Let's make sure to eat the seasonal foods of February!!!

The taurine contained in clams has a diuretic effect that helps eliminate sodium from the body, reducing kidney damage caused by sodium. / Photo = Clipart Korea

 

February is the tail end of winter and the beginning of spring. How about eating healthy seasonal foods to keep your body warm during the still cold weather~~ What are the seasonal foods in February that are excellent in taste and nutritional benefits? 😀😀

 

Clam

Clams are the ingredient that produces the most refreshing broth among shellfish, adding both flavor and nutrition. They are low in calories and high in iron content, making them good for preventing anemia. The iron content in 100g of clams is 2.68mg, which is similar to the 2.6mg of iron found in 100g of beef. Clams also help restore kidney and liver functions. The taurine contained in clams promotes diuresis by expelling sodium from the body, thereby reducing kidney damage caused by sodium. Additionally, they enhance liver function by stimulating bile secretion, making them effective for hangover relief. Clams are also rich in protein. The methionine component within the clam meat helps facilitate the synthesis of proteins that form muscles.

 

◇Spanish mackerel

Mackerel is a winter seasonal food rich in potassium and omega-3. It contains a high level of omega-3 fatty acid called DHA, with about 1,288 mg per 100g, which is good for brain development and effective in preventing dementia and cancer in the elderly. Additionally, the calcium in mackerel helps to excrete sodium from the body, lowering blood pressure. To well absorb the nutrients in mackerel, it is best to cook it by braising or steaming. Eating it with vegetables such as radish or green onion that contain vitamins can help supplement any lacking nutrients.

 

Agu

If you eat monkfish now, you can fully enjoy its chewy and tender texture. Monkfish is rich in protein, which helps in the growth and development of children, and contains low levels of fat and cholesterol, making it suitable for people on a diet. In particular, the liver of monkfish, called the "foie gras of the sea," contains more than 20 times the daily recommended amount of omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA. Therefore, it helps prevent adult diseases such as dementia, hyperlipidemia, and rheumatoid arthritis, and aids in improving memory. Additionally, it is rich in vitamins A, D, and E, which are effective in protecting eyesight and preventing aging. However, overconsumption of monkfish liver should be avoided. Pregnant women consuming excessive vitamin A from monkfish liver may negatively affect fetal growth. The liver also contains purine compounds that can cause gout, so caution is advised if blood uric acid levels are high.

 

◇Domi

The king of fish, sea bream, cannot be missing from a seasonal February meal. Known for its mild flavor, sea bream is rich in protein and low in fat and oil, making it a good food choice for middle-aged people concerned about obesity. Sea bream contains a high amount of water-soluble vitamin B1, which is effective in relieving fatigue. Since vitamin B1 is not produced in the body, it is helpful to consume sea bream to supplement it. Additionally, the skin of sea bream contains vitamin B2, which aids in the metabolism of various nutrients, so it is good to eat it together.

 

Strawberry

Strawberries, a representative winter fruit, are very rich in vitamin C, which helps relieve fatigue. The vitamin C content in strawberries is 67mg per 100g, which is 1.6 times that of tangerines and 2.6 times that of kiwis. The anthocyanin components in strawberries protect blood vessels from reactive oxygen species produced in the body and inhibit blood clot formation. The more anthocyanins they contain, the brighter red the strawberries appear. Additionally, strawberries inhibit melanin production, preventing dark spots, and help relieve eye fatigue. Heating or blending strawberries can easily destroy their nutrients, so it is best to consume them without any processing.

 

Source: Health Chosun

 

Lately, I've been eating strawberries that are in season quite often.

Enjoy seasonal foods and have a healthy February.

I will send it~~