Winter is a very cozy season. It is time for good food, warmth, and comfort.
People become lazy in winter and loves to eat various food items. The body has many metabolic changes and even the food preference change. Bitter cold stops us from going to the gym and may also lead to eating excess food to keep the body warm.
The food consumed affects the body. The body produces heat by metabolizing food. So, to keep our body nourished, healthy, and warm here are some nutritious vegetables and fruits to enjoy during the winter season.
Dark Leafy Green Vegetables
Green vegetables like spinach, fenugreek, mustard greens, kale, chard, and collards are the most common winter veggies.
They are rich in vitamins A, C, and K. They are rich in folate and are highly fibrous. They provide high energy and disease-fighting nutrients to the body.
Potatoes
People have a misconception that potatoes increase weight. On the contrary, a potato has many beneficial nutrients. They contain Vitamin C and B6, folate, and fiber.
They are very healthy for women of childbearing age. In winter, baked potatoes are very nutritious and helps in keeping the body warm.
Winter Squash
Acorn, butternut, spaghetti squash, kabocha, spaghetti, and delicata are common winter squash available. They are an excellent choice of food for winter.
They are low in calories and high in Vitamin A, C, B6, K, potassium, and folate. It helps in boosting the immune system. It is one of the most healthy and nutritious ways to keep the body warm in winter.
Root Vegetables
Root vegetables like beets, sweet potatoes, carrots, radish, and turnips are grown in winter and there is fresh produce available in this season. Radish helps in reducing weight. Carrots are beneficial for eyes.
Turnips are excellent antioxidants. Sweet potatoes have low calorie and are effective in curing constipation, reduce inflammation, and improving immunity.
Root vegetables digest slowly and hence, generate more heat keeping the body warm.
Broccoli and Cauliflower
They are cruciferous vegetables and are very effective against winter sickness. They are rich in Vitamin C and enhances immune function.
Broccoli prevents the thickening of the artery and strengthens the immune system. Cauliflower is rich in antioxidants and dietary fiber and low in carbohydrates. It can be used in soups and stews to keep the body warm.
Brussels sprouts and cabbage
Brussels sprouts are mini versions of cabbage. They have similar benefits to our health. They have cancer-fighting antioxidants.
Cabbage is rich in fiber, antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, and anti-carcinogenic compounds known as glucosinolates. Raw cabbages are more nutritious.
Ginger
Ginger is available all year round but it is very beneficial in winters to keep the body warm. Ginger oil eases digestion. It reduces gut inflammation, soothes wall of GIT, and eases intestine cramping.
It also helps in relieving throat inflammation and congestion of nose. Drinking ginger tea in winter keeps cold, cough, and flu away.
Apple
Apple is the best fruit for the heart. Eating an apple daily helps in keeping the body fit. They are rich in calories, Vitamin C, and fiber.
Apples are filling food and hence, eating an apple gives a feeling of fullness to the stomach. They have prebiotic effects and promote good gut bacteria.
Pomegranate
They have many health benefits. They are known for their anti-oxidant properties. They contain phytonutrients called polyphenols.
Pomegranate juice improves cholesterol and reduces blood pressure. It is also found useful in the treatment of prostate cancer and diabetes.
Citrus Fruits
Citrus fruits include oranges, lemons, limes, and grapefruits. These fruits are found in abundance in winters. They are the richest source of Vitamin C. They are also rich in antioxidants.
They contain flavonoids which are useful in controlling weight and is also found effective in type-2 diabetes patients.
Kiwi
Kiwi is full of health benefits. It is a rich source of vitamins and fibers. It has low-fat content. It helps in digestion, manages blood pressure, boosts immunity, clears the body toxins, reduces kidney stone formation, etc. They also provide protection from DNA damage.
Conclusion
Eating a healthy and balanced diet keeps the body fit. A diet should provide better nutrition to the body. For healthy functioning, the body should be hydrated. Incorporating seasonal food in the daily diet keeps the body nourished. Enjoy the winters with the above-mentioned food and keep your body warm and immune against winter diseases.