aespa’s Winter recently expressed concern for her fans’ health amid the cold weather.
Through a fan communication platform, Winter advised her fans to take care not to catch a cold and emphasized the importance of eating warm food.
As Winter suggested, consuming warm food can help prevent colds, especially on days when temperatures drop below freezing. A temporary rise in body temperature may enhance immune cell activity. However, food that is excessively hot does not help boost immunity. During winter, when people are more vulnerable to cold viruses, it is important to take a closer look at key principles for maintaining good health.
Warm Food Keeps Nasal and Throat Membranes Moist… Too Hot Can Be Counterproductive
Warm soups or teas help keep the mucous membranes of the nose and throat moist. When these membranes dry out, viruses can adhere more easily, increasing the risk of catching a cold. Consuming warm food increases blood flow to the mucous membranes, strengthening the body’s defense against viruses.
When body temperature rises after eating warm food, immune cell activity may temporarily increase. After being exposed to cold air outdoors, warming up with warm food or tea can be beneficial, particularly in the early stages of a cold. Foods such as warm porridge, ginger tea, jujube tea, and honey water may help relieve fatigue and throat discomfort.
However, consuming food that is too hot in an effort to prevent colds can have the opposite effect. Foods above 65°C may cause burns or microscopic damage to the oral and esophageal mucous membranes. They may also irritate the stomach, potentially leading to pain or acid reflux. When the throat is already inflamed due to a cold, excessively hot food can worsen inflammation. For this reason, a food temperature of around 40°C to 50°C is considered appropriate.
Dry Indoor Air Accelerates Virus Transmission… Handwashing Is Essential
In cold weather, heating is commonly used to maintain indoor temperatures. However, heating can dry out indoor air, which may accelerate the spread of viruses. Maintaining indoor humidity levels between 40% and 60% is recommended. Large temperature differences between indoor and outdoor environments can also increase the risk of catching a cold.
In cold and dry conditions, viruses tend to survive longer, and droplet transmission becomes more efficient. During such periods, it is important to maintain a balanced diet to ensure adequate nutrient intake and to practice regular handwashing. Frequent indoor ventilation and preventing humidity levels from dropping too low are also key to protecting overall health.
