In the winter our body is more prone to colds and illness. But that doesn’t mean it’s the season to stock up on medication. Instead, eating seasonal, winter foods can boost immunity as well as keep us warm and help you kick the winter blues. Fresh Carrots, Purple yams, and sweet potatoes are readily available during this time. Eating them in season means they are at their tastiest and healthiest.
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| Photo by Mae Mu on Unsplash |
Carrots are high in vitamins A, B6, and K and are known to boost eyesight. Now here’s a really cool story about how carrots got their reputation for improving eyesight. During World War II, the British would blackout their cities to prevent air strikes by the Germans. But even in the dark, the British pilots were able to find German fighter jets. What the Germans didn’t know is that the British had been using their new invention, radar. But to keep them in the proverbial dark, the Brits spread the rumor that their pilots were being fed a whole lot of carrots, which helped them see in the dark. And the Germans fell for it! While carrots are great for your eyes, they definitely don’t help you see in the dark. But they’re really versatile. You can eat them in salads, dip them in some hummus, add them to pulao or even eat a divine gajar ka halwa!
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Purple Yam is loaded with calcium, potassium, and antioxidants that actually give it its signature purple colour. Slice it up, fry or grill it, or even add it to sabzi. Now, Undhiyu is a popular recipe that uses purple yams among a whole host of other winter veggies. Check out this healthy version we made of the Gujju classic we made a while ago. Sweet potatoes are highly nutritious tubers loaded with magnesium, beta-carotene, and anti-microbial properties that actually help you fight off infections. Add it to soups, sabzi, mash it as a nice sweet potato mash or buy some of the coal-roasted sweet potatoes sold by hawkers across the country during the winter.
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| Photo by Nadine Primeau on Unsplash |
Jaggery is winter’s vitamin shot. Our ancestors have been eating more jaggery during cold months for generations. This is because jaggery is a warming ingredient that is loaded with iron and other minerals that fortify you against the chills. It’s great for people with high blood pressure and also helps digestion. Jaggery actually helps boost hemoglobin so it's excellent for women with anemia. Plus if you’re trying to eat healthily but like I am a huge sucker for desserts a small piece of jaggery after your meal will help satisfy those sweet cravings! Add it to your dals, make laddus or use it to replace your refined sugar for a boost of nutrients.
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| Image by _Alicja_ from Pixabay |
Bajra, Jowar , Makai, and Ragi are all amazing grains that you should eat more of during the winter. Actually, you should eat more of these grains all year round. All these winter millets are rich in carbohydrates and provide energy to the body and can be consumed in tons of different ways. Bajra Khichdi is a Rajasthani household favorite during winter. Ragi dosa is a staple in south Indian homes. And jowar rotlas are enjoyed across Gujarat this season. They are also gluten-free and can reduce inflammation and joint pain. Here’s a super healthy paratha recipe that’s packed with wholesome grains and much more, which will be an awesome addition to your winter menu. Maize lowers blood sugar, is a rich source of Vitamin B12, energies the body during winters, and keeps the skin healthy. So enjoy some makki ki roti with your Sarson ka saag this season for sure.
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| Photo by Riki Risnandar from Pexels |
Dates are an incredibly healthy ingredient and a great thing to add to your winter diet. They are incredibly heart-healthy food because they have no cholesterol, very little fat, and no sodium: They’re a powerhouse of essential vitamins and contain a ton of vitamin C which keeps your hair and skin healthy in the dry winters. You can eat them as is because they are delicious or drink them with hot milk or even make these delicious dates and nut laddus that also contain mineral-rich ghee. Or you can try out some of these energy bites that not only contain dates but also have some fantastic seeds and nuts and healthy fats which are perfect to make for a winter snack. Plus they’ll keep for a good month or so...so you only need to make a big batch at the beginning of the month and enjoy healthy snacks for weeks to come.
If you eat the right food at the right time your body does a much better job of coping with the stresses of its environment. I hope this blog helps you be more thoughtful about your diet. Want to know more about Healthy Body? Read 11 Detox Drinks To Help Cleanse Your Body | Health Refresh Or 10 Great Foods That Naturally Cleanse Your Body Go ahead! Click one, or better yet, read both. Thanks for reading. Take Care Guys!
The information I provided in this blog is for educational purposes only and does not substitute for professional medical advice. You should never use content in my writing as a substitute for direct medical advice from your doctor or another qualified clinician. Please consult a medical professional or healthcare provider if indicated for medical advice, diagnoses, or treatment. I am not liable for risks or issues associated with using or acting upon the information in this blog. Thank you.