Super 6 Winter Foods...

  First of all, let me wish u all a very happy new year. New year has begun with a full blown winter season.


We feel very hungry during winter season. Why is this so??

A drop in atmospheric temperature causes a drop in the body temperature also. When this happens, body works harder to maintain the normal temperature and thus generates heat by burning more calories. As more calories are burnt, appetite increases. To keep body warm, more energy is expended. This is a natural and normal process of body's adjustment with the outside temperature.

During winter, it becomes important to maintain good immune system or to improve immunity. A slight drop in immune power may lead to severe cold, cough, fever and other such infections.

 

Super 6 Winter Foods are as follows:-

1. Ginger:  It helps keep body warm and also boosts up the metabolism. It helps build a strong immune system. Due to its antioxidant properties it helps fight against cold and flu during winter. 

2.Garlic: Like ginger, garlic helps in building resistance  against  winter cold and flu. Allicin compound which is present in it is responsible for most of its medicinal properties. Its contains antioxidants, helps in lowering bad cholesterol and aids in digestion.  It also aids in digestion and lowers bad cholesterol. In addition it makes food taste delicious. It can be eaten raw or cooked. Add it your soups, gravies, rices, rotis, chutneys etc. to make them healthy and tasty. 

 3. Sesame Seeds: - rich in calcium, are good for health and provide necessary heat to the body. 

4. Oranges:-

Orange is the best pick in this season.  Its a citrus fruit.It contains   potassium, folate, carotene, minerals, fibre and very essential vitamin-C — all these help the body fight with  germs.

5.  Spices:-

India is known for its spices. Indian cuisine is incomplete without spices. Spices like cinnamon, cardamom, clove, ginger, cumin and turmeric and herbs form the basis for a number of natural remedies. Addition of spices in food helps generate heat in the body and also  provide nutrients like antioxidants. A review in the Medical Journal of Australia reports that spices and herbs provide a wide range of nutrients and phytochemicals which have health benefits and help prevent disease.

6. Carrots:-

This root vegetable has a lot of carotene (vitamin-A) Also its a  rich source of vitamins B, C, D, E and K, as well as calcium pectate (a pectin fibre that has cholesterol-lowering properties).

  In addition to the above super 6 foods, regular consumption of fruits and vegetables like guava, brocolli, amla, greens, coloured veges; drink hot soups;  eat sprouts and legumes; enjoy nuts like almonds and walnuts with low fat warm milk; eat fishes containing omege 3 fats for e.g.salmon, mackerel, tuna etc. all these also prove to be helpful in winters.
 
Wish you all a very Happy Winter!!!!