Winter weather is dry and fluctuates between hot and cold, making people more susceptible to catching a cold. In winter, our diet should be balanced and easily digestible. It should mainly consist of carbohydrates, with plenty of vegetables and fruits. However, we should not forget to include rich sources of protein to boost our immune system. Here are some dietary recipes to prevent colds during the cold winter months.
Job's Tears and Mung Bean Porridge
Method: Cook equal amounts of Job's Tears and mung beans to make porridge. Drink a bowl of porridge every morning and evening.
Effect: This porridge can strengthen the spleen and stomach, remove dampness, improve digestion, and enhance physical strength to fight against cold viruses.
Ginger Shredded Duck Egg Soup
Method: Peel and wash fresh ginger, cut it into shreds. Boil 200ml of water and add the shredded ginger. Beat the duck egg and pour it into the ginger soup. Stir lightly and add some white wine. Bring to a boil and then consume. Drink this soup once a day for three consecutive days.
Effect: This soup helps prevent colds, dispels cold and dampness, and enhances the body's immune system.
Stir-Fried Eggs with Red Pepper
Method: Slice red pepper and finely chop green onions. Beat the eggs and mix them with the red pepper, green onion, and salt. Pour the mixture into a frying pan and cook until done.
Effect: Red pepper contains capsaicin, which helps alleviate nasal congestion and promotes smooth breathing. Green onions can relieve symptoms such as sneezing and runny nose. The white part of green onions can induce sweating and keep warm.
Dried Bonito and Onion with Carrot Shreds
Method: Wash and shred the carrot and onion. Blanch them in water, then remove and drain. Add salt, dried bonito flakes, and a little lemon juice. Mix well and serve.
Effect: Carrots can invigorate the spleen and moisten the intestines, while onions contain compounds such as isoalliin and xylene that help relieve symptoms such as sneezing and runny nose.
Scallion and Fermented Black Bean Soup
Method: Wash the scallions and boil them with 500ml of water. Add fermented black beans and boil for 2-3 minutes. Season with salt, then remove from heat.
Effect: This soup induces sweating, dispels cold, and promotes yang energy. It is suitable for early-stage colds with chills, fever, lack of sweating, headache, and nasal congestion.
Sweet Potato and Ginger Soup
Method: Peel and dice a large sweet potato. Slice a piece of ginger into thin slices. Boil the sweet potato with 6 cups of water, then add an appropriate amount of brown sugar. Drink a cup of this soup every morning and evening.
Effect: Sweet potatoes can supplement the body with nutrients, while ginger can dispel cold. This soup is more suitable for colds caused by wind and cold.
Hot Plum Tea
Method: Take 5 preserved plums or salted plums and mix them with a cup of hot water. Stir for 5 minutes and then drink. Drink a cup of this tea for breakfast and dinner.
Effect: Plums contain malic acid and amber acid, which have significant antibacterial effects and can also be effective against colds.
Peppermint Tea
Method: Take fresh peppermint leaves and brew them with hot water. Drink a cup after each meal.
Effect: This tea is suitable for patients with dry mouth, sore throat, and no or yellowish-black phlegm.
Lemon Tea
Method: Cut one or two slices of fresh lemon and add a small amount of salt. Pour hot water and let it cool slightly before drinking. You can use the same lemon slices to make tea three times, without adding salt for the last two brews. Avoid using cold water to make the tea.
Effect: Hot or lemon tea can help relieve phlegm and promote smooth breathing.
