Feel like curling up in your blanket every morning and sleeping for some extra time? With the nip in the air and the pleasant winds, the most awaited season of the year is finally here. Though the unseasonal rains have been playing havoc since the last few days, everyone is looking forward to enjoying the cool winters, the delicious winter foods and the festive season. While the change in temperature is enjoyable for some it may also bring along some seasonal infections for young children, the elderly and for those with low immunity. Keep yourself warm and strengthen your immunity to help ward off these infections.
Winter Health Precautions
The cold and chilling weather can make you feel lethargic and depressed. It may also lead to dry skin, joint pain as well as seasonal infections of cough, cold and flu. It is important to safeguard yourself from the cold weather and stay healthy throughout the season. Here are a few health precautions for winter:
- Exercise regularly.
- Get enough sunlight.
- Wear extra layers of clothes to keep yourself warm.
- Protect your joints.
- Take your medications.
- Maintain hygiene.
- Moisturize frequently.
- Stay hydrated.
Healthy Winter Foods
Fill your plate with seasonal vegetables, citrus fruits and leafy green vegetables. Additionally, herbs like ginger, tulsi, garlic in the diet also help to keep the body warm and prevent inflammation. Make these winter superfoods a part of your diet:
- Amla
The sour-tasting fruit is abundantly available in winters. It is one of the richest sources of Vitamin C which helps enhance your immunity and improves your digestion. It is also known to improve your skin and hair health. - Sesame seeds
One of the most popular ways to have sesame seeds is to make chikkis. Sesame seeds are high in fibre, plant protein, vitamins, and other nutrients and help keep you warm in the winters. It aids in the development of blood cells, reduces inflammation, lowers blood pressure, and supports bone health. - Root vegetables
Root vegetables are those that grow below the surface, like radish, purple yam, carrot, turnip and sweet potatoes. They are known to give warmth to the body as their digestion is slower and helps generates more heat. - Jaggery
Do you have a sweet tooth after lunch? All you need is a mouthful of jaggery to satisfy your sugar cravings. When had with a teaspoon of ghee, the combination not only keeps your body warm, but it also helps to prevent winter diseases. - Dates
Dates have a lower fat level, which helps you maintain a healthy weight. They’re a nutrient-dense powerhouse and should be consumed on a regular basis to keep your body warm during the winter. - Bajra
This small, millet variety is rich in fat, protein, and fibre. The high iron concentration aids in the treatment of anaemia. Millets like bajra are known to help strengthen your bones if consumed on a regular basis. - Ghee
Did you know? Desi Ghee is the most easily digestible fat which gives the body the much-needed warmth in the winter season. Don’t shy away from traditional homemade ghee laden mithais. - Ginger
Ginger has thermogenic qualities, which help you stay warm in the winter. It also helps boost your metabolism and increase your blood flow. Start your winter mornings with a cup of hot ginger tea to keep you going strong throughout the day. - Dry Fruits
Dry fruits like almonds, walnuts, raisins and cashews are filled with nutrients and omega-3 fatty acids. They also help in curing anaemia and other disorders that are caused due to vitamin deficiencies. - Tulsi
Tulsi leaves are high in antioxidants and micronutrients that that help boost your immunity. The medicinal properties of tulsi help the body to fight cold-borne diseases like cough, cold, sinus, and other respiratory problems.
Enjoy this winter season by eating seasonal healthy foods and taking the above health precautions. Stay healthy, Stay safe!