【3 Immune-Boosting Soups】
1. Ginseng and Poria Soup
Ingredients: 8.3g Codonopsis Root, 19.2g Poria Cocos, 3g Coix Seed, 2.4g Licorice Root, 19.3g Lablab Bean, 15g White Atractylodes Rhizome, 9.7g Goji Berry, etc.
Benefits: This soup replenishes Qi, strengthens the spleen, nourishes the skin, tonifies the kidneys, protects the liver, fights fatigue, aids digestion, and calms the mind.
Additional Ingredients: Lean meat/chicken/pig stomach, Chinese red dates, etc.
Instructions: Rinse the meat and blanch in boiling water. Add the meat, other ingredients, and water to a pot and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for about 2 hours. Add salt to taste before serving.
2. Snow Pear Nourishing Lung Soup
Ingredients: 28.3g Dried Snow Pear, 16.7g Lily Bulb, 14.9g Sand Ginseng, 8.5g Polygonatum Odoratum, 10.7g Radix Asparagi, 8.2g Ophiopogon Japonicus, etc.
Benefits: This soup nourishes Yin, clears heat, moistens the lungs, and relieves cough. Drinking it regularly helps enhance the immune function of the respiratory system.
Additional Ingredients: 250g lean meat, ginger.
Instructions: Rinse the meat and blanch in boiling water. Add the meat, other ingredients, and water to a pot and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for about 2 hours. Add salt to taste before serving. It can also be boiled with water and consumed as a daily drink.
3. Gastrodia and Eight Treasure Soup
Ingredients: 10.6g Gastrodia Elata, 10g Codonopsis Root, 9.5g White Atractylodes Rhizome, 19.9g Poria Cocos, 3.2g Licorice Root, 7.4g Chinese Angelica, 10.7g White Peony Root, etc.
Benefits: This soup replenishes Qi, nourishes blood, and regulates the body. It is suitable for individuals with Qi and blood deficiency, but should be avoided by those with external pathogenic factors.
Additional Ingredients: Chicken, fish head, lamb, ginger.
Instructions: Rinse the meat and blanch in boiling water. Fry the fish head until golden brown before adding it to the pot along with the other ingredients and water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for about 2 hours. Add salt to taste before serving.
【Foods That Boost Immunity】
1. Propolis
Propolis enhances the ability of macrophages to engulf viruses and bacteria, helping maintain the optimal balance of the immune system. It is known as a "natural immune enhancer".
2. Spirulina
Spirulina has a protein content of up to 60%-70% and is rich in beta-carotene and vitamins E and C. It can correct acidic pH levels in the body and thus improve immune function.
3. Mushrooms
Mushrooms can promote the production and activity of white blood cells that fight infection. For a long time, mushrooms have been regarded as foods that boost immunity. Researchers have found that eating mushrooms can enhance the preventative function of white blood cells.
4. Garlic
Garlic has antibacterial and antiviral properties. Experiments conducted by British researchers have shown that eating garlic can reduce the risk of catching a cold by two-thirds. It is also the best ingredient for protecting the liver and cardiovascular system, regulating blood sugar levels, reducing blood lipid levels, and preventing atherosclerosis. It is recommended to consume two cloves of raw garlic daily. It is best to mince the garlic and use it as an ingredient. Add some minced garlic to dishes when cooking.
