Winter immunity boosters include sweet potato and black pepper, as well as foods that keep you warm

Just like your wardrobe, your diet requires a winter makeover too. It is advised to include certain foods in your diet that generate heat in the body naturally.

Winter immunity boosters include sweet potato and black pepper, as well as foods that keep you warm

As the temperature drops, our body has to work extra hard to keep us warm. The right food can help us generate the much-needed heat and make sure to protect us from the bitter cold as well as several winter illnesses. Here are some foods suggested by nutritionist Anupama Menon to help boost our immunity.(Pixabay, Pinterest)

Nuts and seeds: There is a tradition in many Indian families to have dryfruits, nuts and seeds during winter season. Almonds, walnuts, peanuts are packed with protein, vitamin E, C, omega-3 fatty acids, folate and antioxidants that help us keep warm and boost our immunity.(Pixabay)

Root vegetables: It is advised to consume seasonal vegetables and fruits for a better immunity. Sweet potato, yam, turnip, carrot and beetroot are root vegetables that can keep your body warm as they have high concentration of antioxidants, vitamin A and C, and minerals like iron and potassium can help fight off chronic diseases, reverse signs of ageing and detoxify our body.(Pixabay)

Spices: In winters, it is recommended to eat a lot of seasonal pulses and spices like elaichi (cardamom), dalchini (cinnamon) and tejpatta (bay leaf). Black pepper, clove, ginger are a great sources of antioxidants. These spices can aid digestion, cure sore throat and help reduce the risks and symptoms of certain types of infections.(Pixabay)

Turmeric: It's the season when turmeric lattes and golden milk become our go-to beverage apart from tea and coffee. Turmeric has a compound called curcumin which is known for its antioxidant and phytonutrient properties. You can also add a dash of black pepper to your haldi milk and have a relaxing sleep at night.(Pixabay)

Jaggery: Gud or jaggery stimulates the digestive enzymes, which improve digestion and reduce acidity, bloating and gas. Jaggery has a mild laxative effect which helps tackle constipation. Eating jaggery also helps fight cough, cold, flu and other ailments that commonly occur in winter.(Pinterest)

Ginger and Garlic: Add them to your curries or soup to reap benefits of these popular kitchen ingredients. Due to its anti-inflammatory, antiseptic and anti-gastric properties, ginger helps boost digestion and keeps stomach issues at bay. Garlic contains allicin, which contains organosulfur compounds that boost your immune response. Eating garlic daily can help you fight a cold, cough, flu and other infections that commonly occur in winter.(Pixabay)

Ghee: Known for its warming nature, Ghee is a storehouse of healthy fats. It contains conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) which helps to burn cholesterol and aids weight loss. Add 1 teaspoon of pure and homemade ghee in your dal or vegetables daily during winters.

Source: hindustantimes