Winter season is here guys and while we are enjoying the chilly breeze after months of scorching summers, it is important to give your body the warmth it needs during the cold weather; otherwise you might end up spending your winters in bed with cold-borne diseases. When the temperature falls the metabolism of the body slows down in order to conserve energy and keep the body warm. This is one of the reasons why we end up feeling sleepy and lethargic during winters.
According to Chinese medicine, certain ‘yang’ foods affect our internal temperature by heating and invigorating us, pushing blood and energy to the surface of the body during the digestion process.
While such theories aren’t backed up by modern science, if you’re looking to warm yourself up, it won’t hurt to try these 10 foods can not only keep you warm but can also boost your energy levels to get you through the cold winters. As well as knowing where your woollies are as the colder weather goes nowhere, fast, make sure you know which foods could be good winter warmers too…
Chili. Hot chili peppers contain the compound capsaicin, which gives them their spicy kick. Capsaicin is also used in topical pain-relieving creams, and can cause a burning or stinging sensation when first applied to the skin – just like the heat you feel when you eat chilli peppers. Protein from the beans in chilli-con-carne can help you build muscle, and the tomatoes and onions in the dish are rich in antioxidants which help keep you healthy too.
Onions. Onions are used in traditional Chinese medicine, as a chi – or energy – tonic, to help increase perspiration, and tackle illnesses brought on by cold weather. The idea is that they encourage energy to move to the body’s surface to help keep you warm.
Ginger Tea. If you’re thinking of warming up with a cup of tea, try adding ginger root to your brew. Ginger is thought to have thermogenic properties that can keep you warm, and some believe it may also boost metabolism and promote blood flow.
Turmeric. Turmeric, the spice that gives curry powder and mustard its deep yellow colour, is rich in antioxidants and has long been used for healing in India. It’s seen as one of the best warming herbs because it’s thought to tighten tissues and absorb excess moisture. As well as the heat it helps give to spicy foods like curries, turmeric milk or turmeric tea are hailed as excellent warming drinks too.
Oatmeal. Traditionally, a steaming bowl of porridge is thought to be one of the best winter warmers, as well as being a healthy food because oats can help lower ‘bad’ LDL cholesterol, which collects on the walls of your arteries. But oats are another Chinese ‘yang’ or warming food, and are thought to help keep you toasty by mopping up excess dampness inside the body.
Dry Fruits. Dry fruits like almonds, cashew and raisins generate heat in the body. They also help in curing Anemia and other diseases that are caused due the deficiency of iron and vitamins. All you have to do is eat them raw or include them in your salad or milk.
Eggs. There is a reason why eggs are termed as a ‘superfood.’ Eggs are in huge demand during winters. They are a powerhouse of energy and are also rich in proteins and vitamins that help in keeping the body warm.
Root vegetables. For those who aren’t quite sure of what root vegetables are; they are vegetables that grow below the surface, like radish, turnip and sweet potatoes. Root vegetables keep the body warm as their digestion is slower which generates more heat. You can use these vegetables to make yourself a warm soupy stew or you could eat them as salad.
Sesame seeds. Chikki is an Indian sweet dish, popular during winters. Chikkis are made of sesame seeds which are good for keeping the body warm and cozy during winters. These seeds are also loaded with iron and calcium content, which strengthen the bones and muscles. You can soak some sesame seeds overnight and have them in the morning or you could make small balls of jaggery and sesame seeds and have one every morning to keep yourself energized and warm. You can also use sesame seed oil for cooking to maintain your body temperature.
Honey. Honey is warm in nature and its regular intake helps in keeping the body warm, too. This is one of the reasons why excessive intake of honey during summers is not advised. Honey is also good for keeping cold, cough and flu at bay as it strengthens the immune system. So sip on some honey in hot water or have a spoon of honey daily, first thing in the morning to keep yourself warm.
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