Can you eat cauliflower when you have a cold and fever?

Generally, it is acceptable to eat white flower vegetable (baihuacai) when having a cold or fever, but attention should be paid to the cooking method—opt for light preparations and avoid spicy or irritating dishes. The detailed analysis is as follows:

White flower vegetable is rich in vitamin C, dietary fiber, and various minerals. Vitamin C helps boost immunity, while dietary fiber promotes intestinal movement and aids digestion, making it suitable for individuals who are physically weakened and experiencing reduced digestive function during a cold or fever. In terms of food properties, white flower vegetable is considered neutral—neither distinctly cooling nor heating—and therefore will not aggravate symptoms of cold or fever, nor cause adverse interactions with common cold medications.

However, gastrointestinal function tends to be more sensitive during a cold or fever. When consuming white flower vegetable, avoid greasy or spicy cooking methods such as deep-frying or stir-frying over high heat, as these can burden the digestive system and potentially lead to discomforts like bloating or indigestion. It is recommended to prepare it using light methods such as gentle stir-frying, boiling into soup, or blanching followed by cold mixing. Also, consumption should be moderate to avoid excessive strain on digestion.

Diet during a cold or fever should follow the principles of being light and nutritionally balanced. In addition to white flower vegetable, other fresh vegetables such as spinach and broccoli can be consumed in moderation, along with ample warm water to maintain hydration.