Why Do Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and Western Medicine Recommend Eating Lamb in Winter?
As the cold winds of winter approach, whether you’re following traditional Chinese medicine or modern Western medicine, you’re likely to hear the same advice: eat some lamb in winter for significant health benefits.
As the cold winds of winter approach, whether you’re following traditional Chinese medicine or modern Western medicine, you’re likely to hear the same advice: eat some lamb in winter for significant health benefits.
NO.1 Lamb in the Eyes of TCM and Western Medicine
- Winter Lamb in Traditional Chinese Medicine:In the theoretical framework of TCM, the health of the human body is closely related to the changes in the natural balance of Yin and Yang.As winter arrives, the cold climate causes the body’s Yang energy to become relatively introverted. At this time, supplementing with foods that are warm and can reinforce Yang becomes crucial.Lamb, considered a suitable supplement throughout the year, is especially highly praised during winter.According to TCM, lamb has a warm nature and sweet taste, with the efficacy of nourishing deficiency, warming the middle, enhancing Qi, and supporting kidney Yang.It is particularly effective for symptoms commonly associated with cold in winter, such as soreness and weakness of the waist and knees, and cold extremities. Consuming lamb has a good warming effect.Additionally, lamb is rich in protein and various vitamins, effectively boosting the immune system and enhancing resistance.
- Health Benefits of Lamb in Western Medicine:In Western medicine, lamb is indeed considered a high-quality source of protein with a fatty acid composition that tends to be healthy. It contains a substantial amount of unsaturated fatty acids, which are beneficial for cardiovascular health.Furthermore, lamb is rich in iron, effectively preventing and alleviating symptoms of anemia.Given that winter is a high-risk period for influenza and colds, the zinc element in lamb enhances the body’s immune function, improving resistance to viruses.Moreover, the selenium element in lamb has excellent antioxidant properties, slowing down the aging process of cells, which is particularly important in the cold winter months.
NO.2 How to Make Lamb Consumption Healthier
- Choose the Right Lamb Cut:Different parts of lamb vary in fat content and texture. For example, lamb leg meat is tender with less fat, suitable for soups or stews, while lamb shoulder meat is suitable for roasting or stir-frying.When selecting lamb, it is recommended to choose fresh cuts with a red and even distribution of fat.
- Balance Nutrition by Pairing with Vegetables:While lamb is good, consuming only meat can lead to excessive protein intake. Therefore, when eating lamb, pairing it with fiber-rich vegetables helps with digestion and prevents an imbalance of cold and heat in the body.Vegetables such as radishes and Chinese cabbage are excellent choices when cooked with lamb.
- Adopt Healthy Cooking Methods:Boiling, stewing, and steaming are relatively healthy ways to cook lamb. Compared to frying, these cooking methods retain the nutritional components of lamb to the maximum extent while reducing fat intake.For example, lamb soup or lamb stew not only provides abundant nutrition but also gives a warm and satisfying feeling in winter.
- Moderation is Key:Although lamb is highly nutritious, overeating any food is not a healthy choice. The recommended daily protein intake for adults is approximately 1 gram per kilogram of body weight.Therefore, consuming lamb in moderation, based on individual circumstances, is crucial for maintaining a healthy diet.
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