Tonic food is food which is consumed to improve one's well-being, or stave off sickness, particularly at times when one is more prone to illness. For instance, it was once the custom for new mothers to eat a sesame- oil hot pot every day for the first month after giving birth. It was believed that this dish would benefit the muscles, reduce pain, improve circulation, stimulate sweating, and warm the body.

食补是指通过食用某些食物以增进健康，或防止疾病，尤其在人容易生病的时候。举个例子，在过去的习俗里，产妇在产后一个月内每天都要吃麻油鸡。人们认为这道菜对肌肉有益，并能减轻疼痛、促进循环、刺激排汗和暖和身子。

(短文节选,本篇始于：食补——中国吃的艺术)