Certain food items can play an essential role in regulating internal body temperature by fulfilling the nutritional requirements. Here's a list.
What we put into our bodies through our diet influences the overall health.
Lack of nutrients and vitamins in the daily diet can weaken the immune system and make one vulnerable to cold. However, certain food items can play an essential role in regulating the internal temperature of the body by fulfilling the nutritional requirements.
What these items are and how can they help us keep warm during winters? Well, for this we at DNA spoke to Garima Goyal, a qualified dietitian and health coach, to help us curate a list of food items that one must incorporate into their diet to maintain warmth and optimal health during cold weather.
Here's the list. Take a look:
Jaggery
Loaded with essential nutrients such as magnesium, phosphorus, iron, potassium, and other minerals, jaggery generates a sufficient amount of heat to keep the body warm. Consuming jaggery also stimulates the release of digestive enzymes and thus aids indigestion and constipation. Considered to be one of the best immune-boosting foods, jaggery helps to curb cold and flu and keep diseases at bay. For weight-conscious people, jaggery serves as a healthier alternative to white sugar, thus helps to satiate sweet cravings.
Sesame seeds
Sesame seeds, popularly known as til, are an important part of winter cuisines in different parts of India. Infusion of sesame seeds in delicacies ensures that the body remains naturally healthy and warm during winters. Due to their immune-boosting properties, sesame seeds help to combat winter-related health issues such as cold, flu, or fever. Rich in several nutrients such as vitamin B6, selenium, iron, zinc, etc., sesame seeds also help to fight inflammation. Since sesame seeds are a potent source of healthy fats, proteins, and vitamins, they are beneficial for improving skin and hair health.
Ginger
Usually added to tea for a strong flavour, the wonder spice, ginger produces a thermogenic effect on the body. Due to its anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, and anti-viral property, ginger has remained an important element of traditional medicine for centuries. One can add a few drops of ginger into any beverage or eat it raw with honey to relieve inflammation and congestion in the throat. Generally, the consumption of high-calorie items increases during winters, so including ginger in the diet can help to curb stomach problems and boost digestion.
Peanuts
High in protein and essential fats, peanuts make winters crunchier in a way or the other. As the winter arrives, the market gets flooded with the fresh supply of peanuts due to its high demand. Undoubtedly, peanuts are one of the most relished nuts, which have immense health benefits. Peanuts produce heat in the body, creating an environment hostile to pathogens and thus help to ward off cold, flu, and infections. Whether consumed in roasted or raw form, make sure to keep the quantity in moderation.
Sweet potatoes
Pleasing to eyes and taste palate, nutritionally-rich sweet potatoes are one of the most loved winter delicacies in India. The deep-orange fleshed vegetable is rich in antioxidants, which helps to prevent flu, viruses, and the common cold. Regular consumption of sweet potatoes could strengthen the immune system as they are high in beta-carotene, magnesium, vitamin B6, and D. Also, sweet potatoes, whether boiled or roasted, contain twice as much fibre as other potatoes, thus serve as a perfect delight for weight-conscious people.
One can also include dry fruits such as almonds, cashews, raisins, berries, etc. to stay warm in winters and feel fuller for longer hours.
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