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Winter is on its way, and that means, it’s time to figure out how to stay warm! During this time, when the temperature dips, your body’s energy levels, metabolism, and even dietary choices witness a shift. However, there are many foods that can rescue you from the chilly weather, but it’s important to choose only healthy foods. And today, we are going to speak about the nuts and seeds you can incorporate in your diet!
There are many seeds that have a high concentration of healthy fats, protein, and fibre that helps to trigger thermogenesis —heat production— in the body.
Apart from keeping you warm in the cold, seeds can also drive away lethargy and laziness by providing essential nutrients to keep your body healthy. They are packed with flavour and nutrients, and provide comfort and warmth. That’s why they’re perfect for the cold weather.
Here are some seeds you MUST add to your diet:
1. Almonds
The winter season is the best time to nosh on nuts, as they can increase your body temperature, and hence keep you warm during this time of the year. Plus they’re healthy.
“Almonds contain vitamin E, magnesium, protein, phosphorus, magnesium and contain healthy heart monounsaturated fatty acids, which are good for your heart,” shares Daljit Kaur, head dietetics, Fortis Escorts Heart Institute, Delhi with HealthShots.
2. Sesame seeds
Whether you like til ke ladoo or til ki gajak, let’s be honest that winter is incomplete without sesame seeds. Famously known as ’til’, they are loaded with nutrients such as zinc, copper, calcium, vitamins, antioxidants, protein, and dietary fibre. This makes it a nutrient-dense superfood that must be included in your winter diet.
3. Pumpkin seeds
According to Kaur, “Pumpkin seeds contain antioxidants, potassium, manganese, zinc, iron, copper and lots of other minerals and vitamins, which help to fight anaemia.”
What’s the best part about pumpkin seeds? You can enjoy its crunchy flavour, without worrying about piling on the calories.
4. Walnuts
Walnuts are beneficial in keeping your body warm during this season by speeding up your metabolism and body temperature.
“They contain Omega-3 fatty acids. Walnuts are good for your health, have cancer-fighting properties, and are anti-inflammatory in nature,” says Kaur. Thus, they’re the best addition to your diet.
5. Groundnuts
Groundnuts contain zinc, fibre, protein, and other minerals, and at the same time, provide fuel to the body. Also, they can help with weight loss, and may reduce your risk of both heart disease and gallstones.
6. Chia seeds
Chia seeds are highly nutritious and come with a range of health benefits. They also happen to be a great weight loss food. In fact, if snacking is bae for you, chia seeds are here for your rescue!
7. Flax seeds
Kaur says, “Flax seeds contain calcium, iron, omega-3 fatty acids, and are good for the heart. They also provide protection from diabetes and cancer.” To reap the benefits of these seeds, you can include flax seed ladoos in your diet during the winter season to keep your body warm.
8. Sunflower seeds
Sunflower seeds contain vitamins and minerals that have many beneficial properties for your health. In addition, they boast anti-inflammatory properties, which can also help to ward off winter-related health issues like inflection or cold. This makes them a winter diet!
