In cold winter weather, warm clothing in particular usually keeps us from freezing. But not always only jacket, hat and scarf have to keep us warm – there is another way: according to traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), there are namely also certain foods that have a warming effect. In the following, we introduce you to the best cold killers and reveal which foods you should rather avoid in winter. Have fun with our anti-cold food!
TCM: Warming foods
Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) is widespread in China as well as throughout the Asian region. Some methods of TCM are also established in Europe. These include acupuncture, for example. Procedures such as these are often used by alternative practitioners, but are controversial from a scientific point of view. According to TCM, there are yin-rich and yang-rich foods. Yin-rich foods have a cooling effect and are therefore especially popular in the summer. Among them are citrus fruits and cucumbers or tomatoes. In winter, on the other hand, we tend to reach for yang-rich foods that warm us from the inside.
These foods warm from the inside
Whether it’s meat, vegetables or drinks, you can find warming foods everywhere. With meat, especially red meats such as pork, beef, lamb or game are said to have a warming effect. However, you should not eat too much of it: Studies indicate that a high consumption of red meat increases the risk of cardiovascular disease. Instead of meat, try a piece of fish more often. Here, the following varieties are said to be particularly warming:
- Herring
- Codfish
- Plaice
- Tuna
For vegetables, varieties such as spring onions or leeks are particularly recommended. In addition, winter vegetables such as beet or pumpkin also have a warming effect. When it comes to fruit, you should go for plums, pomegranates and kumquats. In addition, chestnuts, hazelnuts and walnuts also have a warming effect. Caution: those who also sweat easily in winter and suffer from high blood pressure should take warming foods rather rarely.
Fiery spices against the cold
Foods have a particularly warming effect when dressed with the right spices. In winter temperatures, the following spices are particularly recommended:
- Anise
- Chili
- Curry
- Dried ginger
- Garlic
- Coriander
- Caraway
- Cinnamon
Note: For people who struggle with hot flashes or have problems with your blood pressure and / or stomach, the above spices are suitable – if at all – only in small quantities.
The correct preparation
Not only the food itself, but also its preparation plays an important role according to TCM. Thus, the longer a food is cooked, the more energy it should be able to store. Cooked, fried, steamed or baked foods are therefore preferable to raw foods in winter. Most of the time, this decision even comes naturally: While we prefer to reach for crisp salads in the summer, we find stews and soups particularly pleasant in the winter. Those who are often cold should eat warm foods as often as possible. For breakfast, for example, you can switch to a warm oatmeal or at least toasted bread instead of a cold cereal. At lunchtime, you can then turn to roasted vegetables instead of salad, and in the evening, a hot soup or a warm stew is recommended.
Choose the right drinks
When it comes to drinks, freshly made teas in particular ensure that we get really warm. But be careful: even if all teas seem to warm at first glance, this is not so. In any case, teas with spices such as anise, fennel, ginger, cardamom, caraway, cloves or cinnamon have a warming effect. Many of these spices are contained in so-called yogi tea. Coffee and red wine are also said to have a warming effect, according to TCM – but both should only be enjoyed in moderation.
Caution: danger of cold!
If you freeze easily in winter, you should avoid foods that have a chilling effect. This applies to the following foods, among others:
- Southern fruits such as lemons, oranges, pineapples or kiwis.
- Raw vegetables such as tomatoes, cucumbers, iceberg lettuce, broccoli and cauliflower.
- Dairy products such as yogurt, milk or cream cheese.
- red, green and black teas and chamomile tea
Find the right balance
Even if you are cold from time to time in winter, it does not mean that you have to completely abandon cooling foods. However, it is important that you combine foods properly: For example, don’t just eat a salad in the evening, but add the salad as a side dish to a roasted piece of meat or fish. This way, you can easily find the right balance between cooling and warming foods.
What else helps
Cold hands and cold feet are considered in TCM to be the result of an energy blockage. To solve this blockage, you can, on the one hand, reach for warming foods. On the other hand, TCM also recommends physical activity to get the energy flow going again. So go out for a walk and exercise – this also provides warmth from within. And if nothing else helps, you’ll just have to reach for a thick jacket, winter boots, gloves and the like.
