5 healthy foods to keep you warm this winter
In winter, people often succumb to several medical issues, including arthritis and skin diseases. Consuming foods like eggs, peanut butter, millets and nuts can help keep you warm during the cold months.
In Short
- Eggs help repair body tissues and are rich in healthy fats
- Ragi provides enough warmth to get through the chilly winters
- Almonds and walnuts lower bad cholesterol, blood sugar and reduce inflammation
By Daphne Clarance: One has to pay close attention to one’s body, especially when winter sets in. Besides adding layers of clothing to protect the body from the cold weather, one has to consume certain foods to keep it warm. Indulging in protein-rich and fatty foods is crucial to maintain clear skin and a healthy digestive system is vital to keep seasonal infections at bay.
“Winter’s arrival can make several medical issues worse, including arthritis and skin diseases like dryness, eczema, and psoriasis,” Rohit Shelatkar, VP at Vitabiotics, Fitness & Nutrition Expert told India Today and listed five foods that can keep the body warm and keep it healthy in the cold months.
EGGS
Eggs help repair body tissues and are rich in healthy fats. “Adults can usually eat up to two eggs per day. Eggs are also a diet food, rich in protein as it helps to keep you feeling full between meals and cuts down on excess calories,” said Rohit Shelatkar.
PEANUT OR NUT BUTTER
Peanuts or other nut butters are a great source of instant energy as they are rich in healthy fats.
“Our bodies take longer to digest these types of healthy fats. Peanuts or nut butters are rich in a variety of nutrients but are also high in calories and fat. The healthy fats in peanut butter are nutritious but should be consumed in moderation. For health benefits, look for all-natural products with no added ingredients and a sugar-free version,” added Rohit Shelatkar.
SWEET POTATOES
He further shared that sweet potatoes, or shakarkandi, should also be a part of your diet in winter. “It is readily available across the nation, especially in the winter, and is high in fibre, vitamin A, potassium, and other nutrients as well as healthy carbs. Regular ingestion can strengthen immunity, ease inflammation, and help with constipation. It helps the body get the vitamin C it needs and is beneficial for building a robust immune system,” he said.
MILLETS
Millets are loaded with a variety of nutrients, vitamins, and minerals and have a low glycemic index and high fibre content.
“Basically, you should eat all of the millets that are available during the winter. Ragi, the best winter dish, for example, provides enough warmth to get through the chilly winters. Its amino acid content helps to curb appetite. You can also include it in your diet to help with weight loss. Ragi aids in better digestion because it is packed with nutritional fibre. In addition, sleeplessness, anxiety, and depression are known to be improved by it,” said Rohit Shelatkar.
Bajra, which is high in fibre and vitamin B, also aids in keeping you warm in the cold.
NUTS
In winter, regular consumption of nuts, especially with their warm and hot nature, keeps the nervous system active and helps keep the mind and spirit healthy.
Experts say that almonds and walnuts lower bad cholesterol, blood sugar and reduce inflammation. Almonds are rich in vitamin E, antioxidants and magnesium, while walnuts are rich in omega-3s. Known for their medicinal properties, dates are an excellent source of vitamins, minerals, iron and fibre. It also works as a natural sweetener. Adding nuts to your morning and evening snacks will boost your stamina in the cold winter.
