Seasonal colds, often referred to as wind-heat colds, are more common in the summer and autumn seasons. Common symptoms include yellow nasal discharge, fever, sore throat, and cough. Some people believe that eating eggs can cause internal heat and wonder if it is suitable for those with wind-heat colds. So what is the truth?
Can you eat eggs when you have a wind-heat cold?
Yes, you can eat eggs when you have a wind-heat cold. Wind-heat colds are a type of common cold caused by a viral infection. Some components in eggs have antimicrobial properties and can inhibit the growth of cold viruses. In other words, consuming eggs can be helpful for wind-heat colds.
Some people believe that eggs can cause internal heat, but that is not true. The main components of eggs include protein, amino acids, and cholesterol, none of which cause internal heat or worsen the symptoms of a wind-heat cold.
How many eggs should you eat when you have a wind-heat cold?
Eggs are rich in nutrients and can be helpful for alleviating symptoms of a wind-heat cold. However, it is not advisable to eat too many. It is recommended to consume around 2 eggs. This is because eggs contain high levels of protein and cholesterol, and the normal amount that the body can absorb is approximately two eggs. Consuming more eggs can burden the digestive system and further strain the liver and kidneys involved in nutrient metabolism.
Recipes using eggs for wind-heat colds
Egg Pancake
Ingredients: Flour, water, eggs, spring onion, salt, pepper, sugar, oil.
Instructions:
1. Mix spring onion, salt, pepper, and a little sugar with flour. Crack an egg into the mixture and stir while slowly adding water until it becomes a thin batter.
2. Heat a frying pan over low heat with a small amount of oil. Pour in a spoonful of the batter and tilt the pan to spread the pancake into a large, round shape. Cook both sides until golden brown.
3. Repeat the process until all the batter is used, making multiple pancakes.
Scrambled Eggs with Water
Ingredients: Eggs, ham, onion, oil, salt, MSG.
Instructions:
1. Separate the egg whites and yolks into a bowl. Add a quarter of the total egg liquid volume of water and mix well. Cut the ham and onion into small pieces.
2. Heat some water in a pot and bring it to a boil. Pour in the egg mixture and switch to medium-low heat. Use a spatula to gently push the eggs from the edge to the center until they are fully cooked.
3. Add the ham and onion, stir-fry for another minute, and season with salt and spring onion.
Other dietary methods for wind-heat colds
Mint Salad
Ingredients: Fresh mint leaves (300g), salt, vinegar, sesame oil, sugar, MSG.
Instructions: Wash the mint leaves, blanch them in boiling water, and then soak them in cold water. Squeeze out excess water and cut them into sections. Place them on a plate. Mix ginger powder, salt, vinegar, MSG, and sugar in a bowl, pour it over the mint leaves, and drizzle with sesame oil. Enjoy as a side dish with meals.
Effect: Cool and relieve heat, refresh the mind. Mainly used to treat wind-heat colds, especially for those with dizziness and head heaviness.
Garlic Cucumber Salad
Ingredients: Cucumber (250g), minced garlic, soy sauce, sugar, vinegar, sesame oil.
Instructions:
1. Wash the cucumber with cold water and cut it into diagonal slices. Arrange them on a plate.
2. Mix minced garlic, soy sauce, sugar, vinegar, and sesame oil to make a dressing. Pour the dressing over the cucumber slices. Serve as a cold dish with meals.
Effect: This recipe has antiviral and heat-clearing properties. It is mainly used to treat wind-heat colds.
Precautions for wind-heat colds
1. Avoid nourishing foods such as ginseng, donkey-hide gelatin, and longan fruit. These tonics may cause the body to be in a state of closed nutrient absorption.
2. Avoid smoking and drinking alcohol. Smoking irritates the respiratory tract, and alcohol can dilate blood vessels. The former can worsen coughing and sore throat symptoms of a cold, while the latter can make the body more susceptible to external pathogens.
3. Avoid spicy and greasy foods. Spicy foods can irritate the respiratory tract and deplete body fluid, exacerbating symptoms such as coughing and fever. Greasy foods can make mucus in the body viscous and hinder recovery from coughing and other symptoms.
