Drowsiness, loss of appetite, headaches, coughs... these cold symptoms are all too familiar. Even your favorite dishes can seem to have no flavor at all. However, even with a poor appetite, you still need to eat. Sour and spicy stir-fries are a great choice as they whet the appetite without causing internal heat.
The health benefits of vinegar should not be underestimated. When you have a cold, adding vinegar to your food is very beneficial. It not only inhibits the growth of bacteria but also has a strong effect in killing various germs. Studies have shown that almost all harmful germs can only survive in vinegar for 30 minutes. Furthermore, vinegar can regulate gastrointestinal function. With its sour, slightly sweet, and fragrant taste, the mere smell and taste of vinegar naturally stimulate the secretion of digestive fluids. For cold patients with a poor appetite, a bit of sour and spicy stir-fry is sure to boost their appetite.
In addition to its antibacterial and appetite-boosting properties, protecting vitamin C is another major benefit of vinegar. As we all know, vitamin C can help resist cold viruses, and eating more fruits and vegetables rich in vitamin C can also help prevent and treat colds. However, vitamin C is often destroyed during high-temperature cooking. In vinegar, however, it remains almost unchanged and is very stable. Secondly, some vegetables contain ascorbic acid oxidase, which, upon contact with air, can destroy vitamin C. But in vinegar, this enzyme is denatured and loses its ability to destroy vitamin C. Therefore, adding a little vinegar when cooking stir-fries or making cold dishes can prevent vitamin C from being destroyed.
It is worth noting that while sour and spicy stir-fries are good, it doesn't mean you can drink large amounts of vinegar when you have a cold. You should especially not drink it on an empty stomach or undiluted, as it can harm your esophagus and stomach.
Sour and Spicy Cabbage Stir-fry