Homely Meals Fight Common Cold

Two common dishes are introduced to help fight colds.

How to boost your resistance so that you are less likely to catch a cold is definitely something worth paying attention to during this harsh winter. Besides enhancing physical exercise, proper diet adjustment is also important. This isn't a complicated issue; as long as we maintain balanced nutrition, the home-style dishes we usually eat can easily achieve it. Now, let's list some foods that are beneficial in boosting resistance to disease.

Eat more eggs to replenish high-quality protein.

According to Vice President of the Chinese Nutrition Society Li Shuyuan, proteins are essential substances for the human immune system; antibodies are special functional protein substances. Therefore, we must ensure a regular intake of sufficient high-quality proteins from food. High-quality proteins mainly come from dairy products,mutton, fish and shrimp,

and meat.Milk and egg whites have the best protein content among animal-based proteins. Therefore, it's important to develop a habit of drinking milk and eating eggs every day. Among plant-based proteins, soy protein is the best. You should eat more bean products such as miso,bean curd sheets,tofu skin. If you have a mung bean sprout maker, try blending different types of beans together for both taste and nutritional value.

Mushrooms are also important in boosting immunity. They contain polysaccharides that can enhance and protect the body's immune system. Fungi like reishi mushrooms,maitake mushrooms,oyster mushrooms,shiitake mushrooms are easily available in markets. They not only taste good but are rich in nutrients. Their protein content is generally over 30%, higher than most vegetables and fruits.

Experts also remind us that excessive protein intake can harm the immune system. Overeating large amounts of meat increases gastrointestinal burden, affecting protein absorption and utilization, as well as the absorption of other nutrients. Various nutrients should complement each other, maintaining balanced immunity. Fruits for Vitamin C

Vitamins are crucial to boost immunity. You shouldn't rely solely on grains and vegetables; fruits like

bananas,

mangoes, kiwis,strawberries, and dates are rich in vitamin C.For babies, choose warm-natured fruits such as apples,pears, mangoes,bananas,and make fruit jams

.Simply cut them into pieces and cook for 10 minutes, then add a little honey for seasoning.,Kiwi fruit, bananas and others are made into fruit soup.Soup. The method is very simple; just slice (chunk) them and boil for 10 minutes. Add an appropriate amount of honey to season. Peanuts, fish, eggs,and carrots and vitamin A are fat-soluble vitamins. Thus, experts recommend stir-frying carrots to better release their nutritional value. Sweet potatoes can

Zinc from Grains, Legumes, and Seafood

According to Li Shuyuan, zinc is closely related to immune function. It enhances cell phagocytic ability, which plays a killing role. For adults, supplementing with zinc can boost immunity and regulate endocrine function; for babies, it's crucial as it not only strengthens the body's resistance but also promotes growth and intellectual development. Experts suggest that whole grains are rich in zinc essential to the immune system. You could choose

buckwheat noodles and various types of nutrient rice . Other foods high in zinc includeoysters,liver (pig, chicken), peanuts,fish, eggs,beef, sesame seeds.be steamed, boiled or washed, cut into slices, salt-marinated for a few hours, then pickled with vinegar. Simple cooking turns it into a nutritious and tasty dish.Vitamin A from Vegetables and Fruits From a nutritional perspective, vitamin A can enhance the function of epithelial cells, providing resistance to cold viruses. It strengthens throat and lung mucosa, maintaining their normal metabolism.Radicchio,pumpkin, and green vegetables contain beta-

carotene

,radish,pumpkin can be cooked to better release its nutritional value.Pumpkins can be steamed, boiled, or marinated in vinegar after being cut into slices and salted for a few hours. This dish is both nutritious and delicious with simple preparation. Liver from pigs and chickens also contains more vitamin A and should be consumed appropriately. In addition, pork liver and chicken liver also contain considerable amounts of vitamin A and should be consumed appropriately. Recommend "anti-virus vegetables"peppercorns, Shaoxing wine, and starch.Vinegar Method:1. Clean the cow trachea, cut into pieces; slice the celery and red and green peppers in a diamond shape.

2. Boil water in a pot, add the cow trachea when it boils, simmer until cooked, then remove from heat to set aside.

"Resistance-Strengthening Dish" RecommendationsStir-fried Egg with Soybean Residue

Ingredients: fresh soybean residue, red pepper, green onion, eggs.Seasonings: cooking oil, salt. Steps:

Soak yellow beans overnight and grind to extract the liquid, keeping the residue.

Beat two eggs with a little salt and mix well.

1.Chop red peppers finely and green onions into small pieces. Cook the beaten eggs until set, then break them up.

Add the soybean residue and stir-fry until it turns golden yellow. Add red pepper pieces and stir for one minute. Finally, sprinkle with green onion and season to taste before serving. Expert's Commentary

Soybean residue still contains a considerable amount of soy protein, dietary fiber, and certain active substances; discarding it is a waste.

This dish can fully utilize these nutritional components. Soybean dietary fiber also helps reduce fat absorption, control blood sugar levels, and promote bowel movements.

Green pepper

andChinese celery Stir-fried Throat slices Ingredients: throat slices, red and green chili peppers,

celery . Seasonings: ginger, garlic, vinegar, salt, black pepper, cooking wine, cornstarch.

Steps:Clean the throat pieces and cut them into chunks. Slice the celery and red and green peppers in a diamond shape. Boil water in a pot, add the throat slices to blanch until cooked, then remove.

Fry the ginger, garlic, and chili pepper in oil until fragrant.Add the throat slices and red and green peppers, stir-fry evenly. Season with cooking wine, black pepper, and salt. Add celery chunks, quickly stir-fry, then pour in vinegar before serving.3. In a pot, add oil and fry the minced garlic, ginger, and scallions for fragrance; then add the cow trachea and red and green pepper pieces, stir-fry evenly. 4. Season with Shaoxing wine, peppercorns, and salt; finally, add celery slices, quickly stir-fry until well combined. Just before serving, pour in vinegar to enhance the flavor and plate it.

Expert commentary:

Celery can calm the nerves, promote urination, and reduce swelling,

and the leaves of celery contain more carotene and vitamin C than the stems; they can be mixed into a small dish.

Cow trachea is low in fat and rich in collagen. This dish suits elderly people and young women.

4. Add cooking wine, pepper powder, and salt for seasoning; quickly stir-fry with celery pieces, then drizzle with aromatic vinegar before serving.

Expert Evaluation:

Celery can soothe the mind and relieve edema,Celery Leaves contain more carotene and vitamin C than the stalks, making them suitable for pickling into a small dish. Throat meat is low in fat and rich in collagen; this dish suits elderly people and young women.