It's now the transition season from winter to spring. Although the temperature has slightly risen, it is still unpredictable with alternating cold and warm spells, making it a high season for diseases like the flu and pneumonia. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) believes that diet plays a significant role in regulating the discomfort caused by seasonal changes. So, what is the most beneficial to eat for health during this season?
Garlic, Chives, and Mutton can help generate Yang energy
TCM posits that the transition from winter to spring is a time when Yang energy rises. Following the wellness principle of "harmony between humanity and nature," it is crucial to nourish the body's Yang energy. Eating more warming foods like scallions, ginger, garlic, and chives can not only dispel cold and eliminate Yin, but also has antibacterial and disease-preventing effects. The sulfur compounds in scallions have strong antibacterial properties; regular consumption can prevent colds. Garlic contains allicin, a potent antibacterial agent that can kill various pathogens and boost immunity. Chives are an excellent food for "nourishing Yang" during this season. Besides being flavorful and antibacterial, they are rich in protein, vitamin A, calcium, and phosphorus. Additionally, warming foods that nourish the Kidney Yang, such as mutton, which is popular in winter, can continue to be consumed during this transition.
In contrast, it is advisable to reduce the intake of cold-natured foods like cucumbers, winter melon, and mung bean sprouts to prevent 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适当 eat some 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 vital energy is abundant within, pathogens cannot interfere," which is very similar to boosting immunity in modern medicine. Foods rich in vitamin C 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 windy and dry weather in the spring and winter transition.
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 weather gets warmer during the transition season, it remains unstable. Therefore, it is necessary to increase calorie intake. Generally, protein-rich foods are the best for replenishing calories. For example, eggs, fish, shrimp, beef, chicken, and dairy products contain high-quality protein, which not only provides energy but is also a vital component of the body's immunoglobulins, thereby enhancing immunity.
For the elderly, children, and those with weaker constitutions, adequate protein intake during this season is particularly important. Data from the World Health Organization (WHO) indicates that children grow the fastest in the spring. Protein promotes the development of various tissues and organs in the body, providing the nutritional foundation for this rapid growth. People with weaker constitutions who are prone to colds can also eat more spleen-strengthening and Qi-boosting foods like red dates, Chinese yam, and millet, which can also help improve immunity.