As spring arrives, temperatures begin to rise gradually. At this time, one should not rush to reduce clothing, as it is important to prevent a cold resurgence and the occurrence of a "spring cold." For some individuals with weaker constitutions, a spring cold can lead to various illnesses. Therefore, to get through this period, it is advisable to adjust clothing appropriately. Additionally, one can choose health-preserving diets and foods. Below are several foods that are recommended to consume more of during a spring cold.
1. What to Eat During a Spring Cold: Milk
Drinking milk regularly is beneficial to health. Many people believe that drinking milk in the summer can exacerbate "internal heat," causing irritability. In fact, drinking milk in the summer not only does not cause "internal heat" but can also clear heat toxins and reduce liver fire. Traditional Chinese Medicine considers milk to be slightly cool in nature, and its "heat-clearing" effect is achieved through nourishing yin and clearing heat toxins. Moreover, milk contains about 70% water, which can replenish the fluids lost by the body due to excessive sweating in the summer. It should be noted that milk should not be frozen into ice cubes for consumption, as many of its nutrients will be destroyed.
2. What to Eat During a Spring Cold: Garlic
Eating garlic can enhance resistance. Modern science has proven that garlic contains volatile pungent substances that can eliminate lipids accumulated in blood vessels; onions contain prostaglandins, which have the function of dilating blood vessels and lowering blood pressure; the diallyl disulfide and a small amount of sulfur amino acids in them can help dissolve blood clots; celery contains volatile oils and mannitol, and eating strawberries during a spring cold has effects such as lowering blood pressure, calming the nerves, strengthening the stomach, and promoting urination.
3. What to Eat During a Spring Cold: Tomatoes
Tomatoes can clear "internal heat." Although tomatoes are available year-round, they are most abundant, sweetest, and most nutritious in the summer. They can also clear heat toxins and soothe the liver to "reduce fire." Because they are rich in lycopene, tomatoes are also very helpful in enhancing the body's resistance and immunity. It is recommended to consume them more frequently.
4. What to Eat During a Spring Cold: Strawberries
Strawberries are also a great health food. Strawberries are not only delicious but also have medicinal value. Traditional Chinese Medicine believes they have a "heat-clearing" effect, can relieve summer heat, reduce fever, and eliminate irritability. The active components in strawberries can inhibit the growth of tumors. Every 100 grams of strawberries contains 50-100 milligrams of vitamin C, which is more than 10 times higher than that of apples and grapes.
5. What to Eat During a Spring Cold: Soybeans
Soybeans are also a food to pay attention to in your diet. While nourishing yin and "clearing heat," soybeans can also replenish the proteins that are heavily consumed due to high temperatures. Eating soybeans during a spring cold helps to increase and soften food in the intestines, promote intestinal peristalsis, thereby speeding up bowel movements, preventing constipation, and reducing the risk of colon cancer. At the same time, dietary fiber has significant functions such as lowering plasma cholesterol, regulating gastrointestinal function, and insulin levels.
6. What to Eat During a Spring Cold: Bitter Melon
Eating bitter melon can clear heat and toxins. "Bitter" foods are the natural enemy of "fire." The reason bitter foods are bitter is that they contain bitter substances such as alkaloids and urea. Research in Traditional Chinese Medicine has found that these bitter substances have the effects of relieving heat and summer heat, and eliminating fatigue. The best bitter food is bitter melon. Whether it's served cold stir-fried or in a soup, as long as the bitter melon is cooked well without losing its "green" color, it can achieve the goal of "clearing heat." Besides bitter melon, other bitter foods also have good "heat-clearing" effects, such as almonds, bitter vegetables, Kuding tea, celery, kale, etc., which can also clear heat and relieve summer heat.
Eating these foods regularly in the spring can clear "internal heat," remove heat toxins, and have a very good preventive effect against diseases caused by spring colds. Spring is here, let your diet help you get through the spring cold!