In cold weather, a bowl of hot porridge not only warms the body instantly but also soothes the stomach, awakens the digestive system, and stimulates the appetite. Whole grain porridge, in particular, helps supplement various nutrients such as B vitamins and potassium.
1. White Porridge - Moistens the Lungs and Relieves Coughing
Large temperature differences between indoor and outdoor environments, coupled with alternating cold and heat, can trigger coughs and colds. Combined with the dry climate, this can easily lead to "dryness evil" damaging the lungs. At this time, you can drink "white porridge" with the effect of moistening the lungs and relieving coughs. The most representative example is tremella, lily, and lotus seed porridge.
Tremella and lily moisten the lungs, relieve dryness, and stop coughing, making them suitable for improving symptoms such as dry lung cough and vexation and uneasiness due to deficiency.
2. Red Porridge - Resists Cold and Warms the Body
Women who feel cold in winter may be suffering from anemia or poor blood circulation. Red porridge is recommended for them.
A combination of red beans, red dates, and goji berries makes an excellent warming porridge. All three ingredients have the effect of nourishing qi and blood. This porridge is warming in nature, so those with excess heat or symptoms of "internal heat" should drink it in moderation.
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3. Yellow Porridge - Nourishes the Stomach and Strengthens the Spleen
The cold and dry outdoors, combined with the dry heat indoors, causes many people to experience symptoms of spleen and stomach deficiency cold, such as stomach pain and cold limbs. A bowl of "yellow porridge" — millet and pumpkin porridge — can help nourish the stomach and strengthen the spleen.
Millet is nutritionally comprehensive and can also restore deficiency, open the stomach and intestines, making it especially suitable for people with a weak spleen and stomach. This porridge can protect the gastric mucosa, strengthen gastrointestinal motility, and aid food digestion, making it suitable for the elderly and children.
4. Black Porridge - Tonifies the Kidneys and Boosts Qi
The kidneys govern water and have a nature that tends towards cold. The cold evil of winter can easily lead to the dissipation of yang energy, so tonifying kidney qi becomes the primary task. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, black corresponds to the kidneys, so it's a good time to drink some "black porridge."
Just two small handfuls of black rice, one small handful of black beans, and three handfuls of rice will do. Black rice nourishes yin, tonifies the kidneys, boosts qi, and invigorates blood. Black beans are high in protein and rich in lysine, which can enhance immunity.
However, people with chronic kidney disease, hypertensive nephropathy, or diabetic nephropathy should eat fewer black beans to avoid加重 the burden on the kidneys.
In addition to paying attention to your diet in winter, the most important thing is to prevent cold and keep warm. Don't let your body get sick from the cold!
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