As winter sets in, health concern becomes a priority.This is due to the ill effects this season brings. People tend to eat heavy meals and exercise less during winters. Also, there occurs certain behavioural changes including the feeling of hopelessness, lack of concentration, social withdrawal, and fatigue. This medical condition known as the Seasonal Affective Disorder, is more commonly known as winter blues.
So, it is important to keep a check on the calorie intake in winters, for a healthy body and mind. It is suggested that foods consisting of vitamin C, D, Omega-3 fatty acids and lighter meals can help ward off the seasonal sickness.
There are a couple of super-foods that will protect you from the cold, dry and rough weather without causing any health disturbance.
Green Garlic: This is Garlic with long leaves similar to spring onions. It is a great treat for your health as it helps fight cold, cough, viral fever etc and has a very strong flavour that adds taste to your curries. Green garlic has the ability to increase levels of enzymes that help the liver detoxify the blood.
Orange & Yellow Haldi: This one is so medicinal that if your kids are addicted to it you will be a happy mom. It is usually added with all our meals especially theplas and its sour taste and colour is loved by the kids.
Green Gram(Hara Chana): This one is an absolute delight. Easily available at most vegetable shops.You can boil them, add tomatoes, onions, salt, lemon juice and red chilli powder and serve as a snack. The traditional way is to roast it and then eat.
Orange: It is rich in vitamin c and extremely nutritious. Vitamin C is a major gear-turner in the fat burning process as well. For preparing cupcake or dessert make sure you add an orange or drink a glass of lemonade to balance it out. Other sources of Vitamin C include amla, bell peppers, guavas and papayas.
Fenugreek Leaves– fenugreek leaves or ‘Methi’ is loaded with vitamins and minerals, fiber and phytonutrients. It helps in lowering cholesterol and blood sugar level too.
Radishes: These are available in abundance in this season. It is high in potassium, folic acid and ascorbic acid. You can either cook it or even grab it raw.
Honey: Known to be the best option to cure cold and fever during winter.It has amazing antibacterial properties that help fight bacteria and virus. Consumption of honey with a cup of warm milk is very good for health.
Mushrooms: Mushrooms are truly the immunity boosters. It protects your system against cold and virus during winter. White mushrooms significantly increase levels of natural killer cells – a vital component of the immune system.
Green tea and chamomile tea: Green tea is a powerful antioxidant that has strong antiviral and antibacterial properties. Drinking approximately two to three cups of green tea a day keeps your immune system in check. Chamomile tea too is rich in antioxidants that helps fight against cold.
