The only thing you can do to beat the winter weather is to stay warm. Whether or not you enjoy the chilly atmosphere, it's always important to take care of your health by staying warm.
As the temperature drops, your metabolism slows down in order to conserve energy and keep your body warm. Many healthy foods in winter like turmeric, green vegetables, dry fruits and whole grains can keep you warm throughout the day. Additionally, these foods are rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties, promote longevity and reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease and diabetes.
Here are some of the best foods for the winter season to keep you warm and prevent health problems.
Table Of Contents
- Top 10 Winter Foods In India To Keep Warm
- What To Eat In Winter To Keep Warm? Top 10 Winter Dishes In India To Battle The Chill
- Expert’s Advice
- The Final Say
- FAQs
- References
Top 10 Winter Foods In India To Keep Warm
Did you know several foods have a thermic effect? It means when you eat them, your body produces heat! This makes them great options for winter when you need the extra warmth. Some of these thermogenic healthy foods in winter are:
1. Gud (Jaggery)
To keep your body warm, including thermogenic foods for the winter season in your daily diet is essential. Certain Indian foods are particularly good at raising body temperature when eaten, and that includes gud. Consume gud mixed in warm milk or eat a gud laddu for a comforting winter treat.
2. Spices & Herbs
Spices like ginger, garlic, cinnamon, cloves, and herbs like tulsi are excellent thermogenic ingredients. Ginger, in particular, contains compounds that trigger the generation of heat in cells. Add plenty of these spices and herbs to your soups, daals, and curries.
Also Read: Check Out Why These Chyawanprash Health Benefits Are The GOAT—The Real MVP for Females and Males!
3. Root Vegetables
Root vegetables such as carrots, sweet potatoes, yam, radishes, turnips and garadu are full of vitamins, minerals and complex carbohydrates. When cooked, they slowly release sugars for a sustained release of energy. Their starchy nature keeps the stomach and intestines warm and improves digestion.
4. Whole Grains
Whole grains like wheat, jowar, bajra, and ragi are rich sources of complex carbohydrates, fibre, vitamins and minerals. These foods for the winter season, when consumed, support thermogenesis. Have brown rice, ragi porridge or bajra khichdi on a chilly morning. Whole grains regulate blood sugar and provide natural warmth.
5. Til
Til or sesame seeds are one of the best thermogenic superfoods. They contain special compounds like sesamin that induce heat production after eating. Til ladoo or til chikki are traditional Indian snacks that provide comfort and warmth in winter.
6. Nuts & Seeds
Nuts like almonds, walnuts and seeds are portable sources of protein, fat, vitamins and minerals. They induce thermogenesis and regulate metabolism for hours. A small pack of mixed nuts provides an instant boost of energy on winter days. Add ToneOp Care’s Sunflower Seeds and Pumpkin Seeds to have comforting winter snacks!
7. Hot Tea
Teas are full of antioxidants and have mild thermogenic properties. Green tea contains ECGC, which speeds up metabolism. Black tea contains caffeine and theaflavins that release energy. Warm masala tea with spices like ginger, cinnamon and cloves is especially soothing. So, warm up with a cup of tea.
8. Warm Milk
Milk is a powerhouse of proteins, calcium, vitamins and minerals. Warm milk with spices like cinnamon or nutmeg is a classic winter drink for comfort. Milk contains special proteins that induce thermogenesis. Warm milk before bed also helps relaxation and sleep. For extra heat, you can add pieces of gud or dates to warm milk for a soothing nighttime drink.
Also Read: 15 Surprising Health Benefits of Milk And Honey That You Probably Didn’t Know!
9. Ghee
Ghee is the most common item in almost all Indian kitchens. It's rich in nutrients such as vitamins A, D and K, healthy fats and antioxidants. Ghee has various health benefits, such as strengthening bones, improving immunity, supporting the digestive system and enhancing the glow and radiance of the skin. Ghee is a winter staple that can be added to almost any meal.
10. Dates & Saffron
Dates are the healthiest sweet snacks that people enjoy in winter and summer. They have a high content of nutrients, iron, magnesium, copper, fibre and antioxidants.
On the other hand, we have saffron, which is the most expensive spice for a reason. Eating saffron keeps your body warm, protects your skin from free radicals, helps with weight loss, and prevents cancer and Alzheimer's. You can combine dates and saffron to warm milk!
Also Read: Top 10 Exercises For Winter & How To Battle The Laziness And Get Fit
What To Eat In Winter To Keep Warm? Top 10 Winter Dishes In India To Battle The Chill
Now that we’ve looked at foods for the winter season, let’s discover some Indian dishes to keep you warm.
1. Rasam
Rasam is a popular South Indian dish full of the goodness of various spices and the right balance of sourness and spice, making it one of the best dishes for a cold, chilly winter night. Made from various ingredients like tomatoes, cumin, ginger, curry leaves, pepper and ginger, Rasam is a great remedy for cold and a sore throat. You can eat warm rasam like a soup or with rice, achaar and pappadam.
2. Gajar Ka Halwa
Who doesn't love a warm bowl of gajar ka halwa in winter? Made with carrots, ghee, milk, cardamom, jaggery and garnished with our favourite nuts, this sweet treat will leave you wanting more. The main reason why gajar ka halwa is made a lot in winter is the availability of carrots that contain vitamin A, which helps strengthen the immune system.
3. Undhiyu
Undhiyu, most commonly made in Gujarat, is ideal for winter because it combines nutrient-dense root vegetables and hearty legumes that provide warmth and energy during the colder months. Additionally, the warming spices in undhiyu, like cumin, fennel, and ginger, help boost circulation and digestion, making it comforting in chilly weather.
4. Bajra Khichdi
Bajra khichdi is a Rajasthani dish that is prepared during the winter season. This nutritious food has a slightly chewy texture and is easy to prepare. It is rich in phosphorus, magnesium, potassium, iron and fibre, which provides long-lasting warmth.
5. Moong Dal Halwa
Mong dal halwa is a delicious dessert that keeps the body warm and protects it from the cold. It is made from yellow moong dal, milk and ghee and is loaded with protein, zinc, potassium and magnesium.
6. Gond Laddoo
Gond ke laddoo is a popular sweet from North India made from gond, an edible gum extracted from the bark of trees. Its nutritional powers are believed to beat winter chills. Once ready, it can be stored for months, helps prevent constipation, and keeps your digestive system healthy.
7. Panjiri
Panjiri is a winter delicacy made from wheat flour, ghee, jaggery, cardamom, spices and lots of dry fruits. It contains heat-generating ingredients like sonth, gond and kamarkas. Apart from keeping the body warm in winter, Panjiri is also an excellent post-natal food as it speeds up recovery after delivery.
8. Sarson Ka Saag
Sarson ka saag is a traditional Punjabi dish prepared with mustard, ginger and garlic. It is traditionally served with makki ki roti. This food is rich in nutrients and a good iron and fibre. Add a dollop of white butter to this saga and enjoy this winter treat to stay warm.
9. Kharode Ka Soup (Paya Ka Shorba)
Kharode ka soup, also known as paya ka shorba, is a clear bone broth made from slowly cooking goat or lamb trotters (kharode) with spices like ginger, garlic, cumin, and cinnamon to create a flavourful, hearty broth. It's perfect for winter as it's rich in collagen, helps strengthen joints, and provides warmth and nourishment.
10. Til Pitha
Til pitha is a traditional Assamese dish. It is a rice flour pancake filled with ground black sesame and jaggery filling. These crunchy snacks are made during Bihu, the main harvest festival of Assam. Black sesame seeds are valued in Ayurveda for their ability to generate heat and warm the body.
Also Read: No More Getting Fat In Winters! Bookmark This Winter Diet Plan For Weight Loss And Stay Slim All Season
Dietitian’s Recommendation
Your diet should be more nutritious in winter. Focus on creating a balanced and nutritious diet to keep you strong and healthy through the cold months. Remember to stay hydrated even in winter, as hydration is essential for overall health and body temperature regulation. The most important thing is to include more local and seasonal foods for the winter season, as they offer a valuable supply of essential nutrients.
Dt. Lavina Chauhan
The Final Say
While winter is a time of wonder, it’s important to keep your body warm during these chilly days. Indian cuisine can give us all that warmth and more!
From vegetables, fruits, grains and pulses to highly aromatic spices, Indian food has amazing flavour and several health benefits. These foods for the winter season and dishes that we have suggested are healthy and delicious. They will help you stay warm and give you the nutrients that are essential for winter.
FAQs
1. What is the most popular winter food?
Some of the most popular winter foods in India include sarson ka saag, til ke laddoo, undhiyu, gond ke laddoo, gajar ka halwa, methi ke laddoo, paya soup, nihari, bajre ki khichdi, bajre ka daliya, panjiri, etc.
2. What foods are only available in winter?
In winter, seasonal foods like citrus fruits (oranges, kinnow) and root vegetables (carrots, sweet potatoes, turnips) are abundant. These foods thrive in the colder months, offering essential nutrients and warmth during chilly weather.
References
- https://www.shahifood.in/blog/how-to-keep-body-warm-in-winter/#:~:text=Whole%20Grains&text=Have%20brown%20rice%2C%20ragi%20porridge,and%20metabolism%20for%20natural%20warmth.
- https://redcliffelabs.com/myhealth/food-creative/best-winter-foods-to-keep-you-warm/
- https://mealawe.com/winter-food-in-india/?srsltid=AfmBOoq_AdT3MSOF1iE-cZH3Hjn-eynu_eAL95v7JnnR8y39WEa0RO19
- https://www.mrmed.in/health-library/health-care/10-indian-winter-foods?srsltid=AfmBOoqwyW-kRqFNJcpps73kgL6ZXLfH_5Eux4tP5aDCX4FaBofLN1P_
- https://inamdarhospital.com/16-healthy-food-essentials-during-winter-in-hindi/
- https://www.shahifood.in/blog/healthy-food-for-winter-season-in-india/?srsltid=AfmBOorDz4KC-zFNdj6sWMNXMvFYA77U-nO0NIT7-EJN3EChSjf-aUwM
- https://www.manipaltrutest.com/blogs/best-food-to-keep-warm-in-winter?srsltid=AfmBOop6YiqL4hdJsgUsdIpt3R7uTwjqLW2vUBtjTIsf4IxC61nzi-mh
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