Top 14 Winter Friendly Foods

Winter is here and so is the time to enjoy nippy weather and warm mittens. When temperatures start going down rapidly, everyone wants a way to keep them warm. Cold breezy weather is a good time, but it has many adverse effects on our health. However, many healthy winter foods around us help to keep the body warm even when it is chilly outside & also help to stay healthy in winter. The cool air drains us out of our energy, slows down metabolism and we tend to indulge in a lot more snacking and deep-fried goodies to feel satiated.

During winters, what you eat matters a lot for fighting the cold outside. There are certain foods that can generate heat in the body naturally. Hence, one must customise the pantry and include winter-friendly foods in it for the season. However, there is a scale of foods that are not only comforting while fighting winter misery but also provide nutrients to boost the immune system.

These foods not only help cope up with low temperature, but also prove to be effective for people with low immunity. And the best part is you do not need to go to lengths to look for them. In fact, there are some everyday foods that add every nutrient our body needs during the winters. Here are top 14 Indian winter foods, which we can find easily in our kitchens.

14 Nutritious Dietary Additions For Uplifted Immunity In Wintertime:

1. Root Vegetables

Root vegetables like carrots, beetroot, sweet potatoes, and turnip can help you withstand cold weather. Toss up some carrot salads or make some hot and spice carrot soups to get your dose of beta-carotene and Vitamin C that can shield you against infections. Regular consumption of these veggies can help in curing constipation, improving immunity and lowering inflammation.

2. Oats

Generally oats are very nutritious, healthy and easily digestible. Oatmeal is a very convenient food for breakfast . It is packed with an arrangement of essential nutrients needed during winter. Oatmeal is high on zinc, that strengthens the immune system, and a good source of soluble fibre, dietary protein, and minerals that promotes healthy functioning of the gut.

3. Cruciferous vegetables:

Cruciferous vegetables top lists veggies in boosting up against sickness this winter. Cauliflower, kale, brussels sprouts and broccoli are loaded with Vitamin C, E, K, folate and other essential minerals that boost your immune system and combat infections.

4. Ginger and Basil:

A cup of hot ginger and basil tea is all you need to stay warm this winter. Ginger possesses excellent thermogenic properties that keep you warm, boost metabolism and improve blood circulation.

5. Whole Grains:

Whole grains are one of the healthy foods that will keep you warm in winter. whole grains like bajra pearl millet and ragi or finger millet should definitely be on your list.

6. Jaggery:

Jaggery (or gud) is synonymous to winter indulgence. Besides being aromatic and delicious, it is loaded with iron and several other minerals that make it a great addition to your overall diet. Have it as is or add it your favorite dessert – jaggery defines wholesome goodness in every way. Jaggery not only improves your digestive system but also keeps you warm.

7. Cinnamon:

Cinnamon promotes the body’s metabolism, helps in generating heat in chilly weathers and needs to be a part of your winter healthy food list.

8. Pomegranate:

Pomegranate is high in polyphenols, which are known to improve heart health, fight infection, and improve memory. It is easy to find them from September to February, pomegranates are delicious in recipes. Try them sprinkled on a salad or tossed into yogurt, smoothies, and chia seed pudding.

9. Saffron:

If you want, your body to stay warm and you can just boil saffron in milk and also add raisins to it.

10. Sesame:

Sesame can help resist various respiratory disorders. Enjoy sesame delicacies like the “Vada” or “laddu” during festivals.

11. Dried Fruits:

Dry fruits are one of the best foods in winter. Apricots, dried figs and dates are some of the dried fruits that can help you stay warm naturally during winters. Dry fruits are generally packed with iron, calcium and dietary fibre both are warming in nature and boost your energy.

12. Soup:

Soups are the preferred choice of soothing foods in winter. Hot Soups Who doesn’t like to have a bowl of hot soup on a chilly winter evenings? It is one of the best ways to get instant warmth. They are prepared with a blend of different kind of vegetables, herbs and spices that can be comforting to your sore throat and relieve seasonal cough and cold. Provided you limit the amount of added fat, cream and an extra dash of salt.

13. Honey:

Honey is naturally warm in nature which can be a preferred choice of sweetener for warming winter beverages and concoctions. Honey is very useful in combating against cold and flu. Imbued with phytonutrients and antioxidants adding honey stimulates digestion process and cures sore throat; even doctors suggests to use.

14. Ghee:

Ghee is a quintessential winter ingredient that can help you keep warm naturally. You must be thinking that ghee will be adding up calories, but it cuts down the bad fats when consumed in small amounts and also helps to keep your body warm. Ayurveda medicine greatly vouches for ghee as it supplies you with ample amounts of healthy fat and energy that can dismiss the slowness and keep you active all through the day.

Summary

  • Dietary modifications are specifically beneficial for people who find it hard to cope up with chill weather or those with a poor immune system. Hence, it is vital to accumulate body heat from external sources and take necessary dietary measures to make sure that the system stays warm from inside.
  • Foods, spices and drinks that you add in your diet hold a significant role in producing heat naturally.
  • Ghee You must be thinking that ghee will be adding up calories, but it cuts down the bad fats when consumed in small amounts and also helps to keep your body warm.
  • Carrots, radish, garlic and onions are best known to generate more heat in the system. These vegetables are bestowed with a myriad of vital vitamins and minerals that boosts the immune system and keep diseases at bay.
  • Honey is naturally warm in nature which can be a preferred choice of sweetener for warming winter beverages and concoctions.
  • Apart from keeping these things in your diet, you must go for a preventive regular health checkups, so that you can stay safe and away from cold and flu.
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