Superfood For Winter Health
The cold and cozy season of Winter is just round the corner. As much as it brings relief from scorching summer heat and monsoon humidity, the chilly weather can take a toll on our health. The changing weather requires not just change in clothing but our diet also needs certain modifications. Winter season affects our immunity, metabolism and energy levels. Usually, don’t feel like getting out of warm clothes and going to the gym. Instead of waiting for summer to feel energized to work upon healthy living, it’s better to winterize your diet. Here are some Superfood options to include in your dietary habits for glowing skin, good digestion and overall holistic health. But, first off all let’s get clarity on what are ‘Superfoods’! To put it in simple words, these foods are considered to be super nutrient-rich offering particular health benefits.
Here are the some of the easily available nutrient powerhouse Superfoods that you must add to your winter diet to stay healthy and fit:
1. Amla
Also known as Indian Gooseberry, it is one of the richest sources of Vitamin C known to amplify immunity and digestive health, thereby eliminating the underlying causes of many diseases. Vitamin C is also good for skin and hair health, which is most commonly affected during winters.
2. Bajra
Power packed with minerals, fibre, magnesium, essential amino acids, multiple vitamins and much more. It can be used in various forms including flour, grains and processed grains with great health benefits. Bajra is known to improve joint health, heart health, weight management and constipation amongst others.
3. Sesame Seeds
Commonly known as Til, these seeds are full of good fats and nutrients such as calcium, vitamins, protein, zinc and fibre which help in rejuvenating your liver, bones and skin. This superfood aids in building a stronger immunity to keep infections at bay, reducing the risks of winter season diseases such as joint pain, cold, cough, and fever.
4. Dates and Nuts
Build your immunity and raise the heat in your body with the consumption of dates and nuts. These are not only tasty, but have good quantities of vitamins, antioxidants, minerals, enzymes, fibres, and oils. To be consumed as a light snack, dates and nuts offer multiple health benefits such as weight management, skin care, lower cholesterol, improved hemoglobin etc.
5. Herbs and Spices
Indian households are filled with herbs and spices, yet some are more beneficial for winter health. Star anise, cinnamon, turmeric, saffron, nutmeg, fenugreek filled with anti-oxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds surely enhances flavour to any food but also have numerous medicinal as well as therapeutic properties, making these ‘a must’ in your regular diet. These superfoods are surely going to help you have a healthy and blissful winter. Always remember, superfoods are packed with nutrients but have to be part of a well-balanced diet rather than being considered as a single or only source of nutrition!
About the author -
Clinical nutritionist, Aditya Birla Memorial Hospital
