10 Foods that Help Fight Off Winter Health Problems
Our immune system slows down in winters and germs become active with changing season. It is imperative to adopt a robust workout routine with good nutrition in this season. This article will guide you on how to eat right during winters.
With the onset of winters, comes the risk of catching cold, viral and bacterial infection. In North India, months of December and January mark the season of extreme chill and hence, measures must be taken to prevent our health from taking a downslide. Remember that just ‘chai’ and ‘hot chocolate’ won’t be enough to boost your immune system against common winter health problems.
Why do we fall ill in winters?
Cold wind and lack of sunlight make us more susceptible to common cold and viral infections. Cold winds during the season affect our first line of defense. They make flu and bacteria stick around more easily for longer period of time.
Vitamin D is responsible for making anti-microbial molecules in our bodies. During the winter season, our exposure to the sun and ultra violet rays become very less. Lower vitamin D makes us prone to infections.
All you need is good winter foods and healthy habits and you easily can combat the winter problems.
Food to eat during winters
- Nuts, Dry Fruits
Nuts are good fats, they help us stay warm during winters. They also help in curing the loss of hemoglobin in our blood. They are rich in Omega-3 fatty acids, which means amazing winter skin. You can have dry fruits as a daily dose by soaking them in water overnight and eating them in the morning. Add them crushed in warm turmeric milk and what else can be better than a big bowl of ‘Gajar Halwa’ with lots of cashew, almonds and raisins.
Honey
Honey is the perfect pack of sweetness and health. People also use it as a substitute for sugar. It is warm in nature and prevent a lot of flu and bacteria. It helps build up the immunity wall in in our body for a healthier winter. Drink a cup of hot water with honey daily or add it in your ginger -lemon tea for better taste and warmth.
Jaggery
It is another sweetener, that is loved by all and of course, is healthy. Jaggery or Gur is warm in nature. It is rich in iron and will help you maintain your warm and active temperature in the winter season. It also induces easy digestion when taken after meals.
Ginger
Ginger is healthy and warm. It promotes body metabolism and keeps you warm. Adding it to your regular ‘tadka’ while cooking is good option. Also, you can warm yourself up by adding it to warm water and lemon in the morning.
Tulsi
Tulsi is an anti-oxidant. It has multiple medicinal properties. Rich in zinc, vitamin A and iron, it helps in keeping away from cough and cold. It is known for boosting immunity and keeping us warm in winters. For an extra information, you can also plant tulsi hedges in your house to just cut-away pollution and impure air from the environment.
Ghee
People underestimate medicinal value of ghee. It is very good for health when taken in specific amount in our daily diet. Put ‘Desi Ghee’ in your rotis or eat one healthy laddoo made with ghee and gur. It will not only keep your warm but your body will have required grease to keep you moving. It is good for digestion and makes your glow.
Sesame seeds
Til or sesame seeds are known for their warm nature. They are rich in iron and calcium. Eat them as a substitute for dairy products and get that required nutrition right away. Jaggery and sesame seeds make a good combination as a winter food, full of health, taste and warmth.
Green vegetables
Winters are the best season to binge on green leafy vegetables in all forms along with turnip, radish, carrot, etc. Eat them cooked or brew yourself a cup of hot soup as an evening snack.
Maize
It is a staple winter food in North India. It is rich in iron and vitamin B complex. It keeps heart, hair and skin healthy. It helps us gain extra energy for a rather slow winter days. So cook yourself a stack of ‘Makke ki Rotis’ and enjoy with sarson ka saag!
Sweet-potato
You would see many vendors selling sweet-potato in winters. It, of course, is a good and healthy snack to eat but also, it is rich in fiber, vitamin A, and potassium. It will hence, keep you warm, improve digestion and reduce imflammation.
Final Thought
Winters take shorter time of the year in India with a span of 3 months to be precise. You can use this time to build up your immunity and binge on the variety of vegetarian bounty of wingers like green leafy vegetables, carrots, radish, sweet-potato etc. They will make you strong and not fat. Having a ‘Til and Jaggery laddoo’ once a day won’t interfere with your fit-diet regimen and a two-teaspoon full of ghee will be fuel for your body to move around well in winters. Instead of falling ill, use this period to become fit. All the best!
