In winter, it is important to keep warm and consume adequate amounts of protein, fat, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals. While maintaining a diverse diet, the following 8 cold-dispelling foods are especially recommended:
Sautéed 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 Vitamin B1, Vitamin B2, Vitamin C, and water-soluble fiber also increases, making it an ideal highly nutritious vegetable.
Milk is one of the best sources of nutrients for the human body. The protein in milk contains all 9 essential amino acids needed by the human body. The fat particles are small and in a highly dispersed state, so it is highly digestible. The carbohydrates in milk are mainly lactose, which is beneficial for the reproduction of lactic acid bacteria and inhibits the growth of spoilage bacteria. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) believes that milk is sweet and neutral in nature, and has effects such as nourishing the body, promoting fluid production to moisten the intestines, and quenching 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 have the highest protein content among all legumes, more than double that of pork leg meat. The fat they contain is mainly monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids, of which 50% are the essential fatty acids needed by the human body. They also contain lecithin, soy isoflavones, and biotin, so eating black beans has the effect of lowering cholesterol. TCM believes that black beans are neutral in nature and sweet in taste, and have the function of moistening the intestines and nourishing the blood.
Shiitake mushrooms contain a variety of vitamins and minerals, more than 50 types of enzymes and free amino acids, choline, adenine, ergosterol, and lentinan. They have the effect of inhibiting the synthesis of cholesterol in the body, promoting its decomposition and excretion, and preventing an increase in blood lipids.
Soybeans have relatively complete nutritional components. Their protein is "complete protein" and is high in lysine, which can compensate for the lack of lysine in grains. It can be used as a vegetable or as a substitute for grain, and eating soybeans in winter is particularly beneficial. TCM believes that soybeans are sweet in taste and have the effects of harmonizing the stomach, regulating the middle energizer, strengthening the spleen, and tonifying Qi.
Black fungus contains relatively trace elements, Vitamin B1, Vitamin B2, carotene, mannose, xylose, lecithin, cephalin, calcium, iron, etc. It has the effect of preventing blood clotting, cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases, and constipation. TCM believes that black fungus is neutral in nature and sweet in taste, and has the effects of tonifying Qi, benefiting intelligence, and generating blood. It is effective for anemia, soreness and weakness of the waist and legs, and numbness of the limbs.
Dog meat contains relatively high levels of taurine and polypeptides, but very little fat. TCM believes that dog meat is warm in nature and has the effects of tonifying Qi and warming the kidneys, helping Yang to dispel cold. It is very effective for lower back pain, aversion to cold, frequent urination at night, and adding heat to the body.
Sea bass is rich in easily digestible protein, fat, Vitamin B2, niacin, calcium, phosphorus, potassium, copper, iron, selenium, etc. TCM believes that sea bass is warm in nature and sweet in taste, and has the effects of strengthening the spleen and stomach, tonifying the liver and kidneys, and relieving cough and resolving phlegm. In winter, sea bass is plump and delightful, with delicate flesh, making it the best season for enjoying it.
Soybean sprouts