During winters, wearing warm clothes sometimes is not enough, one needs to eat foods that keep them warm from within. Therefore, here are some spices and other foods, as recommended by experts, that will keep you warm this winter, prevent common health conditions as well as provide nutrition to the body and maintain health.
Jaggery
Jaggery is considered to be highly nutritious and perhaps the best replacement for refined sugar. It is rich in protein, potassium, good fat, phosphorus, iron, vitamin-B, calcium, copper and zinc. Dr. Sangeeta Malu, an Indore-based nutritionist says that the use of jaggery in place of white sugar is very beneficial for health. Eating jaggery regularly enhances metabolism and keeps weight under control. It also helps keep the body warm naturally during winters and improves immunity, thus preventing seasonal cols and cougs.
Sesame
Sesameseeds are hot in nature, which is why it is used in small quantities only. Essential nutrients like copper, manganese, calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, iron, zinc, vitamin B1, selenium and dietary fiber are found in it. Also, an antioxidant named Sesamin is found in sesame, which prevents cancer cells from growing. Apart from keeping the body warm, sesame seeds help in controlling the blood levels in the body as well as keeping the hair and skin healthy. The proteins in it provide energy and improve metabolic health as well.
Ginger
Not just for enhancing the flavours of tea and food, ginger is used for its medicinal properties too. Considered a herb in Ayurveda, gingerhas a thermogenic effect on the body, which makes the body feel warm from inside. Besides this, it has anti-fungal, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, antibiotic and antiviral properties, which protect against seasonal infections and diseases. Minerals and nutrients like vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin E, B complex, magnesium, phosphorus, silicon, sodium, iron, zinc, calcium, beta-carotene are also found in it. Ginger also enhances the immunity of the body and helps fight many diseases.