The healthy food fix
Food plays a very important role in keeping us healthy this season. It is important to eat foods that will keep the body warm and boost energy levels.
There is a general perception that this season is unhealthy, especially with flu like symptoms, skin changes, chapped lips, arthritis etc.
On the contrary, it is the best season to get more nourishment and wake up the immune system.
Foods that warm you up are root vegetables like carrot, potato, radish, onions and garlic.
Oranges and amla best found in this season are loaded with vitamin C and so is guava and custard apple (seethaphal)which are rich in antioxidants.
Also read: 8 Clean trendy food in 2020 as per researchers
Here’s a list of things to include in your diet:
- Carrot: Beta – carotene in carrots is a source of vitamin A and anti-oxidants
- Potato: Helps improve energy levels
- Radish, onions and garlic: Prevent cancer
- Amla: Good for liver, digestion, skin, hair, blood sugar and cholesterol
- Dates: Warm and good source of fibre, iron, calcium and vitamin B3
- Nuts: Nuts are a natural source of anti-oxidants, vitamins and minerals. Help in curing anaemia and other diseases caused due to deficiency of iron and vitamins
- Turmeric: A pinch of turmeric in milk helps to keep the body hot from within and also reduces inflammation
- Ginger: It contains antioxidants, which help to build resistance. Cures ulcers, common cold, cough and helps in digestion
- Fenugreek: Has anti-viral properties, vitamin K and Vitamin C. Helps to cure cold and flu, reduces cholesterol and removes impurities from skin
- Thulasi: Rich in vitamin A, Vitamin C, calcium, zinc and iron. It helps to fight cold, cough, sinusitis and pneumonia
- Pepper: It has anti-oxidants and anti-bacterial properties. Helps in curing cold, cough and sinusitis
- Jaggery: Consuming jaggery in winter helps in generating enough heat in the body. It contains vitamins and minerals. It is a natural remedy for migraine, asthma, fatigue and indigestion
- Fish, eggs and cheese: Good source of vitamin B12 will help improve immune system and reduce tiredness & fatigue
Also read: 7 important foods for a healthy liver
By Dr Sudhir BS
The author is a consultant physician – Medall Clumax, Bengaluru
