Foods That Are Super Good for You In Winter!
In India, winter altogether brings a different vibe — the post-celebration of all the festivals, long weekends, and endless travel plans along with the ongoing celebrations of the weddings.
Winter in India is much more than just the early morning coffees and snuggling up in blankets — which also means loads of food, junk… and calories!
This brings the need for a mandated change in our regular diet plan to ensure we do consume something light and healthy while enjoying all the souvenirs.
Now, as we talk about it, we also need to understand that winter in India changes demographically. In Northern India, the winter diet is all about warm, hearty comfort foods such as carrot, cauliflower, spinach, etc., whereas, in the Southern part, it is more about warm soups and spicy lentils.
Here’s a quick view of all the super good foods that you may add to your diet to keep yourself warm, healthy, and fresh!
Oranges
Oranges are rich in Vitamin C; they can help boost immunity, fight against free radicals, and lower inflammation. Besides their sweetness and tart goodness, oranges also contain a small amount of fibre, potassium, and calcium.
Spinach
The famous Palak Paneer, Dal Palak, Stuffed Palak Paranthas, etc., top most people’s healthy winter recipes list — and not only because of its impeccable taste but also it is so nutrient-dense, low calorie-dense, and has no saturated or trans fats at the same time! Spinach is packed with Vitamin K & A, manganese, folate, copper, magnesium, iron, and calcium. It can be eaten raw or cooked into a variety of recipes!
Cauliflower
Don’t let this versatile veggie deceive you because it can do so much more than just being a substitute for potatoes or a lookalike of broccoli! This wonder vegetable helps reduce inflammation and oxidative stress while being high in Vitamins K & C and dietary fibre. Cauliflower is also great for skin health with its antioxidant properties, which help fight ageing skin cells.
Sweet Potatoes
These tubers are high in beta-carotene, Vitamin C, dietary fibre, potassium, and manganese. They also contain a good amount of iron, magnesium, and phosphorus. Beta-carotene is converted into Vitamin A in the body, essential for maintaining vision health, keeping skin healthy, and preventing cancer.
Cinnamon
Cinnamon is perfect for those cold winter months because it helps warm the body from the inside out. This warming spice has many health benefits, such as helping to regulate blood sugar levels and alleviating cravings. It contains a compound called MHCP, which fights against multiple cancer cells, regulates blood sugar levels, and may help with weight loss.
Ginger
Ginger is another great spice to add to your winter diet! It is anti-inflammatory and helps with digestion. Ginger can also help soothe an upset stomach, relieve pain, and lower cholesterol levels. This spicy root can be enjoyed fresh or dried and is perfect for adding flavor to all sorts of dishes!
Tulsi
Tulsi is a great herb to add to your winter diet because it helps to boost immunity, fight stress, and improve cardiovascular health. It is also anti-inflammatory and antibacterial, which can help with respiratory health issues. Tulsi can be brewed as tea or added to food and is easily accessible in almost all parts of India!
Summing it up!
While there are many more incredible good foods that you can consider adding to your diet this winter — the above-mentioned are pretty easily available in your local market.
But other than these, you can also consider pomegranates, apples, other green leafy veggies, nuts & dry fruits, chia seeds, and other super seeds.
While all of these are super beneficial to your body, please do not forget to check with your dietician once — avoid the ones you’re allergic to.
Happy winter!!