Seoul and several other regions have issued their first cold weather advisories this fall, leading to a sudden and steep drop in temperatures. Maintaining normal body temperature in such weather is extremely important. When body temperature drops, metabolism becomes inefficient, and enzyme activity decreases, increasing the risk of various diseases. Properly managing body temperature is essential to avoid these risks. Spending time in temperature-controlled indoors, wearing warm clothes, and choosing the right foods can help regulate body temperature.
1. Pumpkin ‘Beta-Carotene’ Enhances Immunity
Pumpkin is known to be very beneficial for maintaining body temperature. Rich in a powerful antioxidant called beta-carotene, pumpkin increases oxygen supply and improves blood circulation, contributing to raising body temperature. This not only helps in fatigue relief by eliminating reactive oxygen species but also plays a vital role in winter health management.
Various pumpkin-based dishes, like warm soups or roasted pumpkin, are suitable for cold seasons, aiming to raise body temperature. The nutrients in pumpkin help increase body heat, and the warmth of the food itself is a crucial element in maintaining body temperature.
Additionally, pumpkin is known as a precursor to Vitamin A, effectively strengthening the immune system. Regular consumption of pumpkin can help you stay healthy during winter.
Furthermore, pumpkin is rich in magnesium, potassium, and dietary fiber, aiding in blood pressure control and digestive improvement. Magnesium, particularly beneficial for blood circulation, also contributes to cardiovascular health. Thus, pumpkin is considered beneficial for both body temperature management and overall health improvement.
2. Yuzu Tea and Cold Prevention
Yuzu, a fruit helpful in raising body temperature and strengthening the immune system during cold seasons, contains Vitamin C and organic acids. These components provide a unique tart flavor, enhancing immunity and offering anti-inflammatory effects, beneficial in alleviating common winter cold symptoms. Yuzu tea is especially effective in soothing sore throats and coughs for those suffering from colds. Traditionally, yuzu is regarded as a food that boosts Yang energy and warms the body.
Yuzu tea is an excellent alternative for preventing and treating colds in winter. Drinking tea made from fresh yuzu or yuzu syrup with hot water can significantly aid in maintaining body temperature during winter. Adding honey to yuzu tea enhances its effectiveness in boosting metabolism, raising body temperature, and strengthening immunity. The combination of yuzu and honey is a traditional home remedy widely used for soothing coughs and throat pain.
3. Scallions, Ideal for Cold Weather
Scallions are ideal for cold weather, similar in health benefits to leeks. Containing ‘allyl sulfide,’ scallions help enhance energy metabolism and increase body temperature. They are also rich in iron, aiding blood formation and circulation, and possess antibacterial properties that alleviate cold symptoms, especially effective against respiratory issues, phlegm, and runny nose. In traditional medicine, scallions are considered to warm the body and aid digestion, recommended for people with cold hands and feet or abdominal pain.
There are various ways to consume scallions. They can be eaten fresh in salads, cooked in dishes like scallion pancakes, or consumed as juice. These methods help maintain body temperature in winter and prevent seasonal ailments like colds. Scallions also improve digestion and blood circulation, contributing to overall health.
4. Cinnamon, Ideal for Cold Weather
Cinnamon has been used in traditional medicine for a long time and offers multiple health benefits. Its main active component, cinnamaldehyde, increases blood flow and improves circulation, particularly beneficial for those suffering from chilblains and circulatory disorders common in cold weather. Cinnamon also has antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and even anti-cancer properties.
Cinnamon is effective in promoting digestion, which is helpful for those with digestive disorders or constipation. It stimulates the stomach, enhancing the secretion of digestive enzymes, breaking down food, and improving nutrient absorption. Cinnamon also contributes to maintaining body temperature during cold seasons.
Cinnamon is suitable for making tea. Used together with ginger, both ingredients’ potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties can help prevent and alleviate cold symptoms. Adding honey to cinnamon tea not only neutralizes its strong flavor but also provides additional antibacterial and anti-inflammatory benefits.
Cinnamon is versatile, enhancing flavor in cooking, being used as a dessert ingredient, and adding a unique taste and aroma to coffee or hot cocoa. This spice is not only beneficial for health but also plays an important role in adding depth of flavor to various dishes.