Best Seasonal Foods For Winter To Keep You Healthy Through The Cold

Winters are all about craving warmth and nourishment through the chilly days. A season that brings with itself a variety of fruits, vegetables and other nutrient rich superfoods, keeping a healthy diet through the winter season not only helps you boost your immunity, but also provides an energy boost and much needed nourishment. As the temperature drops, it becomes extremely essential to incorporate the right kind of foods in your diet that will not only fill your belly but also satisfy your soul and fill you up with the much needed warmth that you would seek during this time of the year. Here’s your sign to cook up a healthy and delicious meal this winter with some of these top seasonal foods that should definitely be a part of your diet.

Healthy foods to eat this winter for a comforting and wholesome addition to your meals

Root vegetables

A powerhouse of nutrition, the best vegetables for winter are unarguably root vegetables. Packed with the essential vitamins, fibre and nutrients that offer your body the much needed nourishment during the cold winter months, root vegetables such as sweet potatoes, carrots and beetroots are definitely the best vegetables for winter that should definitely be a part of your diet. Not only are root vegetables healthy but they are also extremely versatile. Add your root vegetables to stews, salads and curries to stay warm and boost up your immunity during the cold.

Oatmeal

Not only is it convenient, but oatmeal also makes for a great food to include in your diet during the winter months. Rich in all the essential nutrients that are absolutely necessary during this time of the year, oatmeal is high in zinc and soluble fibre that is great for the immunity system and heart health. Customize your oatmeal recipes by adding flavours through warm spices such as cardamom, cinnamon and nutmeg to further enhance the health quotient of your meal.

Jaggery

An essential inclusion in your winter diet should be that of jaggery. A healthy addition to your meals, although jaggery is now available throughout the year in India, winters are essentially the time when it is produced. With numerous health benefits, consuming jaggery helps in regulating bowel movement, boosts metabolism and helps in improving overall immunity. Include jaggery in your meals in small quantities to stay fit and healthy this winter.

Ghee

A common food item found in almost every household in our country, ghee is an essential in the kitchen and equally healthy. An excellent source of nutrition, ghee is a great source of vitamins that helps in digestion and is also beneficial for bone and skin health. Add a spoonful of ghee in your diet daily and you are sure to keep healthy through the cold season.

Seasonal fruits

Locally grown and seasonal fruits for winter are the most beneficial inclusion in your winter diet. Strawberries, kiwis, apples, bananas, plums and papaya are among the top 10 winter fruits that should definitely be a part of your diet during the winter months. Custard apple and pomegranate are also extremely good fruits for winter and among the best possible options. Consuming seasonal fruits not only helps in regulating the body temperature and providing nutrition and vitamin intake, but also helps in boosting immunity which is essential during this time of the year. Another really good fruit for winter are citrus fruits which are high in Vitamin C and other essential vitamins. Consume fruits alongside your breakfast or have them as a snack during the daytime to stay healthy during the winters.

Spices

Spices play an essential part in the preparation of Indian cuisine. A primary part of our meals, spices are a part of our daily diet. Warm spices such as cinnamon, sesame, ginger, cumin and pepper largely help to regulate the body temperature and keep the body warm during the cold, while also enhancing metabolism at the same time. Keeping in mind that moderation being the key, include the essential winter spices in the preparation of your daily meals, soups or tea to reap their maximum benefits.

Meat

A great source of nutrition during winter for all the non vegetarians, consuming meat during winter months helps in keeping the body warm, enhances metabolism and is a great source of protein and iron. Include meat in your winter diet to meet your daily nutrition requirement. You can prepare light curries, soups or stir fried and roasted meat dishes.

Benefits of consuming seasonal foods during winter

Consuming a nutrient rich diet during winters is essential to keep the body healthy. Check out some of the primary benefits of eating seasonal foods during winters

• Immunity boost- winter foods are packed with vitamins and minerals that helps enhance the immunity of the body while also adding flavour to your meals. Seasonal winter vegetables and fruits are also rich in antioxidants that help fight against seasonal illness.
• Increased energy- nutrient rich diet helps the body to keep sustained energy levels, while also regulating blood sugar levels that helps to boost your productivity levels. 
• Better skin health- consuming seasonal foods during winters helps to retain the moisture levels of the body, protects the skin against the harsh weather and maintains the body’s natural glow.

So, this winter embrace the richness of the variety of seasonal fruits and vegetables which are the only superfood you need to include in your winter diet. With numerous health benefits, winter season foods also add flavour and colour to your meals. Enhance your energy levels and boost your immunity with the winter superfoods to do away with the dullness of the season.

Disclaimer: Before incorporating any aforementioned food suggestions into your diet, consult with your family physician or a diet specialist. Individual reactions to different foods can vary significantly, and what may be beneficial for one person could potentially cause adverse effects in another. The information provided above is a compilation of general benefits associated with consumption of particular food and may not apply universally to every body type. Always prioritise personalised medical advice to ensure your specific health needs and dietary restrictions.