Relieve fatigue and increase immunity... What are some delicious seasonal foods in December?
It's the end-of-year season, and with the cold weather and more year-end gatherings and drinking parties, it's easy for your immune system to weaken. As gatherings increase, overeating and drinking become more frequent, and our bodies become tired and exhausted, making us vulnerable to various diseases. Let's take a look at the nutritious seasonal foods of December that relieve fatigue and boost winter immunity.
◆ Scallops > Amino acids and taurine activate liver function
Scallops are a low-calorie food that is good for winter diets and contain 80 kcal per 100g. It is low in cholesterol, rich in protein and minerals, and rich in various nutrients such as calcium, leucine, and lysine. In particular, it contains sulfur-containing amino acids that help relieve fatigue and activate liver function, and taurine helps prevent cardiovascular disease by lowering blood cholesterol. Fresh scallops have shiny shells, but be careful if the shells are open before cooking because they are dead and spoiled. Also, when you lightly tap the skin, the flesh shrinks, which is refreshing.
◆ Spanish mackerel > Taurine helps relieve fatigue and is rich in vitamin D
Seasonal mackerel is rich in nutrients and helps protect immunity in winter. It is especially rich in DHA, which aids brain development and helps prevent dementia and improve memory. Additionally, it is rich in unsaturated fatty acids EPA and Omega 3, making it excellent for preventing cardiovascular disease. Taurine helps recover from fatigue, and it is also rich in vitamin D, which is easily deficient in winter. The flesh of mackerel is particularly white and soft. It is a fish that is easy to eat even for patients who have difficulty swallowing food, the elderly with weak teeth, or children, and it is good for cooking by stewing, steaming, or grilling.
◆ Tangerine > Sour citric acid helps relieve fatigue and promote metabolism
Sweet and sour seasonal tangerines are the best fruit for relieving winter fatigue. In particular, citric acid, a sour ingredient, has the effect of promoting metabolism, relieving fatigue and purifying the blood. Additionally, tangerine, which sticks like a thread to the outside of tangerine flesh, is rich in hesperidin. This helps vitamin C to suppress free radicals that age cells and promote blood circulation. When tangerines are stored, mold easily forms, which can cause allergies such as hives and rashes. Any tangerines that have even the slightest bit of mold should be thrown away.
◆ Yuzu > Rich in vitamin C, promotes collagen production
Winter seasonal yuzu is rich in vitamin C, which promotes collagen production. This interferes with the secretion of lactic acid, helping to recover from fatigue and relieve stress. In particular, flavonoids are excellent at preventing aging and improving wrinkles. Pectin promotes blood circulation. Vitamin C in yuzu is weak to light and heat. Yuzu should be enjoyed raw and fresh for better nutritional intake. It is good to drink citron syrup or slice citron thinly and add it to carbonated water with honey. Additionally, yuzu can be used as a natural air freshener by thinly sliced, dried, and stored in a cotton bag.