8 Super Foods To Keep You Warm During Winter

As winter sets in, the chilly weather invites us to savor warm and flavorful foods. We're aware that food serves as the essential fuel for our body's optimal functioning and overall well-being. During winter, our bodies require more energy to stay warm and a richer nutrient intake to support a heightened metabolism. As our bodily functions work more efficiently in colder temperatures, opting for nutrient-dense foods becomes imperative for a healthier choice.

Winter alters our taste preferences, leading us to yearn for hearty, spicy delights and crave indulgent, hot treats. However, this desire for comforting flavors can sometimes be our downfall.

With dropping temperatures, our metabolism naturally slows down to conserve energy and maintain our body's warmth. Certain foods, though, have the remarkable ability to boost metabolism, keeping us vibrant and active throughout the day. Embracing these foods not only helps keep our body warm but also offers a comforting respite during the colder months.

# Desi Ghee

As per Ayurveda, desi ghee is one of the most easily digestible fats used in cooking as well as in curries to enhance its flavour. Ghee is also a natural way to cure the pitta(heat element) of your body.

It has numerous benefits such as it aids in digestion, prevents constipation and helps in the excretion of toxins. It keeps you warm and also increases your immunity. By eating onions fried in desi ghee can soothe and treat a sore throat.

# Green leafy Vegetables

Vegetable markets are full of a variety of greens at this time. From methi to sarson, to beet greens and to amaranth, you name it and it's there. Eating green leafy vegetables regularly has been linked to numerous health benefits - from controlling weight to prevention of heart diseases and to BP control. The nutrients present in them add a lot of health benefits. The high fibre content helps maintain gut health and adds to early satiety, and we all know that high fibre diets protect us against non-communicable diseases. Very low in calories, you can eat greens to your hearts content without worrying about adding weight.

#Ginger

Looking for a natural way to fight off or recover from one of the many nasty viruses that circulate during the winter? Your search ends with ginger, which Shapiro says has been used for centuries to improve digestion, soothe upset stomachs, and boost your immune system. It's often available year-round, but the freshest roots are likely to be those harvested in the winter months.

Ginger is pretty potent when it comes to flavor, so a little goes a long way—but a little also goes great in Asian-inspired dishes like stir fry, or steeped in hot water as a fresh ginger tea.

#Brussels sprouts

Brussels sprouts are one of the best winter staples [for both] taste and nutrient density," Shapiro says. These mini cruciferous veggies are high in vitamins K and C, and also contain folate, manganese, potassium, and vitamin B6.
Typically harvested in late fall into winter (you don't see them popping up on Thanksgiving tables for nothing), Shapiro recommends tossing halved Brussels sprouts in avocado oil, sea salt, and pepper, then roasting them in the oven whenever you want a delish but healthy side at dinner.

# Jaggery

It consists of iron commonly known as ‘gur or gud" in northern India. It helps in improving your digestion and also keeps you warm during the cold winters. It also has numerous health benefits such as it cures constipation, boosts metabolism. It can be consumed in a small amount after having food.

# Saffron

It is easy to add saffron to your diet. It also has multiple health benefits like it is beneficial in uplifting your mood, reduces weight and also has cancer-fighting properties. You can simply add saffron to your diet by boil saffron in milk and drinking it.

# Beetroot

These dark red root veggies are high in folate, potassium, and beta carotene, nutrients making them a unique but nutritious addition to your table from summer to late fall.

They're not the easiest vegetable to cook with—you can't exactly roast them on a sheet pan—but they are a winter salad staple. You can also turn them into a classic Russian-style soup (a.k.a. borscht) or even pickle them for a tangy side dish.

# Nuts And Seeds

Nuts are dried fruits inside a hard shell while seeds are well, just seeds of plants. Both are what nutritionists refer to as, small wonders of nature. While consuming nuts and seeds are recommended throughout the year, consuming them in winter months is additionally better as they are concentrated sources of calories, healthy nutrients.