Introduction: In spring, all things awaken and sprout, and some parts of the human body, such as the skin, throat, and eyes, start to become restless. Some people develop skin spots and constant sneezing, while others have itchy eyes and persistent asthma. Medical experts say this is likely caused by allergies. Spring is a high season for allergies, and for spring allergies, prevention is more important than treatment. Dietary prevention is also the simplest and most practical method. Below are ten recommended foods to easily prevent spring allergies.
1. Enoki Mushroom
Enoki mushrooms contain a complete range of essential amino acids for the human body, especially rich in lysine and arginine, and have a relatively high zinc content. They are beneficial for enhancing intelligence, particularly for children's height and intellectual development, earning them the nickname "intelligence-boosting mushroom." Moreover, regular consumption of enoki mushrooms helps eliminate heavy metal ions and metabolic toxins and waste, effectively enhancing the body's vitality. Researchers in Singapore have found that the stipe of the enoki mushroom contains a protein that can inhibit allergic conditions such as asthma, rhinitis, and eczema. People without these conditions can also eat enoki mushrooms to regulate their immune system.
Steamed Jumbo Shrimp with Enoki Mushrooms in Scallion Oil
2. Honey
American immunology expert Roger Nar believes it is very effective against pollen allergies. If you persist in drinking a spoonful of honey daily for two consecutive years, you can safely get through the spring and summer, which are high seasons for pollen allergies. There are two reasons for this: first, the trace amount of bee venom in honey is effective; it is one of the elements used clinically to treat allergic diseases such as bronchial asthma. Second, honey contains a certain amount of pollen grains, and after the body becomes accustomed to them, it develops a certain resistance to pollen allergies, which is the same principle as "desensitization therapy." As for how to consume honey, Nar suggests that it is best not to heat it to high temperatures. Additionally, people allergic to honey and infants under one year old should avoid it.
Honey and Snow Pear Soup with Rock Sugar
3. Jujube
Japanese researchers have found that jujubes contain a large amount of anti-allergy substances—cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP). Therefore, they recommend that allergy sufferers eat more jujubes, either boiled or raw, 10 at a time, three times a day.
Traditional Chinese Medicine also holds jujubes in high regard. The ancient medical practitioner Zhang Zhongjing used jujubes in 58 ancient formulas in his "Treatise on Cold Damage and Miscellaneous Diseases." Stewing 50 grams of black fungus with 30 jujubes has the effect of treating allergic purpura. However, jujubes should not be eaten with carrots or cucumbers, as this will destroy the vitamin C in them. In addition, jujubes are high in sugar and have a nature that tends to be damp and heat, so people with cavities, frequent toothaches, or constipation are not suitable for eating them.
Black Chicken and Shiitake Mushroom Soup with Jujubes
4. Carrot
Carrots have a fine, dense texture, a crisp and tender quality, and a special sweetness, and are rich in carotene, vitamin C, and B vitamins. The vitamins abundant in carrots have a mild and continuous sweating effect, which can stimulate the skin's metabolism, improve blood circulation, and thus make the skin delicate and smooth with a rosy complexion, having a unique effect on beauty and skin health. At the same time, carrots are also suitable for people with dry, rough skin, or those suffering from pityriasis rubra pilaris, blackheads, keratotic eczema. In addition, the β-carotene in carrots can effectively prevent allergic reactions such as pollen allergies and allergic dermatitis.
Carrot Bread Rolls
5. Onion
The nutritional content of onions is very rich. They are not only rich in nutrients such as potassium, vitamin C, folic acid, zinc, selenium, and fiber, but also contain two special nutrients—quercetin and prostaglandin A. These two special nutrients give onions many health benefits that other foods cannot replace. Moreover, onions contain bioflavonoid antioxidants that can alleviate allergy symptoms such as nasal congestion, sneezing, and a runny nose, thus having the ability to reduce respiratory inflammation and alleviate allergy symptoms. People with asthma can eat more. However, because of their heating nature, people with bad breath, constipation, hemorrhoids, or a constitution prone to heat should not eat too many.
Onion and Fresh Meat Patties