Cold breezy weather is a good time, but it has many adverse effects on our health. The nip in the air drains us out of our energy, slows down metabolism and we tend to indulge in a lot more snacking and deep-fried goodies to feel satiated.

However, there is a spectrum of foods that are not only comforting while fighting winter woes but also provide nutrients to boost the immune system. Mother Nature has bestowed us with a myriad of healing foods that have an impressive nutrient profile. This season, include some of these nourishing foods in your winter diet, to stay energetic and healthy.

5 Nutritious Dietary Additions For Uplifted Immunity In Wintertime:

Root Vegetables

Root vegetables like carrots, beetroot, sweet potatoes, and turnip can help you withstand cold weather. Toss up some carrot salads or make some hot and spice carrot soups to get your dose of beta-carotene and Vitamin C that can shield you against infections. Regular consumption of these veggies can help in curing constipation, improving immunity and lowering inflammation.

Oatmeal

Oatmeal is more than your convenient breakfast food. It is packed with an array of essential nutrients needed during winter. Oatmeal is high on zinc, that strengthens the immune system, and a good source of soluble fibre, dietary protein, and minerals that promotes healthy functioning of the gut.

Soup

Soups are the preferred choice of soothing foods in winter, provided you limit the amount of added fat, cream and an extra dash of salt. Soups are prepared with a blend of different vegetables, spices and herbs that can be comforting to your sore throat and relieve seasonal cough and cold.

Cauliflower And Broccoli

Cruciferous vegetables top list of veggies to keep your defence boosted up against sickness this winter. Cauliflower and broccoli are loaded with Vitamin C, E, K, folate and other essential minerals that boost your immune system and combat infections.

Ginger

A cup of hot ginger tea is all you need to stay warm this winter. Ginger possesses excellent thermogenic properties that keep you warm, boost metabolism and improve blood circulation.

Mustard Greens

Leafy vegetables from the mustard plant, Mustard leaves, also known as mustard greens, have dark green, serrated leaves and a pungent flavour and are rich in nutrients. As a great source of vitamins C, A and K, they offer numerous health benefits, including antioxidant properties and potential anti-inflammatory effects. The leafy greens also provide heat to the body during a chilled winter.

Sesame Seeds

Sesame seeds is an inevitable winter essential and a must-add to cold-weather diets. Replete with protein, and minerals and healthy fats, they provide warmth and energy. They can be added to foods and made into sweets. Besides enhancing the taste and texture of winter dishes, sesame seeds also provide the body with the required heat during the chilly season.

Carrots

Carrots are a winter staple that help strengthen health during the colder months. Loaded with beta-carotene, they boost immune function and keep the body warm. From the classic winter dessert carrot halwa to hearty soups, their versatility makes carrots a nutritional powerhouse and a delicious addition in winter foods.

Moreover, in the freezing weather, foods, spices and drinks that you add in your diet hold a significant role in producing heat naturally. Dietary modifications are specifically beneficial for people who find it hard to cope up with chill weather or those with a poor immune system. Hence, it is vital to accumulate body heat from external sources and take necessary dietary measures to make sure that the system stays warm from inside.

Tips To Stay Warm Naturally

Munch On Dried Fruits

Figs, dates are some of the dried fruits that can help you stay warm and cosy during winters. Packed with iron, calcium and dietary fibre both are warming in nature and boost your energy.

Include More Root Vegetables

Carrots, radish, garlic and onions are best known to generate more heat in the system. These vegetables are bestowed with a myriad of vital vitamins and minerals that boosts the immune system and keep diseases at bay.

Sweeten Up With Honey

Honey is naturally warm in nature which can be a preferred choice of sweetener for warming winter beverages and concoctions. Imbued with phytonutrients and antioxidants adding honey stimulates digestion process and cures sore throat.

Add Ghee

Ghee is a quintessential winter ingredient that can help you keep warm naturally. Ayurveda medicine greatly vouches for ghee as it supplies you with ample amounts of healthy fat and energy that can dismiss the slowness and keep you active all through the day.