Winter is here and the temperature continues to dip with every passing day. While the winter starts in November, it is only after mid-December that you start shivering every time you step out of your home. Gloves and sweaters are back in trend and the number of morning walkers has taken a dip. While we all want to enjoy the chilly breeze, it is also important to keep ourselves protected in this cold weather. In order to do so, one must keep a good watch on what he or she is eating. As metabolism slows down with the decrease in temperature, it is always advisable to have foods that can help in boosting it.
Here are a few food items that can keep you warm in winters:
Onions: This has been part of traditional Chinese medicine and has been used as s ‘Chi’ or an ‘energgizing tonic’. This vegetable keeps your body warm and helps you beat the cold weather. It is better to add onion to your daily meals, soup, etc.
Amaranth: It is a nutritious and gluten-free grain that has been cultivated for over 8,000 years. They are considered to be a good source of energy during cold winter days. The starchy seeds can be added to your daily meals and as they take longer to digest, it provides you with enough energy throughout the day.
Desi Ghee: As per Ayurveda, it can naturally cure the pitta or heat element of your body. Apart from keeping you warm, it also increases your immunity – which is needed the most during winters. Onions fried in desi ghee can soothe a sore throat.
Giner: It is populr for its thermogenic nature. Ginger, apart from having healing properties, is known to boost metabolism.
Turnip (Shalgam): Root vegetables like turnip are much-needed to keep the body warm during winters. It produces more heat as our body takes a longer time to digest it.
Mustard: Mustard or Sarson is known for its warming properties. Apart from including it in your diet, massaging mustard oil on your feet can keep you warm and cozy.
Honey: It is known to have many health benefits. From combating cold and cough to boosting immunity, this is a must-have item in winters. It also provides much-needed warmth during winters.
Jaggery: This can be consumed in a small amount after food. Also known as ‘gur of gud’, it mainly consists of iron. Jaggery can keep your body warm during winters.