15 foods that keep you warm in winters

  • Ginger:  It is one of the most medically blessed spices in the Indian kitchen. It contains antioxidants that help build strong resistance. If taken daily in small quantities, it not only keeps the body warm but also cures ulcers, mild fever, acidity, common cold, cough and aids digestion.

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  • Ghee:  No doubt the excessive consumption of ghee can create health problems, but only if the intake is excessive and is coupled with lack of physical exercise. Otherwise it is rich with antioxidants and acts as an aid in the absorption of vitamins and minerals from other foods. It is good for skin and hair and is said to aid in tissue building process.  Onions deep fried in ghee and mixed with pepper when taken hot cure cough.

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  • Eggs: Eggs are in huge demand in winters because they are not just powerhouses of energy but are also filled with proteins and vitamins that help body fight infection in winters.

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  • Garlic: As winter is said to affect the proper functioning of the heart (the reason behind maximum heart attacks in this season), Garlic becomes an essential item to be included in food as it not only controls blood pressure and ensures proper flow of blood, but also keeps the body warm and energetic.

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  • Tulsi: Rich in vitamin A, C, calcium, zinc and iron, Tulsi helps body fight all cold borne diseases like cough, cold, sinusitis, pneumonia and all respiratory disorders. It is also a powerful antiseptic and anti malarial agent. This explains why all old British bungalows have Neem and Tusli growing in abundance. Taken raw with pepper and honey in empty stomach, it is an excellent remedy for cough and cold.

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  • Pepper: Pepper with its anti-oxidant and anti-bacterial properties is a must have in winters. Besides keeping the body warm it also cures cold, cough and sinusitis.

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  • Ashvagandha: Ashvagandha has a rejuvenating effect on body. It is a stress buster and due to its warm effect its consumption is recommended in winters. A popular ingredient of Ayurvedic tonics, it induces sleep, prevents water retention in body and improves immunity.

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  • Mustard: Winter food should be cooked in mustard oil as it not only improves the metabolism rate, but also has anti bacterial, anti inflammatory and anti septic properties. It is rich in micronutrients like selenium, magnesium, zinc manganese, calcium and Omega 3 and is good for skin and hair.
    Mustard oil can be applied all over the body before taking a bath as a cure for dry chapped skin.

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  • Saffron:  Saffron or Kesar has been hailed as the source of beauty and health since times immemorial. When consumed with milk it increases body’s resistance and when mixed with cream and applied on face it makes skin clean, spotless and radiant. In winters it can be boiled with raisins, milk and almonds and taken daily before going to sleep.

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  • Nutmeg: Nutmeg is belived to be the warmest of all spices and is generally used in winters to keep babies warm. Nutmeg is mixed in mother's milk and given to babies to keep them warm from within. It should be liberally added in food during winters.

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  • Turmeric: A pinch of turmeric boiled with milk and taken warm not just reduces inflammation in body, but also keeps the body hot from within.

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  • Amla or Indian Gooseberry: Amla is among the richest sources of vitamin C. Amla is good for liver, digestion, skin, hair, and controls acidity, blood sugar and cholesterol.  It is a major ingredient in Chyawanprash taken during winters. Chutney of fresh amla, powdered amla or or amla cooked in sugar syrup taken everyday during winters improves immunity.

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  • Honey: Honey is considered warm and hence its excessive intake in summer is forbidden. It is a must ingredient in Ayurvedic medicines for cough and cold. It contains small quantities of antigens found in flowers and helps in building up immunity. The good news for diet conscious people is that it is not fattening as it contains invert sugar, which is easy to digest.

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  • Sesame or Til: Pancakes, sticky candies, sweet balls and chikkis and gajaks, sesame forms a part of all winter cuisines and rituals in India. This ensures that even the poor have the required intake of sesame seeds to keep them warm. Infusions of sesame help cure chronic respiratory disorders like pneumonia, bronchitis and asthma. Sesame paste when applied on hair, helps cure dandruff.

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  • Nuts: Nuts are a natural source of anti-oxidents and are rich in vitamins and minerals. They are widely used in winters in form of chikkis and laddus. Powdered nuts taken with milk and honey is the best way to keep body warm from within.

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  •  You cannot fight the icy fang of chill with just blazers and blankets. Food plays a very important role in keeping us healthy during the winter months. Food is the cause and cure of most diseases. So here's a list of what all you should eat during winters.
    Jaggery:  It is considered a warm food and it can be consumed in a variety of ways. It is healthier than sugar as it contains a number of vitamins and minerals like phosphorous, iron, magnesium and potassium and is a natural cure for cough, cold, migraine, asthma, fatigue and indigestion. Consuming jaggery in winters helps in generating enough heat in the body, thus keeping you warm inside.  Taken along with fresh ginger it cures cough.

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