10 Healthy Indian Foods to Keep You Warm During Winters

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Winters are right here, and the chilling cold would make anyone want to find out ways to keep their bodies warm. You must be thinking of some way out too. Have you given a thought to how the kind of food you consume could keep you a little bit warmer this winter?

We have got you covered. This article will talk about ten such food items that can help you keep your body warm. Apart from that, these food items also have various health benefits to offer. Read on.

 

10 Winter Food In India to Keep You Warm in 2024

The food items discussed below are readily available in the market, and you can even find most of these in your kitchen. Let’s see what they are.

 

1. Honey

Honey

Honey is quite popular among Indian households and has a lot of benefits. It can prove to be great food for winters in India. Honey is quite rich in nutrients and has many medicinal properties attributed to it, as discussed in the Honey – an ancient functional food by M B Kavita.

It also has certain antibacterial properties and, at the same time, can help improve our immune system. The study also suggests that the anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties of honey can aid in a faster recovery from symptoms of sore throat. All these properties make honey a great and healthy food to be consumed during winters.

 

2. Ginger

Ginger

Ginger is easily found in our desi households. The good part is that it is known to warm the body. The report demonstrates that ginger can be responsible for increasing body temperature.

You can add ginger to your beverage or food, and it might help in keeping you warm. Other than this, ginger has a plethora of health benefits to offer. As per the research paper, ginger has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Ginger has the potential to treat a lot of ailments and is a food loaded with healthy benefits.

 

3. Cinnamon

Cinanamon

Cinnamon is quite a popular spice and has been used in Indian households for centuries.  The study shows cinnamon might have antibacterial, antioxidant, antitumor, and immunomodulatory properties.

You can add cinnamon to your tea or other beverages. It can add great flavor to your food while also benefitting you. Cinnamon is also said to help manage cough and cold. That makes it best to consume in winters.

As per this report, cinnamon can also help control the symptoms of diabetes and other such conditions; however, more research needs to be done in this arena.

 

4. Dry Fruits

Dry fruits

Dry fruits are the go-to fruits for winters. They are also a significant source of fibre in your diet, as the study reveals. Apricots, almonds, walnuts, raisins, figs, etc., are great options to include in our meals.

You can also consume dried fruits in your breakfast with oats or porridge. They have many health benefits and will keep you warm in winter.

This report has also shown that the consumption of dry fruits can help with diabetes regulation and management of cardiovascular diseases.

 

5. Proteins

Food with protein can induce thermogenesis since it requires a longer time to digest it, as the study suggests. The food items taking a long time to get digested may help in increasing your body temperature.

Protein intake can also boost your metabolism, improve your bone health while also maintaining weight loss.

Boiled eggs, fish, and olives are healthy food items that can keep you warm in winters. They are pretty rich in protein and healthy for you. However, you must not over-consume these.

 

6. Jaggery

Jaggery

Jaggery, which is also known as “Gur”, is commonly found in Indian homes. It comes from sugarcane and is rich in many minerals. Gur is a much better option than refined sugar since it is lower in calories and consists of various minerals, which are suitable for health. It also consists of iron which is beneficial for you.

The report suggests that Gur is also known to work against cough and cold, as well as asthma. Apart from that, jaggery produces heat and can give instant energy to your body and help with fatigue. It is an excellent food to be consumed in winter.

You can add jaggery to sweet dishes instead of sugar. You can combine jaggery with turmeric and Ghee and enjoy a significant immunity boost, especially during winters.

 

7. Root vegetables

Root Vegetable

Higher energy is required in the process of digesting root vegetables, hence increasing the body heat.

You can consume root vegetables such as turnips, carrots, sweet potato, radish, beetroot etc., during winters. Further, there are many health benefits of roots and tubers, as displayed in the study.

As per the report, root vegetables and tubers have various nutritional and health benefits and are antioxidative, hypoglycaemic, antimicrobial, and immunomodulatory.

 

8. Ghee

ghee

Contrary to what is often believed, Ghee can be pretty healthy for you when taken in small portions. It can also help you keep your body warm. Ghee has been used in India for ages. It is one of the healthiest sources of edible fat.

Ghee has many healthy properties, and as per the study, Ghee is believed to have the capabilities of increasing mental power, improving your skin, and being good for ulcers and eye diseases. It was also found that the prevalence of coronary heart disease was low in people who consumed Ghee frequently.

The study also suggests that ghee consumption increases stamina, both physical and intellectual, and can impart energy to you.

 

9. Saffron

Saffron

Saffron has valuable medicinal properties. It is quite a famous spice in India. You can consume it by boiling it in your milk in winter. It will help in adding warmth to your body.

Plus, as per the report, consumption of saffron might result in the lessening of symptoms of depression and enhance mental health. It is said to improve your mood. Saffron also has an antioxidant effect.

 

10. Gajar ka Halwa

Gajar ka Halwa

We bet you’re drooling already, hearing the name of Gajar ka Halwa. It is widely popular and a favourite of Indian families. This popular dessert is served with a lot of Ghee. The primary ingredient in its making is carrots.

Carrots contain beta-carotene, which is rich in Vitamin A. Apart from that, it also consists of flavonoids and minerals, as the study suggests. These nutrients make carrots very beneficial for your health. They are also good for your eyes.

Gajar halwa is served warm and can be great for consumption in winters. The yummy taste of Gajar ka halwa is just the icing on the cake.

 

FAQs

What foods should we try to avoid eating in winter?

The lower temperature might impact the immune response of our bodies, and we might fall sick easily. It is better to eat food that will reduce our chance of falling ill in winters. Try to avoid taking too much sugary diet and fried food.

 

How to keep our immune system strong during winters? 

It is hard to keep up with the regular workout routine during the cold winter months. The chilly weather can make even the most active of us lazy. However, you can make sure to eat healthily, take care of your sleeping schedule, and take your meals on time. Staying healthy and warm will help you get through the winter without falling ill so much.

 

Conclusion:

Now you know another trick of keeping yourself warm this winter while also making sure your health box is also tick-marked.

Backed by scientific research, we have shortlisted food items loaded with benefits that will also keep you warm. Including these food items in your meals will assure good health and well-being.

Did we miss out on your favourite food item that helps keep you warm? Let other readers know about it in the comment section below.

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