As the weather starts getting nippy your sweaters and pullovers aren't enough to keep you cozy. Once you get back home after a long day at work, how would you feel to snuggle inside your quit and munch on something that will warm your from within? Here's to that wooly, fuzzy, precious feeling that we all cherish on a chilly days. Get beyond the obvious and add these food to your regular bowl of soups and cup of steaming tea, coffee or hot chocolate and feel comforted this winter, thank us later for the same!
Ginger:Ginger reduces high cholesterol level and hence is the best choice to keep the body fit during winters. With its antibacterial properties, it is also helpful in treating cough and cold that is quite common during this season. It can be chewed raw daily or can be added to soup or any other dishes to enhance the flavour.
Honey: It is instrumental in combating cold, flu or cough during winter. Even if it is sweet, honey doesn't add calories and is also beneficial in keeping the body warm.
Nuts: A variety of nuts like peanuts, walnuts and almonds is the best source of good cholesterol, vitamins, fibre and Omega-3 fatty acids. They make for essential snacking during winters, as they are naturally hot food items.
Cinnamon: Cinnamon is a wonderful spice to shield you from the dipping temperatures. Add it to any cooked dish or to soup and salad to add flavour or use it while making warm beverages like tea.
Garlic: Its antibacterial properties keep one away from the common winter diseases like cold, cough and throat irritations. It keeps the cholesterol level in check, thus aiding good health during winters. One can have three to four garlic cloves daily or add it to cooked dishes for a flavoursome meal.
What Else? Other than these, whole grains, lean meats, chillies, oats and sweet potatoes are also known to generate heat inside the body and help you feel warm within. When it comes to chillies, peppers or spicy food, a certain spice inducing compound called capsaicin does the job.Inputs from IANS