Table of Contents
As soon as winter knocks on our door, our body automatically craves warm blankets and food. But have you ever wondered why this happens? In fact, during winters, our metabolism increases to keep the body warm, which is why we need more energy, nutrients, and fats so that we can keep our body warm and strong and protect ourselves from illnesses caused by the cold. Eating best seasonal food items in winter is very important for our immunity, digestion, staying energetic, and for the health of our skin and hair. Here are some best food items in winter to stay warm and healthy in winter.
Best Seasonal food items in winter
1. Ghee- It is a superfood
Why to eat it :This is a very important ingredient in all our Indian kitchens, without which many recipes are incomplete, whether it is winter or summer. Ghee provides our body with healthy fats that give our body warmth. It boosts immunity, improves digestion, and keeps our skin soft in winter. A spoon of ghee keeps our joints flexible.
How to eat : Add a tablespoon of ghee to your dal, veggies, roti or porridge like khichdi.
2.Root Vegetables: They are nature’s winter gift for us.
Why eat them: Seasonal roots like carrots, radish, beetroots, sweet potatoes, turnips and Arbi are important roots. That grows underground and absorbs minerals from soil, which makes them naturally warm and rich in antioxidants, fibers and iron. They keep our body temperature balanced and support blood circulation.
How to eat: You can eat them in the form of cooked vegetables, roast and stem them with light spices or enjoy them as a raw veg salad.
3. Seasonal Green Vegetables: Leafy vegetables
Why eat them: Green leafy veggies like spinach, fenugreek, mustard leaves, cabbage, etc are loaded with fiber, iron and other important nutrients. They detoxify our body and improve immunity.
How to eat: They are eaten as SAAG or palak paneer. A plate of Sarson da Saag with Makki ki roti is delicious and super nourishing.
4.Whole grains and millets: They provide us energy.
Why eat them: Whole grains like Bajra (pearl millets), Ragi (finger millet),Jowar (sorghum) give warmth, fiber, calcium and iron. They help to regulate blood pressure and provide sustainable energy throughout the day.
How to eat: have them in form of Roti or Porridge.
5. Nuts and Ladoos: provide sweetness and warmth.
Why eat them: Ladoo made of edible gum and Nuts like Almond, cashew and seeds are full of omega 3 fatty acids, protein, minerals and other nutrients. They provide warmth, support joint health and heart health. keep us full of energy throughout the day.
How to eat them: We can add a handful of nuts as a midday snack and enjoy Ladoo with warm milk.
6. Jaggery: Sweet winter secret
Why eat it: It is rich in iron and minerals. It improves digestion, detoxifies the liver, keeps us warm, and even satisfies our sweet cravings. It boosts haemoglobin levels, which can drop during winter.
How to eat: Make til-gur ladoos for a healthy dessert or have a piece of jaggery after a meal or with a glass of warm milk.
7.Herbal Teas : gives warmth in every sip.
Why drink them: Ginger tea, Cinnamon tea, Tulsi tea, and Black pepper tea increase body temperature, fight cold and cough.
How to Drink: Simply boil Ginger, Tulsi, and Black pepper with water and honey or gur for sweetness and sip hot.
8.Dry Fruits and Dates: Nature’s warm snack.
Why eat them: Almonds, cashews, dates, raisins, seeds, figs are excellent sources of natural sugar, magnesium and iron. They help improve blood circulation, maintain body warmth and prevent fatigue during cold months. Dry fruits are one of the best seasonal food items in winter.
How to add them: Soak them overnight and enjoy in the morning or roast them and add them as snacks.
9. Soups : Comfort in every spoon
Why to eat them: They are made of fresh seasonal veggies that are full of fiber, help you stay warm and hydrated, and are easy to digest. They provide antioxidants and vitamins that help in fighting infections.
How to eat them: Include vegetable soups with herbs, a dash of lemon and a bit of ghee for extra nourishment.
10. Citrus Fruits: Vitamin C booster and Increase immunity :
Why eat them: Fruits like oranges, kiwi, strawberries, grapes, amlas and lemons are rich in vitamin C, which helps fight seasonal cough and cold, strengthens immunity and improves skin. They also help body absorb iron better from food.
How to eat them: As fruit salad, a glass of warm water with lemon in morning or have amla juice daily.
Why eat best food items in winter to stay warm:
Our nature provides us with food in every season according to the needs of our bodies. When we eat seasonal food according to the season, there are many benefits of eating the best food items in winter to stay warm, healthy and to improve our immunity in winter to fight germs and infection.
- keep us warm naturally
- Support digestion and metabolism
- Strengthen immune system
- Improve hair and skin health
- Prevent winter fatigue
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Which fruits are good to eat in winter for strong immunity?
Citrus fruits like amla, oranges, berries, lemon, and guava are rich in vitamin C , which boost immunity and helps prevent common cold, cough and viral flu in winter.
2.What are the best food items in winter to stay warm?
Foods rich in protein, healthy fats and warm in nature are best in winter-like nuts, ghee, whole grains, root vegetables, soup and jaggery. These foods help maintain warmth and body temperature and provide energy throughout the cold season.
3. Why should we eat the best food items in winter?
Eating the best seasonal food items in winter helps strengthen immunity. Winter foods are warming, and nutrient-rich. Seasonal food keeps our body balanced, improves digestion and support overall well being.They grow naturally according to the body’s need.
4.What are some traditional foods I should include in a winter diet?
Traditional winter dishes like Sarson da saag, makki ki roti, gur, bajra khichdi and roti, methi roti and pratha, gur till ladoos and edible gum ladoos. These are warming, comforting and full of nutrients, which prevent our body from cold. These are the best food items in winter to stay warm and healthy.
5.How can I boost immunity naturally in winter?
By eating a healthy diet rich in healthy fats, vitamin C, and antioxidants. Include saffron or turmeric milk, green leafy and root vegetables and citrus fruits in daily meal. Drink water to stay hydrated and take proper sleep to boost the immune system.
6.Can I eat salad or cold items in winter?
Yes, you can but in moderation. Do not eat raw cold salad directly from refrigerator. Also add warming spices like black pepper or cumin.
7. Can I eat ice cream and cold drinks in winter?
Eating ice cream and cold drinks in moderation and mindful way won’t harm you. But do not make it a winter habit. Many people enjoy it throughout all seasons for its mood boosting qualities.