Winter chill is approaching fast and we need to be ready to counter it successfully.
Winter season is the most demanding one because not only we need to keep it warm from the inside, but protect from stinging icy waves from the outside. With dropping temperatures, our energy level also takes a dive. And if this continues long enough, our metabolism also slows down to conserve internal energy and heat. Then, simple exercises like climbing stairs or staying close to kitchen stove may not help much. The top 7 winter foods we discuss today have many beneficial properties that on one hand preserve our body’s nutrients and provide the warmth to combat the season’s ups and downs.
Top 7 Best Winter Foods That Fight The Cold Weather And Also Nourish.
1. Holy Basil (Tulsi) and Ginger
Who can forget the warmth of a hot cup of tea with added Ginger and Tulsi? Traditionally, all Indian households swear with this combination which brings warmth and the anti-bacterial, antibiotic and anti-viral properties Tulsi brings along. Both Tulsi and Ginger can be chewed separately, if you have a sore throat, and also can be added to soups, and salads. This combination is of a win-win type and you can never go wrong with it.
Tulsi is found to be rich in vitamin A, C, calcium, zinc and iron. It helps the body fight all cold borne diseases like whooping cough, cold, sinusitis, pneumonia and all other respiratory disorders. It is also a powerful antiseptic and antimalarial agent. Taken raw with pepper, ginger and honey in empty stomach, it is an excellent remedy for cough and cold. Also, it has no side effects.
2. Ghee (clarified butter)
Ghee is a boon for bodybuilders as the fat not only lubricates your joints, it cuts the bad fat to help your body stay in shape. Those involved in resistance training and weight lifting can easily digest up to 30 grams of Ghee every day. Ghee helps you in maintaining a good and glowing healthy skin, a lean body and warmth in the colder months.
3. Carrots
Remember seasonal fruits and veggies appear for some specific purpose. Carrots are one of them and very beneficial during winters. They bring along with Vitamin A and Vitamin C that can successfully keep the Flu Virus at bay. Carrots also help tremendously in building your immunity and easily strengthen the respiratory system. Carrots have the capability of keeping your eyes and skin healthy.
Soups and salads get their beautiful colour making the dishes appetizing. Carrot Halwa with Ghee is something everyone can relish in winters. This is a deadly combination, especially for bodybuilders.
4. Dates
Dates belong to the Superfood variety and are robust from within as they contain many vitamins and nutrients that help immensely in winters. For starters, they contain nutrients like Iron, Potassium, Vitamin A, Vitamin K, Niacin, Copper, Magnesium and Pantothenic acid. To top it all, their fibre content keeps your cholesterol level in check and when consumed in moderation, can help regulate diabetics.
Dates bring a lot of energy to the table and one can easily have a handful for maintaining that energy level during winters.
5. Chillies
Hot Indian Chillies contain Capsaicin, responsible for their fiery kick. This same ingredient is also used for topical pain relieving creams and ointments. When applied to the skin, it increases the blood flow and we can sense the burning sensation. Chillies help you keep warm during the intense winter season. The best part being the protein from the beans helps you build muscle. The only point to ponder is the amount you eat daily, because any excess may result in stomach ulcers.
6. Jaggery
No wonder all sweets with jaggery start appearing in the market on the onset of the winter season. Believed to bring inside warmth, jaggery is very helpful as it is full of nutrients too. The presence of Iron and potassium plus all the benefits of sugarcane are carried along for us. Much beneficial than the table sugar, which is bereft of any nutrition, jaggery helps us ward of intense winter effects. Consumed with Ginger, Jaggery can easily cure throat infections.
7. Sweet Potato
Known as the metabolism booster, this is the perfect food during winters. Surprisingly, despite its shape and colour, it is one of the most healthy winter foods because of its wonderful fiber content, plus the presence of magnesium and Vitamin B. It also lowers your glycemic index, so that the blood sugar level does not rise quickly and you remain with the feeling of fullness for much longer periods. As a bonus, the beta-carotene present within gives a thumbs up to your immune system.
Conclusion
Winter needs much precaution because just an imbalance in heat levels can play havoc with your body. Hence we need to keep our nutrients intact, balance internal body temperature and also cover from outside to keep the warmth from escaping. Nature has brought many foods that not only nourish, but provide healthy ingredients to keep our body warm. The list of 7 foods will surely help you stay fit and fine this winter.
