Traditional Chinese Health Teachings: Winter Time

You know the Chinese love their food. We don’t just cook deliciously but we also consider the ingredients carefully. According to TCM some foods have different properties. At our academy we also make sure to prepare the local food of the season to keep our bodies healthy and strong.

In cold winter weather, warm clothing in particular usually prevents us from freezing. But jackets, hats and scarfs don't always have to keep us warm - there is another way: According to traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), there are certain foods that have a warming effect. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is widespread in China and throughout Asia. Some TCM methods are also established in Europe. According to TCM, there are foods that are rich in yin and yang. Yin-rich foods have a cooling effect and are therefore particularly popular in summer. They include citrus fruits as well as cucumbers or tomatoes. In winter, on the other hand, we tend to eat yang-rich foods that warm us from within.

Pork Soup

Whether meat, vegetables or drinks: you can find warming foods everywhere. Red meats such as pork, beef, lamb are said to have a warming effect. However, too much of it can have negative effects. Instead of meat, it is better to reach for a piece of fish more often. The following varieties are said to be particularly warming: herring, cod, plaice, and tuna.

With vegetables, varieties such as spring onions or leeks are particularly recommended. In addition, winter vegetables such as beetroot or pumpkin have a warming effect.

Chinese Yam

Lamb Soup

For fruit, you should use plums, pomegranates and kumquats. Chestnuts, hazelnuts and walnuts also have a warming effect. Food has a particularly warming effect if it is seasoned with the right spices. The following spices are particularly recommended for winter temperatures: anise, chilli, curry, dried ginger, garlic, caraway seeds, cinnamon.

According to TCM, not only the food itself, but also its preparation plays an important role. The longer a food is cooked, the more energy it should be able to store. Cooked, fried, steamed or baked dishes are therefore preferable to raw vegetables in winter. Those who freeze frequently should eat hot food as often as possible. For example, you can switch to warm oatmeal or at least toasted bread for breakfast instead of cold muesli. At lunchtime you can use fried vegetables instead of a salad and in the evening a hot soup or a warm stew is recommended. When it comes to drinks, freshly brewed teas in particular ensure that we get really warm. But be careful: even if all teas seem warm at first glance, this is not the case. Teas with spices such as anise, fennel, ginger, cardamom, caraway, cloves or cinnamon definitely have a warming effect. According to TCM, coffee and red wine should also have a warming effect - however, both should only be consumed moderate.

If you feel cold easily in winter, avoid foods that have a cooling effect. This applies to the following foods, among others: Tropical fruits such as lemons, oranges, pineapples or kiwis; raw vegetables like tomatoes, cucumber, iceberg lettuce, broccoli, and cauliflower; dairy products such as yogurt, milk or cream cheese; red, green and black teas as well as chamomile tea

Radish is great for the winter

Even if you feel cold every now and then in winter, that doesn't mean that you have to do without food that is refrigerated at all. However, it is important that you combine the foods correctly: For example, do not just eat a salad in the evening, but add the salad as a side dish to a fried piece of meat or fish. So you can easily find the right balance between cooling and warming foods.