India is one of the few countries that experiences different seasonal variations. We experience all the seasons from extreme hot summers to harsh winters. As per the seasons, we also have different eating habits and patterns. The arrival of winter means a change in our food habits and consuming foods that are warmer in tendency and can protect us from seasonal colds and coughs. It is also important to eat a lot of nourishing food during the winter season to protect yourself from unnecessary diseases and keep your immunity very strong. Let's look at some winter-specific root vegetables that you must try for better health.
Also Read: Root Vegetables: Everything You Need To Know
* Ginger
Ginger is extremely beneficial during the winter season and there are so many ways that you can inculcate it in your diet. The nutrients present in ginger improve your metabolism and it also has compounds like gingerol and shogaol that stimulate better digestion in the body. Also ginger helps in keeping the temperature of the body warm which automatically increases metabolic activity. You can incorporate ginger into your diet by adding it to your tea or your vegetables. Having some ginger water in the morning is also a great idea to start your day on a healthy note.
* Carrot
The arrival of winter signifies the availability of crunchy and red carrots in the market. Carrots are a rich source of vitamin A and beta-carotene, both of which are very important for our body. It helps in strengthening our eyesight and is also very high in fibre. Fibrous vegetables are always easier to digest and also promote better metabolic processes in our bodies. One of the most famous desserts made in India with the help of carrots is the carrot pudding or Gajar ka Halwa. Other than this a lot of subzis are also made with the help of carrots along with other seasonal vegetables. You can also drink carrot juice regularly to improve your health.
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* Turnip
Turnip is famously known as shalgam in India. It is a vegetable that we can easily find in winter in Indian markets. It is very rich in fibre and antioxidants. If you're looking to make your diet more nutritious and high in vitamin C especially, then we recommend you eat turnip as much as you can. It is also very good for your gut health and fights against any bacterial activity in your stomach. Just like many winter-specific root vegetables, turnip also promotes a faster metabolic rate in your body. It also contributes towards a more balanced meal. You can make a Shalgam sabji at home and try it with a Roti or Paratha.
* Sweet Potato
Sweet potato is one of the favourite winter root vegetables among children. If you are a diabetic patient then sweet potato is a blessing in your life. It can help control blood sugar levels and also is very delicious. It is also rich in antioxidants like vitamin A, and vitamin C and is extremely fibrous. It helps in slowing down the sugar absorption in the body and can also reduce the possibility of insulin resistance. One of the most common ways of eating sweet potato is by boiling it and seasoning it with some spices. You can also make sweet potato kebabs or even parathas with the help of sweet potatoes.
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* Garlic
Garlic is another important part of Indian cuisine and is heavily used in a lot of recipes to give spicy and tangy flavour to the food. Other than its taste, it also has a lot of health benefits. Garlic has anti-inflammatory properties that help in reducing inflammation in the body. This further promotes faster, metabolic health and warms your body. Some people have a ritual of consuming a small piece of garlic clove every morning while starting the day. This might be too harsh for most people. So the easier way to include some quantity of garlic in almost every dish that you cook at home.
* Radish
Radish is another winter-specific root vegetable that becomes abundantly available in India during winter. It helps in the better breakdown of food in the body and improves digestion. Radish is popularly known as Muli in India and Muli Paratha is one of the most famous kinds of Paratha variety in the country. Another way of consuming radishes is to make a direct sabzi from it. A radish is also a quite common salad option along with onion and cucumber.
These are some winter-specific root vegetables that are available during the winter season. You can use these fresh vegetables to cook various dishes at home.