Eating soup during the colder weather in China is a great way to keep warm, especially since chilly dry wind often accompanies drafty weather. (Photo : Reuters)
Major Cold, the 24th solar term of traditional Chinese solar terms, just ended. It also marks the beginning of a freezing week as the cold front continues to sweep across China. To keep warm, Chinese doctors gave this great piece of food advice in an article by China Daily.
Chinese yam is a good supplement or even replacement to Chinese food staples like rice or wheaten starchy food. According to doctors, Chinese yam has properties that help strengthen one's spleen and protect an individual from deficiency.
Doctor Xia Gongxu from the Nanjing Hospital of Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine also told China Daily that Chinese yam is particularly recommended for those who suffer from fatigue and deficiency in the blood.
Potato is also a good addition to one's winter diet. Low in calories and fat, potatoes keep an individual from overeating--a great choice for people who like to eat healthy and stay fit.
As for main courses, chicken, carp and mutton are highly recommended by Dr. Zhang Zhongai from Nan Jing Jinlin.
People should avoid eating high calorie food, however, as these can lead to the accumulation of extensive internal heat. Stewed mutton and chicken soup are better alternatives than fried chicken or mutton kababs.
Eating soup during the colder weather in China is a great way to keep warm, especially since chilly dry wind often accompanies drafty weather.
Another healthy alternative that will keep people warm during the winter is Angelica with beef soup. Great for menstruating women, it helps promote blood circulation.
Another blood-enriching soup is a porridge made of red dates, black rice, red beans, peanuts and rice. Soak the ingredients for 40 minutes and simmer with brown sugar for 40 minutes for a porridge that's highly recommended for women.
Astralagus with chicken soup is a delicious and nourishing dish that will keep the cold at bay and reduce blood pressure at the same time. Aside from that, experts say that this dish is good for the heart.
All these suggestions are proof that keeping warm and healthy during the cold weather doesn't have to be bland and boring.
