How should we eat during seasonal transitions?

Mardin Artuklu University Department of Medical Biochemistry Head Associate Professor Dr. Hasan Basri Savaş, drawing attention to the importance of balanced nutrition during seasonal changes, said, "Meals should be prepared with fruits, vegetables, meat, oils, and other products in their most natural state, having undergone the least amount of processing. We should prefer fresh, natural, and seasonal foods and make it a habit to process them as little as possible when serving them at the table."

Department of Medical Biochemistry Head Associate Professor Dr. Hasan Basri Savaş stated that flu, colds, and other upper respiratory tract infections caused by viruses are very common due to seasonal changes. Noting that it is understood that strengthening the immune system against diseases is very important when considering that these infections last a long time, are debilitating, and cause serious problems, especially for the elderly, children, and pregnant women, Dr. Savaş stated that the immune system is a very important barrier that protects the individual against diseases.

'LET'S AVOID PACKAGED FOODS'

Stating that the most important factor available to strengthen immunity is natural and healthy nutrition, Dr. Savaş spoke as follows:
"To protect against diseases, first of all, meals and drinks with healthy food content should be consumed. Let's avoid processed, packaged foods whose contents we do not know and have not researched. Meals should be prepared with fruits, vegetables, meat, oils, and other products in their most natural state, having undergone the least amount of processing.

We should prefer fresh, natural, and seasonal foods and make it a habit to process them as little as possible when serving them at the table. We should put an end to cooking at excessive heat, frying at very high temperatures, and preparing meals with reused oils. In our beverage choices, we should consider options such as water, ayran, mineral water, turnip juice (şalgam), and milk in their most natural, additive-free, and pure form."

'DO NOT NEGLECT DRINKING WATER'

Expressing that the body's fluid needs must be met regularly for a strong immune system, Dr. Savaş said, "Even if the feeling of thirst decreases as the weather starts to cool down, let's pay close attention to regular and adequate fluid intake. Drinking plenty of water is another factor that can be neglected, especially in winter months, and is of great importance for immunity. Drinking unprocessed, natural spring water at least 2 liters a day, according to our individual needs, will support our immune system against diseases."

'TO STRENGTHEN IMMUNITY...'

Emphasizing that foods such as pickles, yogurt, cheese, vinegar, turnip juice (şalgam), boza, and similar items should not be missing from the table, Dr. Savaş said, "Without forgetting that the best and most beneficial way to get vitamins is through fresh and natural vegetables, we should make salads the centerpiece of our table. We should eat fruits in season, regularly and with varied content, provided they are consumed in moderation. Eating a minimum of 400 grams of fresh fruits and vegetables daily is an important measure to strengthen immunity.

Regular and adequate intake of basic animal foods such as milk, eggs, yogurt, cheese, meat, chicken, and fish is very important for protein quality and for immunity," he said.