Beef is high in protein and low in fat, so it is not only delicious but also a good ingredient for nourishment. Especially in the cold autumn and winter seasons, eating beef can warm the stomach. However, the autumn and winter seasons are also the peak seasons for colds. When the weather turns cold, people with weaker immune systems are more prone to catching a cold. During a cold, patients need to pay attention to many dietary taboos. So, can you eat beef when you have a cold?
Nutritional value of beef
Beef has a sweet taste, a neutral nature, and is categorized under the spleen and stomach meridian. It is rich in valuable nutrients such as protein, vitamins, potassium, iron, and zinc, which are easily digested and absorbed by the body. Beef can help increase physical strength, replenish vitality, enhance immunity, promote protein metabolism and synthesis, and effectively prevent anemia. In addition to these nutrients, beef also contains taurine, which helps muscle growth. Regular consumption of beef has the effects of nourishing the middle and benefiting qi, nourishing the spleen and stomach, strengthening tendons and bones, resolving phlegm and relieving cough, and relieving thirst and salivation.
Can you eat beef when you have a cold?
It is best not to eat beef when you have a cold, especially when you have a fever. This is because colds are categorized as heat-related diseases. If accompanied by fever, consuming heat-inducing foods is not conducive to reducing fever. During a cold, it is important to avoid consuming raw and cold foods, greasy and fried foods, as well as excessive consumption of meat and dairy products, as they can reduce the body's ability to resist viruses. In addition, during a cold, the gastrointestinal function is weakened, and eating too much greasy food can increase the burden on the digestive system, affecting the absorption and effectiveness of medication. Therefore, it is best to eat less beef when you have a cold and consume it in moderation after recovering from a cold to improve immunity.
Eating beef to prevent colds
Although it is not advisable to eat beef when you have a cold, it is still beneficial to eat beef in moderation on a regular basis. Beef has a warm nature without being too drying and is rich in zinc. Adequate intake of zinc promotes the growth of white blood cells, helps prevent the invasion of harmful substances such as viruses and bacteria, and enhances immunity. Eating beef in moderation during the cold autumn and winter seasons can not only keep warm but also have a good nourishing effect and can prevent colds.
How to eat beef to prevent colds
Mustard and Beef Soup
Ingredients: Mustard, an appropriate amount of beef, 2 tablespoons of soy sauce, 2 tablespoons of cooking oil, 1/2 tablespoon of cornstarch
Method: Wash the mustard and cut it into short lengths. Wash the beef and slice it thinly. Mix 2 tablespoons of soy sauce, 1 tablespoon of cooking oil, and 1/2 tablespoon of cornstarch to marinate the beef. Pour six bowls of water into a pot, add ginger slices, and bring to a boil. Add a tablespoon of oil and then add the mustard. Boil the mustard and then add the beef slices and cook until done. Finally, add salt to taste and serve.
Effect: Mustard and beef soup is suitable for dispelling cold, relieving cough and resolving phlegm. It is suitable for preventing wind-cold colds, headaches, and other symptoms. It should be noted that it is not suitable for people with wind-heat colds, fever, and thirst.
Windproof Astragalus Beef Soup
Ingredients: 250g beef, 10g astragalus, 10g white atractylodes, 10g windproof, 10 red dates
Method: Wash all the ingredients. Put astragalus, white atractylodes, and windproof in a gauze bag and seal it. Cut the beef into pieces and cook it to remove the blood. Boil the beef with the Chinese medicine bag, green onion, and ginger. Remove the foam, add cooking wine, and simmer over low heat for two hours. Add a little salt and pepper before serving.
Effect: Windproof astragalus beef soup can invigorate qi, nourish the lungs, nourish the heart, calm the mind, strengthen the body, and is suitable for people who are prone to colds, weak constitution, and are afraid of cold in the autumn and winter seasons. It can be consumed once a day.
Taboos for eating beef
Do not eat beef and pork together
Beef has a warm and sweet nature, which can nourish the spleen and stomach and help with digestion. Pork is sour, cold, and slightly cooling, which has a nourishing and astringent effect. The two have contrasting natures and flavors, so they should not be eaten together.
Do not drink white wine with beef
White wine is hot in nature. Eating beef with white wine is a taboo for people with a warm constitution, as it can easily cause facial flushing, body heat, and worsen skin problems.
People with nephritis should not eat beef
People with nephritis should not eat too much beef, as beef is a high-protein food. Eating too much can increase the burden on the kidneys. If beef is eaten while taking aminophylline drugs, it can decrease the effectiveness of the medication.
