Category : Health tips
“Winter is the time for comfort, for good food and warmth, for the touch of a friendly hand and for a talk beside the fire: it is the time for home”, this quote by Edith Sitwell beautifully describes the real essence of winter.
Every season has its own unique speciality; however winter is the most loved amongst all. But winter can get too cold sometimes, when the temperature begins to drop rapidly in the winter, everyone looks for different ways to keep the body warm by consuming winter foods.
As the temperature decreases the metabolism of our body slows down to conserve energy and to keep our body warmth intact. The foods mentioned here will keep your body warmth, boosts your Metabolism, improves your health and cure the winter blues.
GINGER: (Fresh or dry variety)A popular Indian spice, which is also widely used for its medicinal properties. It is a great food for winter as it is known for its ability to warm the body temperature by increasing blood circulation and boosting metabolism.
GARLIC: Garlic contributes to thermo genesis (body’s ability to create heat as a result of metabolizing substances or nutrients).
TULSI: Or basil is an herb that protects against cold, fever and strengthens immune system because of its medicinal properties like antibacterial, antifungal, antimicrobial, anti-diarrheal etc.
CINNAMON: It’s an antioxidant rich spice that place important role in keeping body healthy, fighting free radicals, removes unwanted toxins from the body.
JAGGERY: It has many nutritional benefits if we use it minimally. It helps improve digestion, immune function, prevents anaemia and helps in cleansing the body
Honey: Natural sweetener, rich in antioxidants and also has antibacterial properties. It is warm in nature and helps in keeping the body warm when taken regularly.
Capsicum: It has a phytochemical called capsaicin, which aids in increasing the body’s temperature. Capsaicin helps to digest slowly and enhances gastric blood flow both of which benefits the gut and warms the body.
Capsicum: It has a phytochemical called capsaicin, which aids in increasing the body’s temperature. Capsaicin helps to digest slowly and enhances gastric blood flow both of which benefits the gut and warms the body.
Hot soup: A bowl of hot soup is both delectable and soothing on the tongue, especially on a cold day. It will offer you instant relaxation and the much needed warmth to feel comfortable.
FEW TIPS TO REMEMBER:
Up your vitamin-D intake, low vitamin-D levels can make susceptible to illness and negativity.
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Keep yourself warm; keep your airways open and immune system healthy by dressing for weather, wear coats, mufflers. Caps etc.
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Maintain high hygiene, wash your hands to keep infections away, wash your hands well before eating, after using washrooms, etc.
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Eat fresh fruits; have enough fibres, boost immunity by including more seasonal fruits. Include more plant based foods that include soluble fibre and help digestion.
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Fix your sleep routine; due to less sunlight, the body begins to produce more melatonin as the season progresses, this hormone is responsible for making you feel sleepy. To avoid feeling tired and sleepy throughout the day, ensure that your sleep schedule is fixed with 7-8 hours of sleep every day. Avoid oversleeping, as this can also have negative effect on your mood and health.
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Exercise more this winter to build stronger muscles and keep your body warm. When you work out in winter, your body burns more calories than usual.
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Last but not the least, hydration is very important, you may not feel as thirsty in winter but enough water intake is one of the best thing which you can do to avoid many winter ailments.
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Eat smart, do you eat processed foods? If yes, then you need to control this urge during winters, unhealthy eating can weaken your immune system and make you feel low so eat healthily, consume winter specific foods to keep yourself hale and hearty.
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