When the weather suddenly turns cold, peripheral blood vessels constrict to conserve heat, slowing circulation and causing a chilling sensation. Reduced metabolic activity increases the risk of catching a cold. Dr. Nguyen Anh Tung Duy, specializing in Nutrition and Dietetics at Tam Anh District 7 General Clinic, states that several common kitchen spices can stimulate blood circulation, help the body generate natural heat, warm from within, and enhance immunity.

Ginger

In traditional Eastern medicine, ginger treats colds and flu due to its pungent taste and warming properties. Compounds like gingerol and shoagol in this spice promote good blood flow to the extremities, expelling cold air from the body and reducing the feeling of chilliness. Ginger has strong anti-inflammatory properties and supports the digestive and respiratory systems. Ginger tea, ginger water, or adding a few slices of ginger to dishes enhances flavor, helps the body sweat, relieves colds, and keeps the lungs warm.

Onion

Fresh onion is rich in allicin, which creates its characteristic pungent smell, helps lower bad cholesterol (ldl), and promotes vasodilation. The natural antibiotic phytoncide in onion kills infectious bacteria due to its high antibacterial properties. These substances help the body generate heat, promote sweating to keep warm, and prevent respiratory illnesses in cold weather.

In traditional Eastern medicine, onion has a mild pungent, warming nature, with antiseptic and anti-infectious effects, beneficial for the digestive system. Folk wisdom from ancient times suggests eating plain porridge with onion reduces flu symptoms.

Garlic

Garlic contains abundant allicin, calcium, potassium, and several sulfuric compounds, which help keep the body warm and strengthen the immune system. It is recommended to crush or mince garlic about 10-15 minutes before cooking so that its enzymes can activate and convert into beneficial allicin. This spice also reduces blood cholesterol levels, preventing the risk of cardiovascular diseases or stroke.

Chili

The spicy heat of chili comes from capsaicin, which increases blood flow to the limbs, quickly warming the body and making hands and feet more agile. This spice is rich in vitamin C, A, and antioxidants, reducing nasal congestion, shortness of breath, and sore throat, and stimulating the digestive system. Individuals with poor health, chronic underlying conditions, severe inflammatory acne, open wounds, and pregnant women should limit consuming spicy foods.

Adding some spices to daily meals helps the body stay warm whenever the weather suddenly turns cold. Photo: Bui Thuy

Adding some spices to daily meals helps the body stay warm whenever the weather suddenly turns cold. Photo: Bui Thuy

Black Pepper

Black pepper helps reduce qi and phlegm, treats cold-induced conditions, sudden abdominal pain, and cold hands and feet due to piperine. This compound creates a pungent, spicy taste, stimulating the nervous and digestive systems upon entering the body. Sprinkle a little pepper powder on hot porridge or soup to alleviate flu, cold stomach, bloating, indigestion, and joint pain when the weather suddenly turns cold. People with stomach pain should use pepper in moderation to avoid irritating the mucous membrane.

Cinnamon

Cinnamon is taken from tree bark, has a warm, strong aroma and a slightly sweet taste. This spice can control blood sugar levels and improve circulation due to its minerals: potassium, calcium, iron, manganese, zinc, magnesium, vitamin A, niacin, pantothenic acid, and pyridoxine. Adding cinnamon to meals (pho, vermicelli, coffee, cocoa, hot tea, etc.) helps warm the body and promotes easy blood flow.

Turmeric

Turmeric root contains abundant curcumin - an antioxidant with anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and immune-modulating properties. Additionally, this spice provides small amounts of calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, and potassium. These nutrients support curcumin in reducing joint pain, muscle inflammation, and sinusitis. To improve cold and flu symptoms and promote good sleep, you should add turmeric to braised fish, braised meat, or milk.

While these spices are beneficial for staying warm and improving health during the cold season, they should not be overused. Dr. Duy Tung advises everyone to use them in moderation, suitable for their taste and physical condition. Combine spices into your diet with other foods such as meat, fish, seafood, and vegetables for warm, nutritious meals.

Quoc An