strong rule for So-Yang | ·No strong rule for So-Eum |
| Burdock 우엉 Cooling root, detoxifies. | Cool | ·No strong rule for Tae-Yang | ✓Good for Tae-Eum | ·No strong rule for So-Yang | ✕Limit for So-Eum |
| Chili pepper 고추 Very heating. | Hot | ✕Limit for Tae-Yang | ·No strong rule for Tae-Eum | ✕Limit for So-Yang | ✓Good for So-Eum |
| Kale 케일 Cooling bitter green. | Cool | ✓Good for Tae-Yang | ·No strong rule for Tae-Eum | ✓Good for So-Yang | ✕Limit for So-Eum |
| Bok choy 청경채 Cooling Chinese cabbage. | Cool | ✓Good for Tae-Yang | ·No strong rule for Tae-Eum | ✓Good for So-Yang | ✕Limit for So-Eum |
| Seaweed 해조류 Cold, clears heat. Too cold for So-Eum. | Cold | ✓Good for Tae-Yang | ·No strong rule for Tae-Eum | ✓Good for So-Yang | ✕Limit for So-Eum |
| Kelp 다시마 Cold seaweed, clears heat. | Cold | ✓Good for Tae-Yang | ·No strong rule for Tae-Eum | ✓Good for So-Yang | ✕Limit for So-Eum |
| Nori 김 Cooling seaweed. | Cool | ✓Good for Tae-Yang | ·No strong rule for Tae-Eum | ✓Good for So-Yang | ✕Limit for So-Eum |
| Fruits | |||||
| Watermelon 수박 Very cooling, clears summer heat. Damages So-Eum spleen. | Cold | ✓Good for Tae-Yang | ·No strong rule for Tae-Eum | ✓Good for So-Yang | ✕Limit for So-Eum |
| Pear 배 Moistens lungs, clears heat. Korean pear is lung medicine. | Cool | ·No strong rule for Tae-Yang | ✓Good for Tae-Eum | ✓Good for So-Yang | ✕Limit for So-Eum |
| Apple 사과 Mildly cooling, generates fluids. | Cool | ·No strong rule for Tae-Yang | ·No strong rule for Tae-Eum | ✓Good for So-Yang | ·No strong rule for So-Eum |
| Banana 바나나 Cooling, moistening. Too cold for So-Eum. | Cold | ·No strong rule for Tae-Yang | ·No strong rule for Tae-Eum | ✓Good for So-Yang | ✕Limit for So-Eum |
| Orange 오렌지 Cooling citrus, generates fluids. | Cool | ·No strong rule for Tae-Yang | ·No strong rule for Tae-Eum | ✓Good for So-Yang | ✕Limit for So-Eum |
| Tangerine 귤 Cooling citrus, aids digestion. | Cool | ·No strong rule for Tae-Yang | ✓Good for Tae-Eum | ✓Good for So-Yang | ✕Limit for So-Eum |
| Lemon 레몬 Cooling, aids digestion. | Cool | ✓Good for Tae-Yang | ·No strong rule for Tae-Eum | ✓Good for So-Yang | ·No strong rule for So-Eum |
| Grapefruit 자몽 Cooling, clears heat. | Cool | ✓Good for Tae-Yang | ·No strong rule for Tae-Eum | ✓Good for So-Yang | ✕Limit for So-Eum |
| Grape 포도 Neutral, nourishes blood. | Neutral | ✓Good for Tae-Yang | ✓Good for Tae-Eum | ·No strong rule for So-Yang | ·No strong rule for So-Eum |
| Cherry 체리 Warming fruit, nourishes blood. | Warm | ✓Good for Tae-Yang | ·No strong rule for Tae-Eum | ·No strong rule for So-Yang | ✓Good for So-Eum |
| Strawberry 딸기 Cooling berry. | Cool | ·No strong rule for Tae-Yang | ·No strong rule for Tae-Eum | ✓Good for So-Yang | ✕Limit for So-Eum |
| Blueberry 블루베리 Cooling, nourishes kidney. | Cool | ✓Good for Tae-Yang | ·No strong rule for Tae-Eum | ✓Good for So-Yang | ·No strong rule for So-Eum |
| Peach 복숭아 Warming fruit, moves blood. | Warm | ·No strong rule for Tae-Yang | ·No strong rule for Tae-Eum | ·No strong rule for So-Yang | ✓Good for So-Eum |
| Mango 망고 Cooling tropical fruit. | Cool | ·No strong rule for Tae-Yang | ·No strong rule for Tae-Eum | ✓Good for So-Yang | ✕Limit for So-Eum |
| Pineapple 파인애플 Cooling, aids protein digestion. | Cool | ✓Good for Tae-Yang | ·No strong rule for Tae-Eum | ✓Good for So-Yang | ✕Limit for So-Eum |
| Kiwi 키위 Cooling, high vitamin C. | Cool | ·No strong rule for Tae-Yang | ·No strong rule for Tae-Eum | ✓Good for So-Yang | ✕Limit for So-Eum |
| Melon 멜론 Very cooling, clears heat. | Cold | ✓Good for Tae-Yang | ·No strong rule for Tae-Eum | ✓Good for So-Yang | ✕Limit for So-Eum |
| Persimmon 감 Very cooling. Traditional Tae-Yang fruit. | Cold | ✓Good for Tae-Yang | ·No strong rule for Tae-Eum | ✓Good for So-Yang | ✕Limit for So-Eum |
| Avocado 아보카도 Cooling, fatty. Can create dampness. | Cool | ·No strong rule for Tae-Yang | ✕Limit for Tae-Eum | ✓Good for So-Yang | ✕Limit for So-Eum |
| Jujube 대추 Korean dates, tonify Qi. So-Eum medicine. | Warm | ·No strong rule for Tae-Yang | ·No strong rule for Tae-Eum | ·No strong rule for So-Yang | ✓Good for So-Eum |
| Nuts & seeds | |||||
| Walnut 호두 Warming, tonifies kidney and brain. | Warm | ·No strong rule for Tae-Yang | ✓Good for Tae-Eum | ·No strong rule for So-Yang | ✓Good for So-Eum |
| Almond 아몬드 Neutral, moistens lungs. | Neutral | ·No strong rule for Tae-Yang | ✓Good for Tae-Eum | ·No strong rule for So-Yang | ·No strong rule for So-Eum |
| Pine nut 잣 Warming, moistens lungs. Good for Tae-Yang. | Warm | ✓Good for Tae-Yang | ·No strong rule for Tae-Eum | ·No strong rule for So-Yang | ✓Good for So-Eum |
| Peanut 땅콩 Warming, tonifies spleen. | Warm | ·No strong rule for Tae-Yang | ✓Good for Tae-Eum | ·No strong rule for So-Yang | ✓Good for So-Eum |
| Chestnut 밤 Warming, tonifies kidney and spleen. | Warm | ·No strong rule for Tae-Yang | ·No strong rule for Tae-Eum | ·No strong rule for So-Yang | ✓Good for So-Eum |
| Sesame 참깨 Nourishes liver and kidney. | Neutral | ·No strong rule for Tae-Yang | ✓Good for Tae-Eum | ·No strong rule for So-Yang | ✓Good for So-Eum |
| Black sesame 흑임자 Nourishes kidney yin. | Neutral | ·No strong rule for Tae-Yang | ✓Good for Tae-Eum | ✓Good for So-Yang | ·No strong rule for So-Eum |
| Legumes | |||||
| Mung bean 녹두 Cooling, clears heat. Essential for heat types. | Cool | ✓Good for Tae-Yang | ·No strong rule for Tae-Eum | ✓Good for So-Yang | ✕Limit for So-Eum |
| Black bean 검은콩 Nourishes kidney. | Neutral | ·No strong rule for Tae-Yang | ✓Good for Tae-Eum | ·No strong rule for So-Yang | ·No strong rule for So-Eum |
| Red bean 팥 Drains dampness. Good for Tae-Eum. | Neutral | ·No strong rule for Tae-Yang | ✓Good for Tae-Eum | ·No strong rule for So-Yang | ·No strong rule for So-Eum |
| Lentil 렌틸 Nourishing legume. | Neutral | ·No strong rule for Tae-Yang | ✓Good for Tae-Eum | ·No strong rule for So-Yang | ✓Good for So-Eum |
| Chickpea 병아리콩 Tonifies Qi. | Neutral | ·No strong rule for Tae-Yang | ✓Good for Tae-Eum | ·No strong rule for So-Yang | ·No strong rule for So-Eum |
| Dairy | |||||
| Milk 우유 Cooling and damp-forming. Problematic for most. | Cool | ·No strong rule for Tae-Yang | ✕Limit for Tae-Eum | ·No strong rule for So-Yang | ✕Limit for So-Eum |
| Cheese 치즈 Creates dampness. Avoid for Tae-Eum. | Warm | ·No strong rule for Tae-Yang | ✕Limit for Tae-Eum | ·No strong rule for So-Yang | ·No strong rule for So-Eum |
| Yogurt 요거트 Cooling dairy. Creates dampness. | Cool | ·No strong rule for Tae-Yang | ✕Limit for Tae-Eum | ✓Good for So-Yang | ✕Limit for So-Eum |
| Ice cream 아이스크림 Very cold. Damages digestion. | Cold | ·No strong rule for Tae-Yang | ✕Limit for Tae-Eum | ·No strong rule for So-Yang | ✕Limit for So-Eum |
| Herbs & spices | |||||
| Ginseng 인삼 Powerfully tonifies Qi. Essential So-Eum medicine. CONTRAINDICATED for So-Yang. | Warm | ✕Limit for Tae-Yang | ·No strong rule for Tae-Eum | ✕Limit for So-Yang | ✓Good for So-Eum |
| Red ginseng 홍삼 Very warming. Only for So-Eum. | Hot | ✕Limit for Tae-Yang | ·No strong rule for Tae-Eum | ✕Limit for So-Yang | ✓Good for So-Eum |
| Cinnamon 계피 Hot spice. Essential for So-Eum. | Hot | ✕Limit for Tae-Yang | ·No strong rule for Tae-Eum | ✕Limit for So-Yang | ✓Good for So-Eum |
| Turmeric 강황 Warming, anti-inflammatory. | Warm | ·No strong rule for Tae-Yang | ✓Good for Tae-Eum | ·No strong rule for So-Yang | ✓Good for So-Eum |
| Black pepper 후추 Hot spice. Only for cold types. | Hot | ✕Limit for Tae-Yang | ·No strong rule for Tae-Eum | ✕Limit for So-Yang | ✓Good for So-Eum |
| Mint 박하 Cooling herb, clears heat. | Cool | ✓Good for Tae-Yang | ·No strong rule for Tae-Eum | ✓Good for So-Yang | ✕Limit for So-Eum |
| Chamomile 캐모마일 Cooling, calms nerves. | Cool | ·No strong rule for Tae-Yang | ·No strong rule for Tae-Eum | ✓Good for So-Yang | ·No strong rule for So-Eum |
| Chrysanthemum 국화 Cooling, clears liver heat and eyes. | Cool | ✓Good for Tae-Yang | ·No strong rule for Tae-Eum | ✓Good for So-Yang | ✕Limit for So-Eum |
| Licorice 감초 Harmonizes herbs, tonifies Qi. | Neutral | ·No strong rule for Tae-Yang | ✓Good for Tae-Eum | ·No strong rule for So-Yang | ✓Good for So-Eum |
| Mugwort 쑥 Warming, used in moxibustion. | Warm | ·No strong rule for Tae-Yang | ✓Good for Tae-Eum | ·No strong rule for So-Yang | ✓Good for So-Eum |
| Drinks | |||||
| Green tea 녹차 Cooling, clears heat. Too cold for So-Eum. | Cool | ✓Good for Tae-Yang | ·No strong rule for Tae-Eum | ✓Good for So-Yang | ✕Limit for So-Eum |
| Black tea 홍차 Warming tea, aids digestion. | Warm | ·No strong rule for Tae-Yang | ✓Good for Tae-Eum | ·No strong rule for So-Yang | ✓Good for So-Eum |
| Coffee 커피 Stimulating and heating. Worsens So-Yang's fire. | Warm | ·No strong rule for Tae-Yang | ·No strong rule for Tae-Eum | ✕Limit for So-Yang | ·No strong rule for So-Eum |
| Barley tea 보리차 Cooling Korean tea. Traditional summer drink. | Cool | ✓Good for Tae-Yang | ·No strong rule for Tae-Eum | ✓Good for So-Yang | ✕Limit for So-Eum |
| Ginger tea 생강차 Very warming. Essential So-Eum drink. | Hot | ✕Limit for Tae-Yang | ·No strong rule for Tae-Eum | ✕Limit for So-Yang | ✓Good for So-Eum |
| Cinnamon tea 계피차 Hot tea, warms interior. | Hot | ✕Limit for Tae-Yang | ·No strong rule for Tae-Eum | ✕Limit for So-Yang | ✓Good for So-Eum |
| Jujube tea 대추차 Warming, tonifies Qi. | Warm | ·No strong rule for Tae-Yang | ·No strong rule for Tae-Eum | ·No strong rule for So-Yang | ✓Good for So-Eum |
| Chrysanthemum tea 국화차 Cooling tea, clears liver heat. | Cool | ✓Good for Tae-Yang | ·No strong rule for Tae-Eum | ✓Good for So-Yang | ✕Limit for So-Eum |
| Corn tea 옥수수차 Neutral Korean tea. | Neutral | ·No strong rule for Tae-Yang | ✓Good for Tae-Eum | ·No strong rule for So-Yang | ·No strong rule for So-Eum |
| Beer 맥주 Very cold. Damages So-Eum spleen. | Cold | ·No strong rule for Tae-Yang | ✕Limit for Tae-Eum | ·No strong rule for So-Yang | ✕Limit for So-Eum |
| Wine 와인 Warming alcohol. Heats So-Yang. | Warm | ·No strong rule for Tae-Yang | ·No strong rule for Tae-Eum | ✕Limit for So-Yang | ·No strong rule for So-Eum |
| Soju & spirits 소주 Hot alcohol. Damages yin. | Hot | ✕Limit for Tae-Yang | ·No strong rule for Tae-Eum | ✕Limit for So-Yang | ·No strong rule for So-Eum |
| Korean dishes | |||||
| Kimchi 김치 Fermented, warming, aids digestion. | Warm | ·No strong rule for Tae-Yang | ✓Good for Tae-Eum | ·No strong rule for So-Yang | ✓Good for So-Eum |
| Samgyetang 삼계탕 Ginseng chicken soup. Essential So-Eum medicine. | Hot | ✕Limit for Tae-Yang | ·No strong rule for Tae-Eum | ✕Limit for So-Yang | ✓Good for So-Eum |
| Naengmyeon 냉면 Cold noodles. Dangerous for So-Eum. | Cold | ✓Good for Tae-Yang | ·No strong rule for Tae-Eum | ✓Good for So-Yang | ✕Limit for So-Eum |
| Bibimbap 비빔밥 Mixed rice bowl. Balanced. | Neutral | ·No strong rule for Tae-Yang | ✓Good for Tae-Eum | ·No strong rule for So-Yang | ·No strong rule for So-Eum |
| Bulgogi 불고기 Marinated beef. Good for Tae-Eum. | Warm | ✕Limit for Tae-Yang | ✓Good for Tae-Eum | ·No strong rule for So-Yang | ·No strong rule for So-Eum |
| Galbi 갈비 Beef ribs. Warming protein. | Warm | ✕Limit for Tae-Yang | ✓Good for Tae-Eum | ·No strong rule for So-Yang | ·No strong rule for So-Eum |
| Samgyeopsal 삼겹살 Pork belly. Cooling but fatty. | Cool | ·No strong rule for Tae-Yang | ✕Limit for Tae-Eum | ✓Good for So-Yang | ✕Limit for So-Eum |
| Doenjang 된장 Fermented soybean paste. Aids digestion. | Warm | ·No strong rule for Tae-Yang | ✓Good for Tae-Eum | ·No strong rule for So-Yang | ✓Good for So-Eum |
| Doenjang jjigae 된장찌개 Soybean paste stew. Warming. | Warm | ·No strong rule for Tae-Yang | ✓Good for Tae-Eum | ·No strong rule for So-Yang | ✓Good for So-Eum |
| Kimchi jjigae 김치찌개 Kimchi stew. Warming. | Warm | ·No strong rule for Tae-Yang | ✓Good for Tae-Eum | ·No strong rule for So-Yang | ✓Good for So-Eum |
| Sundubu 순두부 Soft tofu stew. Cooling. | Cool | ·No strong rule for Tae-Yang | ·No strong rule for Tae-Eum | ✓Good for So-Yang | ✕Limit for So-Eum |
| Seolleongtang 설렁탕 Ox bone soup. Nourishing. | Warm | ·No strong rule for Tae-Yang | ✓Good for Tae-Eum | ·No strong rule for So-Yang | ✓Good for So-Eum |
| Gomtang 곰탕 Bone broth soup. Tonifies Qi. | Warm | ·No strong rule for Tae-Yang | ✓Good for Tae-Eum | ·No strong rule for So-Yang | ✓Good for So-Eum |
| Yukgaejang 육개장 Spicy beef soup. Only for cold types. | Hot | ✕Limit for Tae-Yang | ·No strong rule for Tae-Eum | ✕Limit for So-Yang | ✓Good for So-Eum |
| Japchae 잡채 Glass noodles. Balanced dish. | Neutral | ·No strong rule for Tae-Yang | ✓Good for Tae-Eum | ·No strong rule for So-Yang | ·No strong rule for So-Eum |
| Kimbap 김밥 Rice rolls. Balanced. | Neutral | ·No strong rule for Tae-Yang | ✓Good for Tae-Eum | ·No strong rule for So-Yang | ·No strong rule for So-Eum |
| Tteokbokki 떡볶이 Spicy rice cakes. Very heating. | Hot | ✕Limit for Tae-Yang | ·No strong rule for Tae-Eum | ✕Limit for So-Yang | ✓Good for So-Eum |
| Juk (rice porridge) 죽 Rice porridge. Perfect for So-Eum. | Warm | ·No strong rule for Tae-Yang | ·No strong rule for Tae-Eum | ·No strong rule for So-Yang | ✓Good for So-Eum |
| Bone broth 사골 Warming, nourishes essence. | Warm | ·No strong rule for Tae-Yang | ✓Good for Tae-Eum | ·No strong rule for So-Yang | ✓Good for So-Eum |
| Gochujang 고추장 Red pepper paste. Very heating. | Hot | ✕Limit for Tae-Yang | ·No strong rule for Tae-Eum | ✕Limit for So-Yang | ✓Good for So-Eum |
No food matches that search yet. Try a simpler word (for example “bean” instead of “black beans”), or tell us what to add.
How to Read This List
Sasang medicine, formalised by the Korean physician Lee Je-ma in 1894, sorts people into four constitutions by which organ systems are naturally strong or weak. Food is the first tool it reaches for: a food either supports the weak side of your constitution or pushes the strong side further out of balance.
Two things decide where a food lands:
- Its thermal nature. Traditional Korean and Chinese dietetics describe foods as hot, warm, neutral, cool or cold by how they affect the body, not by serving temperature. Ginger and lamb are warming even when chilled; watermelon and cucumber are cooling even at room temperature.
- Your constitution's weak point. So-Eum has weak digestive fire, so cold and raw foods tax it. So-Yang runs hot and has a weaker cooling system, so heating foods tip it over. Tae-Eum stores easily, so heavy, sticky, refined foods pile up. Tae-Yang has strong upward energy and a vulnerable liver, so stimulants and alcohol hit hardest.
A ✓ means the food is traditionally recommended for that type. A ✕ means it is one to limit, not a food you must never touch. A · means the tradition makes no strong call either way, so moderation and your own experience decide.
Use it as an experiment, not a rulebook. Swap two or three "limit" foods for "favour" foods for two weeks and notice your digestion, energy, sleep and skin. Your body's response is better evidence than any list, including this one.
Tae-Yang (Taeyangin) Food List
Runs hot with upward-rushing energy. Favour cooling, light, plant-forward food and seafood; keep away from heating spices, red meat, ginseng and alcohol.
Good for Tae-Yang 42 foods
- Duck
- Crab
- Clam
- Squid
- Octopus
- Abalone
- Shellfish (general)
- Tofu
- Barley
- Buckwheat
- Cucumber
- Spinach
- Lettuce
- Cabbage
- Broccoli
- Celery
- Zucchini
- Eggplant
- Tomato
- Bean sprouts
- Kale
- Bok choy
- Seaweed
- Kelp
- Nori
- Watermelon
- Lemon
- Grapefruit
- Grape
- Cherry
- Blueberry
- Pineapple
- Melon
- Persimmon
- Pine nut
- Mung bean
- Mint
- Chrysanthemum
- Green tea
- Barley tea
- Chrysanthemum tea
- Naengmyeon
Tae-Eum (Taeeumin) Food List
Strong digestion that stores easily. Favour beef, fish, root vegetables, grains, nuts and beans; go easy on dairy, refined flour, chicken and pork.
Good for Tae-Eum 57 foods
- Beef
- Turkey
- Salmon
- Mussel
- Tuna
- Mackerel
- Cod
- Fish
- Tempeh
- Rice
- Brown rice
- Oats
- Quinoa
- Corn
- Garlic
- Onion
- Radish
- Carrot
- Cabbage
- Potato
- Sweet potato
- Pumpkin
- Squash
- Mushroom
- Shiitake
- Lotus root
- Bellflower root
- Burdock
- Pear
- Tangerine
- Grape
- Walnut
- Almond
- Peanut
- Sesame
- Black sesame
- Black bean
- Red bean
- Lentil
- Chickpea
- Turmeric
- Licorice
- Mugwort
- Black tea
- Corn tea
- Kimchi
- Bibimbap
- Bulgogi
- Galbi
- Doenjang
- Doenjang jjigae
- Kimchi jjigae
- Seolleongtang
- Gomtang
- Japchae
- Kimbap
- Bone broth
So-Yang (Soyangin) Food List
Hot, fast digestion. Favour cooling pork, seafood, fresh vegetables and fruit; avoid spicy, heating foods, ginseng, chicken and alcohol.
Good for So-Yang 56 foods
- Pork
- Duck
- Crab
- Oyster
- Clam
- Squid
- Octopus
- Sea cucumber
- Abalone
- Shellfish (general)
- Tofu
- Barley
- Wheat
- Cucumber
- Spinach
- Lettuce
- Broccoli
- Celery
- Asparagus
- Zucchini
- Eggplant
- Tomato
- Bean sprouts
- Kale
- Bok choy
- Seaweed
- Kelp
- Nori
- Watermelon
- Pear
- Apple
- Banana
- Orange
- Tangerine
- Lemon
- Grapefruit
- Strawberry
- Blueberry
- Mango
- Pineapple
- Kiwi
- Melon
- Persimmon
- Avocado
- Black sesame
- Mung bean
- Yogurt
- Mint
- Chamomile
- Chrysanthemum
- Green tea
- Barley tea
- Chrysanthemum tea
- Naengmyeon
- Samgyeopsal
- Sundubu
So-Eum (Soeumin) Food List
Cold body, delicate digestion. Favour warm, cooked food: chicken, ginger, rice, root vegetables, jujube and ginseng; avoid raw, cold and cooling foods.
Good for So-Eum 59 foods
- Chicken
- Lamb
- Goat
- Turkey
- Salmon
- Shrimp
- Mussel
- Tuna
- Mackerel
- Cod
- Anchovy
- Fish
- Egg
- Tempeh
- Rice
- Oats
- Quinoa
- Ginger
- Garlic
- Onion
- Green onion
- Carrot
- Potato
- Sweet potato
- Pumpkin
- Squash
- Chili pepper
- Cherry
- Peach
- Jujube
- Walnut
- Pine nut
- Peanut
- Chestnut
- Sesame
- Lentil
- Ginseng
- Red ginseng
- Cinnamon
- Turmeric
- Black pepper
- Licorice
- Mugwort
- Black tea
- Ginger tea
- Cinnamon tea
- Jujube tea
- Kimchi
- Samgyetang
- Doenjang
- Doenjang jjigae
- Kimchi jjigae
- Seolleongtang
- Gomtang
- Yukgaejang
- Tteokbokki
- Juk (rice porridge)
- Bone broth
- Gochujang
Limit for So-Eum 58 foods
- Pork
- Duck
- Crab
- Clam
- Squid
- Octopus
- Sea cucumber
- Abalone
- Shellfish (general)
- Tofu
- Barley
- Buckwheat
- Wheat
- Bread
- Pasta
- Cucumber
- Radish
- Spinach
- Lettuce
- Broccoli
- Celery
- Asparagus
- Zucchini
- Eggplant
- Tomato
- Bean sprouts
- Burdock
- Kale
- Bok choy
- Seaweed
- Kelp
- Nori
- Watermelon
- Pear
- Banana
- Orange
- Tangerine
- Grapefruit
- Strawberry
- Mango
- Pineapple
- Kiwi
- Melon
- Persimmon
- Avocado
- Mung bean
- Milk
- Yogurt
- Ice cream
- Mint
- Chrysanthemum
- Green tea
- Barley tea
- Chrysanthemum tea
- Beer
- Naengmyeon
- Samgyeopsal
- Sundubu
What This List Is Not
This is traditional guidance collected from Sasang dietary practice, written so non-Korean readers can use it. It is not a clinical nutrition plan and it has not been tested food by food in trials. Research on Sasang types has found real differences in metabolism, body composition and food preferences between the groups, but evidence that eating "for your type" improves specific health outcomes is still limited. See our methodology and sources for how we handle that.
Allergies, intolerances, medical conditions, medications, pregnancy and the advice of your doctor or dietitian always come first. If a food on your "favour" list disagrees with you, trust your body.
Frequently Asked Questions
What foods are good for Tae-Yang (Taeyangin)?
Runs hot with upward-rushing energy. Favour cooling, light, plant-forward food and seafood; keep away from heating spices, red meat, ginseng and alcohol. Examples from our list: duck, crab, clam, squid, octopus, abalone, shellfish (general), tofu. Foods to limit include beef, lamb, goat, ginger, garlic, chili pepper.
What foods are good for Tae-Eum (Taeeumin)?
Strong digestion that stores easily. Favour beef, fish, root vegetables, grains, nuts and beans; go easy on dairy, refined flour, chicken and pork. Examples from our list: beef, turkey, salmon, mussel, tuna, mackerel, cod, fish. Foods to limit include chicken, pork, egg, bread, pasta, avocado.
What foods are good for So-Yang (Soyangin)?
Hot, fast digestion. Favour cooling pork, seafood, fresh vegetables and fruit; avoid spicy, heating foods, ginseng, chicken and alcohol. Examples from our list: pork, duck, crab, oyster, clam, squid, octopus, sea cucumber. Foods to limit include chicken, lamb, goat, shrimp, ginger, green onion.
What foods are good for So-Eum (Soeumin)?
Cold body, delicate digestion. Favour warm, cooked food: chicken, ginger, rice, root vegetables, jujube and ginseng; avoid raw, cold and cooling foods. Examples from our list: chicken, lamb, goat, turkey, salmon, shrimp, mussel, tuna. Foods to limit include pork, duck, crab, clam, squid, octopus.
Is pork good for my body type?
Pork is traditionally classed as cool. It suits So-Yang. So-Eum and Tae-Eum should limit it. Most cooling common meat - essential for So-Yang's excess heat. Too cold for So-Eum.
Which body types should avoid ginseng?
Ginseng is traditionally classed as warm. It suits So-Eum. So-Yang and Tae-Yang should limit it. Powerfully tonifies Qi. Essential So-Eum medicine. CONTRAINDICATED for So-Yang.
Is kimchi good for every body type?
Kimchi is traditionally classed as warm. It suits Tae-Eum and So-Eum. Fermented, warming, aids digestion.
Is this food list medical advice?
No. It summarises traditional Sasang dietary guidance so you can experiment thoughtfully. Allergies, medical conditions, medications and your doctor's or dietitian's advice always come first, and no single food will make or break your health.
Which Column Is Yours?
Take the free 10-question Sasang assessment to find your constitution, then come back and filter the list to your type.