Ok, so I am the kind of person who is always cold. No matter if I am all layered up in oversized coats or jackets and mufflers, my nose is always red and I am always freezing. For people like me its the best to consume foods that keep the body warm.
Here is a list of foods that can help to fight chilly weather:
If you ate struggling with keeping yourself warm:
1) Ghee: No doubt the excessive consumption of ghee can create health problems, but only if the intake is excessive and is coupled with lack of physical exercise. Otherwise, it is rich with antioxidants and acts as an aid in the absorption of vitamins and minerals from other foods. It is good for skin and hair and is said to aid in the tissue building process.
2 Tulsi: Rich in vitamin A, C, calcium, zinc and iron, Tulsi helps body to fight all cold borne diseases like a cough, cold, sinusitis, pneumonia and all respiratory disorders. It is also a powerful antiseptic and antimalarial agent. This explains why all old British bungalows have Neem and Tulsi growing in abundance.
3) Ginger: It is one of the most medically blessed spices in the Indian kitchen. It contains antioxidants that help build strong resistance. If taken daily in small quantities, it not only keeps the body warm but also cures ulcers, mild fever, acidity, common cold, cough and aids digestion.
4) Garlic: As winter is said to affect the proper functioning of the heart. Garlic becomes an essential item to be included in food as it not only controls blood pressure and ensures the proper flow of blood, but also keeps the body warm and energetic.
5) Jaggery: It is considered a warm food and it can be consumed in a variety of ways. It is healthier than sugar as it contains a number of vitamins and minerals like phosphorous, iron, magnesium and potassium and is a natural cure for cough
, cold, migraine, asthma, fatigue and indigestion. Consuming jaggery in winters helps in generating enough heat in the body, thus keeping you warm inside.
6) Pepper: Pepper with its antioxidant and anti-bacterial properties is a must have in winters. Besides keeping the body warm it also cures cold, cough and sinusitis.
Saffron: Saffron or Kesar has been hailed as the source of beauty and health since times immemorial.
7) Mustard: Winter food should be cooked in mustard oil as it not only improves the metabolism rate but also has antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties. It is rich in micronutrients like selenium, magnesium, zinc manganese, calcium and Omega 3 and is good for skin and hair. Mustard oil can be applied all over the body before taking a bath as a cure for dry chapped skin.
8) Honey: Honey is considered warm and hence its excessive intake in summer is forbidden. It is a must ingredient in Ayurvedic medicines for a cough and cold. It contains small quantities of antigens found in flowers and helps in building up immunity.
9) Nuts: Nuts are a natural source of anti-oxidants and are rich in vitamins and minerals. They are widely used in winters in form of chikkis and laddus. Powdered nuts taken with milk and honey is the best way to keep the body warm from within.
10) Sesame or Til: Infusions of sesame help cure chronic respiratory disorders like pneumonia, bronchitis and asthma.
By trying to include these super foods in your daily diet, you can keep your body warm in winter that too without any chemicals or heaters.
