When you hear the word winter, what comes to mind? thick, scratchy wool clothing? cracks in your heels and lips? Winter certainly offers all of these things, but did you also know that it is the finest time of year to strengthen immunity? People are hungrier during this time. Surprisingly, wintertime improves digestion and the body's internal mechanism. By doing this, the body can receive more nutrition. What is the best way to increase immunity throughout the winter? As is common knowledge, meals that strengthen the immune system are those that are pure, healthy, fresh, organic, easy to digest, and easy to eat. Among them are dairy products, ghee, whole grains, legumes, fresh fruits and vegetables, nuts, and seeds. Along with these, several spices also have anti-microbial qualities that shield us from illnesses and colds. Additionally, they stimulate the activity of digestive enzymes and cellular metabolic processes, ensuring complete nutritional absorption.
Warm Foods
Our bodies want for warm, nourishing foods that are rich in calories during the winter. For this urge to be sated, we require warming meals. Any vegetable that requires time to develop and whose edible portion grows below the ground's surface is often warming and suitable for winter use. A few nuts, oilseeds, and dry fruits (like dates), as well as some nuts, are also warming. Additionally, you might want to eat more spices during this time of year than throughout the summer.
Lean dairy, meat, fish, and chicken are all examples of animal products that fall under the warming category. Proteins, whole-grain cereals, and good fats also give you the energy you need to stay warm. Root vegetables like carrots, potatoes, onions, garlic, radish, yams, sweet potatoes, beets, turnips, etc., and hearty winter greens like palak, methi, sarson, mooli, etc., are the most warming veggies that are healthy for your body.
Whole Grains
Foods high in protein and energy provide the necessary fuel to fight the cold. For this reason, a large number of Indian homes prepare "sheera" (made of rava, whole-wheat flour, moong dal, vermicelli, daliaa, and badam), "halwa" (made of gajar, doodhi, and pumpkin), "paak," and "ladoos." A winter delicacy is "ponkh," or fresh green whole grains, which are accessible in Gujarat. A winter delicacy is "ponkh," a type of fresh green whole grain that is found in Gujarat. The warmth-inducing characteristic is present in makai and bajra rotis.
Dried Fruits
Pineapple and papaya are thought to be warming foods. Amla is rich in vitamin C and excellent for boosting immunity. This explains why "amla juice" and "amla muraba" are often accessible in the winter. In the winter, dates are highly advised because they have a warm nature. They are a wonderful source of energy in addition to being a good source of fibre, iron, magnesium, calcium, and vitamins C and B3. You can eat them straight up, as a barfi, pulp, or as an ingredient in milkshakes and smoothies.
Spices
Black pepper, fenugreek, ajwain, mustard, asafoetida (hing), and suva (dill) seeds are all warm spices that can be used liberally. Winter coughs and flu can be effectively treated with mustard, ajwain, and suva seeds, which also improve blood circulation and stimulate the appetite and digestive system. In the winter, when bone and joint issues are more prevalent, methi (dry or sprouting) is particularly helpful. An effective anti-microbial immunity booster is turmeric, particularly the fresh, bright, and golden yellow kind (which resembles ginger).
Herbs and Seeds
Herbs like basil (tulsi) can boost immunity and offer protection from colds, fever, and other illnesses. Ginger is incredibly warming, both in its fresh and dried forms. Ginger can be used in tea, dals, and vegetables, as well as sliced ginger with lime and salt as a traditional side dish. The winter chills can be effectively treated by preparing dry ginger powder into small ladoos with jaggery and ghee. To an Indian, til ladoos and til chikki are well known. When you sprinkle til or sesame on salads, breads, pastas, and pizzas, you also tap into their warming property.
Overall
Due to tension and boredom, overeating might result from the cold weather interfering with your training regimen and possibly sending you on a mood roller coaster. Along with carbohydrates, include proteins in your diet. Serotonin, a relaxing brain chemical, will be better balanced as a result, and hunger feelings brought on by low blood sugar won't be produced. One-third protein and two-thirds vegetables and salads is the ideal ratio. Be mindful of your lifestyle, too. Staying up late, working late, eating irregularly, subjecting the body to stress and tiredness, and sleeping throughout the day can all have an impact on the digestion and body cycles, which will weaken rather than enhance the immune system. Spend the chilly weather this year remaining warm and in good health.