It is well known that for thousands of years, lamb has been an essential delicacy on the dining tables of the Chinese people, especially among various ethnic minority groups. This is particularly true in the winter, when people have a strong preference for this delicious food. So why do people enjoy eating lamb in the cold winter, and what are the benefits of eating lamb during this season?
The Characteristics of Lamb
Lamb has a sweet and slightly bitter taste, and a warm and hot nature. It can warm the middle and supplement qi, dispel wind and cold, and is used to treat weakness, coldness, deficiency in the middle, and to supplement qi, calm the mind, and stop fright. It can also replenish blood deficiency, assist yang, tonify the kidneys, stimulate the appetite, promote muscle growth and enhance strength. In folklore, it is considered a nourishing and strengthening food that enriches the blood.
Eating Lamb in Winter to Ward Off the Cold
During winter, the body's yang energy is hidden within, which can easily lead to cold hands and feet and poor blood circulation. Chinese medicine believes that lamb has a sweet but not greasy taste, and a warm nature without being drying. It has the ability to warm the middle and dispel cold, and to supplement qi and blood. Therefore, eating lamb in winter can help the body resist the severe cold.
Eating Lamb in Winter to Nourish the Kidneys and Strengthen Yang
Lamb is rich in nutrients and has the ability to nourish the kidneys, strengthen yang, and warm the middle. Moreover, during the cold winter climate, eating lamb is less likely to cause internal heat.
Eating Lamb in Winter to Supplement Qi and Blood
During winter, poor blood circulation can lead to poor peripheral circulation, resulting in cold hands and feet and frostbite. Eating lamb in winter can supplement qi and blood, promote blood circulation, and accelerate metabolism.
Eating Lamb in Winter to Aid Digestion
Eating lamb can warm the stomach, and in winter, it can increase digestive enzymes, protect the gastric mucosa, and repair the stomach lining. This can help with digestion.
Eating Lamb in Winter to Nourish the Skin
During the cold winter weather, the skin is prone to dryness and peeling. Eating lamb during this season not only nourishes the body but also nourishes the skin, making it smoother and more delicate. Therefore, lamb can be considered a great choice for winter beauty and health.
Eating Lamb in Winter to Warm and Stimulate the Appetite
Lamb has a warm nature and can nourish the heart and stomach. Eating lamb can warm the stomach for women with cold stomachs, and it can also improve poor appetite.
Eating Lamb in Winter to Supplement Deficiency and Relieve Fatigue
By stewing lamb with Chinese herbs such as angelica, ginger, and brown sugar, it can supplement deficiency and treat damage. It has a good therapeutic effect on conditions such as weak and sore waist and knees, cold limbs, dizziness, and shortness of breath.