With the advent of the winter season, what comes to our mind first are warm outfits, blankets, and fancy woolen wears. Have you ever considered that you must also give equal importance to the food you eat?
Without a proper diet checklist, there can be no winter planning to keep you summary from inside and your immunity rock solid. We all know that this season aggravates a lot of health conditions like eczema, psoriasis, and arthritis. A solid immunity not only takes care of your health by preventing cough, cold, and sickness but also helps to maintain your skin and hair .
Famous nutritionist Rujuta Diwekar says that “winter is a time when the temptation to indulge in food remains endless. There’s a plethora of nutritious, healthy, and fresh produce available, and it does not just satiate our taste buds but also adds to the nutrient intake that our body needs to fight likely infections and allergies.”
Consultant nutritionist Parvathy Menon says that “during the cold months, your body needs extra protection to battle any kind of sickness. The human body changes metabolism and energy levels during this period, and your food preference also changes. One should eat such foods that are not only healthy but tasty and can keep you warm and support you with nutrients that are essential for the winter.”
While food is one of the most important factors, it is essential to understand what constitutes the right food for winter. Here are the five best delicacies for winter that take care of your health issues in winter and are equally tasty.
Ghee
Chyavanprash
If you want to boost your immunity in the winter season, very few foods can match the benefits of Chyavanprash. This food is a time-tested ayurvedic formulation of various herbs that helps in building your immunity and protecting your body from viral and bacterial infections.
Chyavanprash supports the body’s natural ability to produce red blood cells. It is also good for your lungs because Chyavanprash nutrifies the mucous membranes and helps in keeping the respiratory passages clear. The food is used as a tonic to strengthen and energize the body in winters while improving natural resistance.
Heartyculture Chyavanprash is a unique product that follows the age-old recipe recommended by Charaka Samhita. It consists of Ashtavarga, a combination of eight rare medicinal and miraculous herbs found in Himalayas which boost immunity, promotes body rejuvenation, and fight weaknesses. Additionally, the chawanprash is fortified with Saffron, small Amla, Bilona Ghee, Black Sesame Seeds, and other organic products like Tulsi and Honey.
Amla
Amla is highly rich in antioxidants and comes packed with immunity-boosting Vitamin C to keep infections away during winters. The humble Indian gooseberry is a powerhouse of nutrients, including Vitamin A, flavonoids and polyphenol. Amla is an extremely protective food in these times of Covid-19 for boosting immunity and is considered a divine delicacy for winter.
Pioneer Natural Amla is a ready-to-consume raw gooseberry seeds packet that you can buy to safeguard yourself and your close ones from the cold winter. Have Amla in the form of pickles, chutneys, juice, murabba, or you can eat it as it is with salt and pepper.
Tamarind
According to Rujuta Diwekar, tamarind is a great digestive food apart from its immunity-strengthening properties. Also known as Chincha, this food is primarily local produce and makes for tasty drinks combined with buttermilk. Tamarind has fiber and contains no fat, so it is beneficial for controlling your weight. What better than food of great taste and is beneficial for your health in the winter.
Sugarcane
We are all aware of the taste of sugarcane, but did you know that it is one of the oldest detox food? Regular consumption of sugarcanes helps to keep your skin glowing in the harsh winter sun and rejuvenates your liver as well.
Sugarcanes are a rich source of minerals and natural vitamins. Consume them as juice at least three times a week, as suggested by nutritionist Rujuta Diwekar.
Ensure to keep these five winter delicacies in your diet in some form or the other so that your winters are warm and cozy. Aside, do go for preventive health checkups regularly so that you and your family are free from the clutches of winter-related diseases.
Reference: Healthy winter foods by Rujuta Diwekar.