According to modern nutritionists, foods suitable for winter consumption include: warm meats such as dog, beef, chicken, turtle, lamb, and shrimp; vegetables such as soybeans, broad beans, carrots, onions, garlic, chives, mustard greens, rapeseed, and coriander; fruits such as chestnuts, dried apricots, oranges, and pomelos; as well as brown sugar, glutinous rice, goat's milk, and pine nuts. So, which foods should be the top choices for a healthy diet in winter?
First, lotus root. Raw lotus root can clear heat, promote fluid production, and quench thirst, while cooked lotus root can strengthen the spleen, stimulate the appetite, and nourish the blood. Hence, there is a saying that "lotus root is best eaten raw in the summer heat and cooked in the autumn coolness; when raw, it should be fresh and tender, and when cooked, it should be firm and old."
Second, eel. Eating eel in autumn and winter not only provides strong nourishment but also helps regulate blood sugar. In a winter diet, dishes like braised eel, clear stewed eel, stir-fried eel shreds, and eel congee are all healthy delicacies.
Third, chestnuts. Chestnuts have the effect of strengthening the spleen and nourishing the stomach, as well as tonifying the kidneys and strengthening bones, earning them the reputation of "the king of stomach tonics."
Fourth, red dates. Red dates have the功效 of nourishing yin, moistening dryness, and benefiting the lungs and replenishing qi. The effect is even better when stewed with tremella, lily, or Chinese yam.
Fifth, chicken soup. Winter is a high season for bronchitis. One of the preventive measures is drinking chicken soup, which is especially beneficial for children. According to analysis, the fat in hens can enhance the secretion of bronchial mucosa and help expel phlegm. Furthermore, chicken contains a special substance that can improve blood circulation in the throat and increase nasal mucosal secretion, which is greatly beneficial for keeping the respiratory tract clear, eliminating respiratory viruses, and relieving symptoms like nasal congestion from colds, as well as treating a sore throat and cough.
Sixth, animal organs. The livers, kidneys, hearts, and other organs of animals are rich in vitamin B2. In late winter and early spring, due to the dry climate, many people experience chapped lips and are prone to angular cheilitis, which is caused by a deficiency of vitamin B2.
Seventh, kelp. Kelp is rich in iodine, which helps in the synthesis of thyroid hormones, and these hormones have a heat-producing effect. Therefore, consuming kelp in moderation in late winter and early spring has a good effect for cold prevention.