It is now the transitional season between winter and spring. Although the temperature has slightly risen, it is still alternating between cold and warm, making it an unpredictable season prone to diseases like the flu and pneumonia. According to traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), diet plays a significant role in regulating the discomfort caused by seasonal changes. So, what is the most beneficial to eat during this season for good health?
Garlic Chives and Lamb can help generate Yang energy
TCM believes that the transitional season between winter and spring is a time when Yang energy rises. Following the health principle of "harmony between humans and nature," it is crucial to nourish the body's Yang energy during this period. Eating more warming foods such as scallions, ginger, garlic, and garlic chives can not only expel cold and disperse Yin, but also has antibacterial and disease-preventing effects.
The allyl sulfide in scallions has strong antibacterial properties, and regular consumption can prevent colds. Garlic contains allicin, which has potent antibacterial effects capable of killing various pathogens and boosting immunity. Garlic chives are an excellent "Yang-nourishing" food for this season; they not only add flavor and have antibacterial properties but are also rich in protein, vitamin A, calcium, phosphorus, and other nutrients. Additionally, warming foods like lamb, which are popular in winter for tonifying kidney Yang, can still be consumed during the transition. In contrast, it is advisable to eat less of cooling foods like cucumbers, winter melon, and mung bean sprouts to prevent them from hindering the body's Yang energy generation. It should be noted that individuals often troubled by "internal heat" symptoms such as a dry throat, bad breath, or constipation should not consume excessive warming foods. Instead, they can eat more Yin-nourishing and moistening foods, such as lotus root, lily, and radish.
Tomatoes and White Radish boost immunity
TCM places great importance on the body's "Zheng Qi" (vital energy), believing that "when Zheng Qi is present within the body, pathogens cannot invade," which is highly similar to the concept of boosting immunity in modern medicine. Foods rich in vitamin C can help maintain the integrity of the respiratory mucosa, forming a barrier against respiratory infections, and are one of the key ways to enhance the body's immunity. Furthermore, adequate intake of vitamin C can also help prevent symptoms like nosebleeds caused by the windy and dry climate of the season.
Fruits and vegetables like white radish, green peppers, tomatoes, cabbage, rapeseed, celery, citrus, and strawberries are all warming foods rich in vitamin C, so it's a good idea to eat more of them during this season.
Protein promotes children's development
Although the climate turns warmer during the transitional season, it remains unstable. Therefore, it is still necessary to increase caloric intake. Generally, protein-rich foods are the best for replenishing calories. For example, eggs, fish, shrimp, beef, chicken, and dairy products all contain high-quality protein. These not only generate heat but are also essential components of human immunoglobulins, thereby enhancing the body's immunity.
For the elderly, children, and those with weaker constitutions, adequate protein intake during the transitional season is particularly important. Data from the World Health Organization (WHO) indicates that children grow fastest in the spring. Protein promotes the development of various tissues and organs in the body, providing nutritional support for this rapid growth. Individuals with weaker constitutions who are prone to colds can also eat more spleen-strengthening and Qi-tonifying foods like jujubes, Chinese yam, and millet, which can also help boost immunity.