Winter is the time when people focus on keeping warm and healthy. So what should we eat to stay warm in winter? Today, I will recommend 2 soups that can help us withstand the cold. Let's take a look below.
Two soups to keep warm in winter
1. Astragalus Beef Soup
In traditional Chinese medicine, "qi" in the body has the function of regulating body temperature and controlling the opening and closing of pores. Therefore, when the body lacks "qi", the ability to regulate body temperature weakens, resulting in symptoms such as feeling cold and excessive sweating. If you sweat and are exposed to cold wind, you are more likely to catch a cold and take longer to recover. Astragalus in this soup can replenish "qi" and boost yang energy, while codonopsis pilosula can strengthen the spleen and lungs, nourish "qi", blood, and body fluids. Beef also has the effect of replenishing and strengthening the body's energy and strengthening the bones and tendons.
How to make it: Clean 12 grams of astragalus and 12 grams of codonopsis pilosula, put them in a double-layered gauze bag and tie it tightly. Wash the beef and cut it into pieces, boil it to remove the blood, then add the herbal bag, ginger, and scallion to a pot of boiling water. Skim off any foam, add cooking wine, and simmer on low heat for two hours. Finally, add a little salt and pepper.
2. Dried Ginger and Cinnamon Lamb Soup
Lamb is rich in nutrients and is beneficial for conditions such as anemia and deficiency of both qi and blood caused by coldness. Dried ginger is ginger that has been dried and has a warming effect on the spleen and yang energy. If you have a deficiency of yang energy and experience coldness, cold pain in the abdomen, or cold limbs, dried ginger is the best option. In addition, cinnamon has the functions of replenishing primordial yang energy, warming the spleen and stomach, promoting blood circulation, and dispersing cold energy. Making a medicinal soup with dried ginger, cinnamon, and lamb is even more effective in dispelling cold and treating colds.
How to make it: Cut 150 grams of lamb into pieces, then stew it with 30 grams of chopped dried ginger and 15 grams of cinnamon until the meat is tender. Add salt, chopped scallions, and ground Sichuan peppercorn, and enjoy the soup and meat while it's hot.
These foods can also keep you warm
Sardines
Sardines provide a large amount of omega-3 fatty acids, which can quickly convert into energy and protein. Breaking down protein requires the work of various bodily functions, thereby increasing the heat production. Similarly, small beef and rabbit meat have the same effect.
Hot beverages
Drinking moderate amounts of green tea and coffee can slightly increase the body's heat production. However, do not consume excessive amounts as it can cause rapid heartbeat or insomnia! If you are sensitive to caffeine or alcohol, adding a little honey and fresh ginger can help alleviate the reaction.
Raisins
What should you do if you feel cold due to hunger or fatigue? A small amount of raisins (or other dried fruits such as apricots, pears, and peaches) can provide the body with a high amount of sugars, which can quickly burn and release energy. In addition, they are rich in fiber and antioxidants, making them healthier than chocolate bars!
Ginger
The active ingredient in ginger, gingerol, helps activate heat production in the body's tissues. Peel and grind ginger, and add it to delicious soups or hot dishes. Similarly, chili peppers and their active substance capsaicin, as well as black pepper and piperine, have the same effect. But be careful: if you have stomach problems, it's best not to consume them.
Coconut oil
Unlike other oils, coconut oil is not stored as energy in the body, but provides medium-chain triglycerides that can be immediately converted into energy. Studies have shown that consuming 5 to 10 grams of coconut oil in three meals can increase the body's heat production by 5%.
