Preventive Foods
Honey:
Honey nourishes yin, moistens dryness, and boosts immunity. Recent research indicates honey coats the throat, alleviating coughs triggered by throat irritation and improving sleep quality. When persistent coughing accompanies a cold, a cup of honey water is a wise choice.Professor Shen Yanying advises: Diabetics and those with poor gastrointestinal digestion should consume sparingly. Chili peppers: Eating chili peppers stimulates appetite, promotes gastrointestinal motility, increases amylase activity, and accelerates blood circulation and metabolism. They dispel wind-cold and facilitate lung qi flow.When suffering from severe nasal congestion due to a cold, adding dried chili peppers to meals can help. Capsaicin reduces the viscosity of nasal mucus secretions, facilitating drainage and eliminating bacteria within the nasal passages. Professor Shen Yanying advises: Chili peppers are "hot" in nature. Individuals with symptoms of "heat" such as mouth ulcers or constipation, those with chronic stomach conditions, and middle-aged or elderly individuals should consume them sparingly.Garlic: Garlic is currently recognized as the most potent natural antibacterial agent among plants. Its allicin content possesses anti-inflammatory properties, inhibiting and killing various bacteria and viruses. Adding a few garlic cloves when stir-frying or cooking is a simple way to prevent colds. If you already have a cold or fever, eating several garlic cloves can alleviate symptoms like coughing, sore throat, and nasal congestion.Professor Shen Yanying advises: While garlic offers numerous benefits, avoid overindulgence. Three to four cloves are sufficient, as excessive consumption may cause internal heat and irritate the gastrointestinal tract.Lean Meat: Lean meat, poultry, fish, and shellfish provide high-quality protein and abundant nutrients like calcium, iron, magnesium, and zinc. Iron in these foods is easily absorbed by the body. Maintaining adequate iron levels can boost immunity. Another crucial nutrient, zinc, activates white blood cells that fight viral infections and enhances cellular vitality.
As temperatures rise rapidly in late spring, the body's physiological functions and metabolic rate increase accordingly. Professor Shen Yanying reminds the public that a well-balanced diet can boost immunity and help combat cold viruses. During this season, meals should be light, incorporating foods rich in high-quality protein and fresh fruits and vegetables high in vitamin C.