Winters are coming. Mornings are getting windy, cold and we all start to feel a bit lazy and hesitant to come out of that cozy blanket, wishing to have something warm and filing. The cold weather tends to decrease our efficiency, but being bound by our responsibilities we all have to get on anyway. At this point, a strong need is felt for energy, strength and nutrition in our winter food.
Here are some excellent super foods to meet out daily strength and immunity requirements:
Jaggery or Gur: Rich in zinc, iron and selenium. If taken in small amounts after your meal, it can boost up the digestion process. Jaggery or gur boosts immunity by building necessary amount of minerals and anti-oxidants in our body. It can be used in desserts and sweet puddings in place of conventional processed sugar.
Sesame seeds or Til: Packed with anti-ageing properties, keeps our body temperature to an optimum level. Promotes bone health, improves digestion and helps us stay energetic.
Cinnamon: This whole spice is a great source of iron and calcium that helps our body in the production of healthy red blood cells (RBCs) and keeps the blood sugar levels in check. Added to the morning cup of tea or coffee can pump up the energy levels and gives mental alertness. Also, it relieves headaches and protects against infections.
Almonds: They are seeds rather than a nut. They contain vitamins, minerals, fiber and especially proteins such that 1 ounce approx. can fulfill one-eighth of your daily protein needs. Can relieve headache more effectively than an asprin. They keep the cholesterol levels in check and helps in keeping heart disease and cancer at bay. A go to choice for weight watchers.
Indian Gooseberry or Amla: Rich in Vitamin-C and dietary fiber. Gives healthy metabolism and optimum immunity. Fabulous for skin and hair health. Consumed in the form of pickle, candy, juice and murabba.
Desi Ghee: Basic fuel of every Indian household, ghee can act as a fat burning agent if a teaspoon consumed every morning throughout the year, with regular exercise. This fat burning property has also been mentioned in our Vedas. Winters are dry and harsh for our skin. Ghee can be consumed to keep our skin soft and smooth and it is the easiest fat that our body can digest. So, go on and grab that spoonful of ghee right now!
Ginger and Honey: These two ingredients go everywhere hand in hand. Rich in anti-oxidants, a hot cup of herbal ginger and honey tea can warm your heart. It relaxes face muscles in cold and flu situations and eases the respiratory tract.
Carrots: Contains beta-carotene and is a vitamin-A rich root vegetable. Its high fiber content helps shedding those extra kilos and regulates rising cholesterol levels. They very good for our eye health and also keeps or liver cool and happy.
Citrus Fruits: Citrus foods are available abundantly in winter season as they aid the need for vitamin-C. Fruits like oranges, grapes, lemons, grapefruits, tangerines and lime are the usual examples. They promote liver health and gives better digestion.
Sweet potato: Roasted sweet potatoes feel so yummy and cozy in those chilly winter evenings. They are high in fiber, potassium, vitamin-A and other essential nutrients. Relieves constipation and bloating and also boosts immunity.
Green vegetables: Packed with iron, fiber, nutrients and low in cholesterol and fat. Provides numerous benefits like reduced body fat, protects from heart troubles, keeps blood pressure in check and amplifies mental strength. All these above mentioned ingredients are easily available everywhere and are superb for winter consumption to stay healthy and fit.
