As the weather gets colder, I start craving warm foods and my appetite increases. Instead of seeking out spicy dishes, how about trying seasonal foods that are both nutritious and delicious? This also helps boost your immune system, which tends to weaken easily in early winter.

 

◇Cockles are one of the seafoods that taste the best in winter. The taurine content in cockles is good for improving liver function and relieving fatigue. In particular, 100g of fresh cockles contains 822mg of taurine, which is similar to the amount of taurine in a bottle of over-the-counter tonic supplements. Additionally, cockles are rich in iron, hemoglobin, and vitamin B, making them effective in preventing anemia and dizziness. They contain protein and essential amino acids, which also help in children's growth and development. However, in traditional Korean medicine, cockles are classified as a cold food, so people with a cold constitution should eat them in moderation.

Scallops are low in calories and cholesterol, and rich in protein and minerals. They are also abundant in essential amino acids such as lysine, leucine, methionine, arginine, and glutamine, making them beneficial for growing children. Additionally, the potassium content in scallops helps eliminate sodium and waste products from the body, promoting blood circulation. They also contain a large amount of taurine, which helps regulate blood cholesterol levels and stabilize blood pressure. The amino acid glycine, which gives scallops their sweet taste, aids in collagen production and prevents skin aging.

 

Kombu and dried fish are also seasonal delicacies for the upcoming winter. Dried fish is rich in unsaturated fatty acids, which help lower triglycerides and increase good HDL cholesterol. 100g of dried fish contains about 7.9g of DHA, EPA, and omega-3 fatty acids, which is approximately 36% more than natural mackerel (5.8g). Therefore, it is very beneficial for preventing cardiovascular diseases such as hypertension, myocardial infarction, and arteriosclerosis. Dried fish also contains a lot of vitamin E, which has anti-aging effects. When eating dried fish, it is more delicious when combined with seaweed and garlic. Fresh seaweed is rich in soluble dietary fiber called alginate, which helps eliminate cholesterol and triglycerides.

 

◇Cabbage is rich in minerals such as calcium, potassium, and phosphorus, as well as vitamins. The green leaves of cabbage also contain a high amount of vitamin A precursors, beta-carotene. Beta-carotene is a representative ingredient that helps strengthen immunity. In particular, the vitamin C contained in cabbage has a low loss rate due to heat and sodium, so it can be sufficiently consumed even when boiling soups or making kimchi. Moreover, cabbage is rich in dietary fiber, which also promotes intestinal movement. However, since cabbage has a cold property, it is recommended to cook it thoroughly if you have poor digestion. Cabbage pairs well with tofu. You can simultaneously consume vitamin C and fiber from cabbage along with the plant-based protein from tofu.

 

The fruit that comes to mind when it gets cold is undoubtedly tangerines. Rich in vitamin C, tangerines help boost immunity and are good for preventing colds. Additionally, vitamin C strengthens the skin and mucous membranes and is effective in eliminating dark spots and freckles. The white fibers attached to tangerines are rich in pectin, a type of dietary fiber. Pectin helps promote colon movement and plays a role in cleaning out the intestines, making it effective in relieving constipation. The vitamin P in tangerines lowers triglyceride and cholesterol levels, preventing cardiovascular diseases.

 

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I like everything.

I can only not eat double fermented fish.

 

I find the smell of dried fish a bit fishy, haha.

I like my family members.

I can't eat like everyone else.