A warmer winter still requires protection from the cold. Cold, especially extreme cold, puts the body's pituitary-adrenal system under high stress. In the cold winter, more of the nutrients consumed are converted into heat energy to combat the cold. Low temperatures can lower blood calcium and weaken the immune system, reducing resistance to pathogens, leading to a higher incidence of upper respiratory tract infections and gastrointestinal inflammation. Therefore, in winter, one should consume adequate amounts of protein, fat, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals. While maintaining a variety of foods, the following 8 are especially recommended:
Soybean Sprouts
Soybean sprouts are the product of soybeans soaked and germinated in water. In this process, under the action of their own enzymes, the protein structure of the soybeans becomes loose, improving the protein's digestibility and biological value. The content of vitamins B1, B2, C, and water-soluble fiber also increases, making it an ideal, highly nutritious vegetable.
Bacon-Wrapped Soybean Sprouts
Milk
Milk is one of the best sources of nutrients for the human body. Its protein contains all 9 essential amino acids for humans. The fat particles are small and in a highly dispersed state, making them highly digestible. The carbohydrates in milk are mainly lactose, which is beneficial for the proliferation of lactic acid bacteria and inhibits the growth of spoilage bacteria. Traditional Chinese medicine considers milk to be sweet and neutral in nature, with effects to nourish the body, promote the production of body fluids, moisten the intestines, and alleviate thirst. In winter, we need to pay special attention to supplementing calcium, and the calcium in milk is not only abundant but also easily absorbed.
Black Beans
Black beans have the highest protein content among all beans, more than double that of pork leg. The fats they contain are mainly monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids, with essential fatty acids accounting for 50% of the human body's needs. They also contain phospholipids, daidzein, and biotin. Therefore, eating black beans does not pose a risk of high blood lipids and can even lower cholesterol. Traditional Chinese medicine considers black beans to be neutral in nature and sweet in taste, with functions to moisten the intestines and nourish the blood.
Lotus Root and Red Date Black Bean Pork Rib Soup
Shiitake Mushrooms
Shiitake mushrooms contain a variety of vitamins and minerals, over 50 types of enzymes and free amino acids, choline, adenine, ergosterol, and lentinan. They have the effect of inhibiting cholesterol synthesis in the body, promoting its decomposition and excretion, and preventing blood lipid levels from rising.
Shiitake Chicken Congee
Soybeans
The nutritional components of soybeans are relatively complete. Its protein is a "complete protein" with a high lysine content, which can compensate for the lack of lysine in grains. It can be used as a vegetable or as a substitute for grain, making it particularly beneficial to eat in winter. Traditional Chinese medicine considers soybeans to be sweet in taste, with effects to harmonize the stomach, regulate the middle energizer, strengthen the spleen, and benefit qi.
Braised Pork Trotters with Soybeans
Black Fungus
Black fungus contains relatively high amounts of trace elements, vitamins B1 and B2, carotene, mannose, xylose, lecithin, cephalin, calcium, iron, and more. It helps prevent blood clotting, cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases, and constipation. Traditional Chinese medicine considers black fungus to be neutral in nature and sweet in taste, with effects to tonify qi, benefit intelligence, and generate blood, and is effective for anemia, soreness in the waist and legs, and limb numbness.
Stir-fried Squid
Dog Meat
Dog meat contains relatively high levels of taurine and polypeptides, but very little fat. Traditional Chinese medicine considers dog meat to be warm in nature, with effects to tonify qi and warm the kidneys, help yang, and dispel cold. It is very effective for lower back pain, aversion to cold, frequent urination at night, and adding heat to the body.
Dog Meat Aspic
Sea Bass
Sea bass is rich in easily digestible protein, fat, vitamin B2, niacin, calcium, phosphorus, potassium, copper, iron, selenium, and more. Traditional Chinese medicine considers sea bass to be warm in nature and sweet in taste, with effects to strengthen the spleen and stomach, nourish the liver and kidneys, and relieve cough and reduce phlegm. In winter, sea bass is plump and its meat is delicate, making it the best season for enjoying it.
Prosperity Blooming Chopped Chili Sea Bass