Gone are the days of the hot, humid summer days. The cold days are finally settling in and everyone is looking for ways to keep themselves warm and cosy during the winter season. Heaters and warm woollen clothes might provide warmth from the outside but did you know that the foods we eat can also help keep us warm from the inside? Read on to learn how this works and find out which foods are the best to keep you warm during the winter cold days.
Thermogenesis and Body Heat
It’s no news that the foods we eat affect our bodies in all kinds of ways. While some foods provide nutrition and energy, some foods are just plain unhealthy for the body. Likewise, while some provide much-needed hydration to help us cool off on a hot summer day, others can be beneficial in keeping us warm -perfect for the winter season!
So here is how it works. The amount of time it takes for foods to be completely digested in your stomach really depends on what food you eat. And this can dictate which food can provide warmth or not. Foods that take longer to digest can help raise your body temperature and make you feel warmer. This process is called thermogenesis, which is the process of your body producing heat caused by food metabolizing. Foods that are rich in proteins, carbohydrates and healthy fats are a perfect candidate for this as they are more complex and take longer to digest.
And besides keeping the body warm, these types of food can also be highly nutritious and beneficial for health, which is a win-win.
So here are some nutritious foods that can help keep you warm in cold weather, and one you can find easily in our kitchens.
     1. Whole Grains
It is common knowledge that whole grains are a great source of fibre, which makes them an excellent food for the winter season. This is mainly because fibre requires a lot of energy to be digested by the stomach. In this way, it helps generate heat and ultimately provides warmth to the body! Additionally, fibres are also a great way to promote fullness and in improving cholesterol levels. Whole grain oats are full of nutrients and a great way to keep yourself warm and improve your health during the winter season.
     2. Ginger
Besides its wide arrays of therapeutic properties, ginger is also known to stimulate thermogenic and it is a diaphoretic –meaning, it warms the body from the inside out, perfect for the winter season! Moreover, it also boosts your metabolism, improves digestion and even promotes blood flow to warm your fingers and toes.
Not a fan of chewing on raw ginger? Try sipping on a hot ginger tea to reap the benefits! Preserva’s Daily Diagemax Tea, Daily Boost Tea and Daily Detox Tea all contain a unique combination of ginger along with other potent herbs that will not only keep you warm but will also improve your digestion, promote better breathing and help eliminate toxins from your body. You don’t want to miss out on these healthy blends this winter season!
     3. Desi Ghee
Unlike other types of fats, desi ghee, in particular, is one of the most easily digestible fats. When consumed in moderation, it helps cut down the bad fats and helps keep the body warm. It also helps in building up your immunity protects your body against the flu and common cold, and strengthens your bones. Add desi ghee to your diet this winter season by using desi ghee instead of regular cooking oils.
     4. Root Vegetables
Root veggies like sweet potatoes, carrots, beetroots, radishes, turnips, etc take longer to digest which means they will use or require more energy thereby, raising your body temperature. Hence, this makes them the perfect food for the winter season. Besides providing heat, they are also high in essential nutrients and a great source of dietary fibre. Roast them, blend them, or add them to your healthy soup; you can’t really go wrong with these foods.
     5. Honey
Honey is warm in nature and regularly consumption (in moderation) can help fuel your body and keep you warm during the cold days. Drinking a spoonful of honey mixed in hot water daily is the key to building immunity, improving skin health and keeping you away from cold, cough and flu.
    6. Bananas
A banana a day just might be the solution to keeping the cold and shivering at bay! Our thyroid and adrenal glands play a significant role in regulating our body temperature. And guess what? Bananas are a rich source of vitamin B and magnesium, which are essential in supporting the proper functioning of these glands in our body. In this way, bananas are an essential winter food that can help keep the body warm.
     7. Dry Fruits and Nuts
Apricots, dates, raisins, almonds, cashews, pistachios, peanuts, etc are what you need to keep you warm this winter season. These types of food help in speeding up your metabolism and help your body to stay warm in winters by providing a lot of energy to your body. They are also a good source of vitamins and minerals hence, can provide you with the required nutrients for your body. Just don’t eat too many in one sitting.Â
    8. Spices
India is home to an incredible variety of spices like cumin, turmeric, cinnamon, pepper and sesame seeds. And besides adding richness to our meals with their incredible flavour and aroma, they are also incredibly beneficial in keeping us warm. They help promote our body’s metabolism and help generate heat for the body. Moreover, spice like turmeric is a storehouse of numerous health-benefiting properties –thanks to its potent compound, Curcumin.
Curcumin-based health products that address all kinds of health conditions is just at your fingertips. Check out Preserva Wellness and their wide range of healthy natural products, uniquely formulated using Curcumin & other potent Ayurvedic herbs and spices that will elevate your health and keep you in tip-top shape all through the cold winter season!
Winter has its charm but it also has its fair share of troubles. The chilly cold weather can be especially taxing to our health. Therefore, besides gearing up with warm clothes and staying indoors, adding these common foods to your daily diet can be a great way to help keep you warm and healthy all through the winter season.