8 Healthy Winter Foods To Keep You Warm

Winter is the coldest season of the year, which is also the best time to consume warm dishes, particularly during the evening meal. However, health problems such as stiffness, common cold, and flu are also associated with this season.

Therefore, to prevent these illnesses, we need to consume nutritious and well-balanced foods. Here are some of the nutritious winter foods dieticians recommend to keep you warm throughout this very cold season.

1. Ginger Mulethi + Tulsi tea

Pexels/Jill Wellington

Nothing is more effective than home-brewed herbal tea when it comes to maintaining your physical and mental well-being. It is well known that ginger benefits digestive health and can increase thermogenesis. Moreover, it is diaphoretic, which means it helps your body keep warm from the inside out. Due to the presence of a molecule known as glycyrrhizin, which is responsible for the herb's sweet flavor and its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antibacterial qualities, mulethi has been found to be important throughout the winter season. In addition, Tulsi is the perfect remedy for any problems brought on by sedentary lifestyles or winter. Everything from alleviating anxiety to treating the common cold and the flu.

2. Ghee

Compared to other oils and fats, ghee is exceptional in terms of its nutritional value due to the presence of medium-chain fatty acids (MCFAs). These fatty acids are absorbed by the liver directly and then burned to create energy. Ghee is the only edible oil that contains butyric acid, a type of short-chain fatty acid responsible for its distinctive flavor, ability to be digested easily, and ability to strengthen the immune system.

3. Fenugreek leaves

Fenugreek leaves, or methi, are nutritious in winter. They enhance immunity and digestion with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. The flavor of winter foods can be improved by using these bitter leaves, which are a useful component. Their flavor and nutrition make Methi Parathas and Dal stand out, and adding fenugreek leaves to winter meals improves taste and well-being.

4. Sesame seeds

Adding sesame seeds or til to a diet during winter is a great way to boost its nutritional value. They warm and energize with healthy fats, protein, and minerals. They can be sprinkled on salads, soups, and Sesame Laddoos, which add flavor and texture to winter recipes and support bone health and energy.

5. Root vegetables

Root vegetables like carrots, turnips, and potatoes contain complex carbs and fiber, making them slow to digest and prolong heat retention. It is possible to roast and consume them raw or incorporate root vegetables into stews and soups to make them more nutritious.

6. Cayenne

Cayenne is different from spicy cuisine, which may not keep you warm, but capsaicin, naturally present in this food, warms our body. You may feel heated as it digests slowly. It also improves the flow of gastric juice, which makes it a food that is good for the intestines. Cayenne pepper can also provide an extra spice to various recipes.

7. Oats

You should begin your day with a warm breakfast consisting of oats or another sort of porridge. Oats are an excellent source of fiber and whole grains, which can improve your cholesterol levels and your sense of fullness. It is also packed with various useful nutrients in addition to its ability to keep you full and warm.

8. Red Meat

Iron can be found in large quantities in red meat, which includes beef, lamb, and pork. It is an essential mineral that plays a role in transporting oxygen throughout the body. Accordingly, people who have low iron levels may experience cold hands and feet or more frequent feelings of fatigue. Red meat can also provide vitamin B12, strengthen the immune system, and contribute to maintaining healthy neurons.