9 must have foods during Winter

Winter is almost here. And with it, so is cold and cough and hundreds of other skin problems. But don’t worry, ‘cause we bring to you a guide on how to keep such problems at bay with these 9 easy foods. So go ahead and raid your kitchen, and thank us later!

1. Ghee

Cow’s ghee or clarified butter is rightfully considered as a superfood in our kitchen. Ghee is a great source of vitamins A, E, and helps in maintaining good cholesterol. Having a tablespoon of ghee in the morning is enough to keep your body warm for the day. What’s better? It also keeps lips and skin supple looking. Apply ghee on chapped dry lips and under your eyes and leave it overnight. Guaranteed results in three days! Now you don’t need expensive lip balms and under-eye serums anymore.

2. Honey

An excellent substitute of sugar, honey is proven to curb high levels of blood pressure, which aids in a healthier heart function. It is rich in antigens only found in flowers that cure cold and cough. These antigens also boost immunity, thereby keeping you overall healthy.

Squeeze out juice from ginger and mix it with equal parts honey to prepare a syrup. Have one spoon of this three to four times a day for a phlegm free winter.

Pro tip- Facing dry chapped lips? Mix honey with some sugar and few drops of coconut oil and scrub off dry skin from your lips!

3. Amla (gooseberry)

Amla is a rich source of vitamin C- eight times more than an orange- which is essential in strengthening immune system. It is also loaded with chromium that aids in insulin production- a lifeline for diabetic patients.

Pickle these wonder fruits in a spicy achaar, or make sweet Murrabba by cooking it in sugar syrup, or cut it in small pieces and dry it out with sugar and salt for an ideal candy! Amla juice also helps in getting rid of dandruff and flaky scalp by providing much needed moisture. 

4. Haldi (turmeric)

We all know Haldi as an antiseptic and anti-inflammatory wonder spice. But apart from it, it also aids bile secretion and relieves constipation which is often a problem during winters. A piece of raw turmeric or Kachchi Haldi can be added in your morning cup of tea, or a glass of warm milk with some haldi powder and honey will go a long way in keeping winter ailments at bay.

Pro tip- For a hydrated and dewy looking skin this wedding season, make a face pack by mixing a teaspoon of haldi with fresh cream, honey and milk. Apply it evenly on your face and neck and rinse off in 15 mins for a radiant skin.

5. Adrak (ginger)

In a book titled ‘Healing Foods’, ginger has established its superiority by being a quick healer of upset stomach and fighting nausea. It also keeps the body warm owing to the presence of many volatile oils in it. Adding generous amounts of ginger in morning beverages can help flush out toxins from body.

Boil half inch piece of ginger with a few leaves of mint and Tulsi, strain and add a spoon of honey. Finish it off with a dash of lemon and enjoy a healthy green tea! You can also prepare coriander chillies chutney with garlic and ginger to have as a side dish.

6. Millets 

Seasonal winter crops like Bajra, Jowari, and Makka are nature’s winter gifts for our body because they are packed with all nutrients essential in facing cold temperatures. For instance, Bajra provides rich quantities of potassium and magnesium that are crucial in maintaining a healthy heart. Jowar is loaded with essential vitamins, minerals and about 50% of fibre that we need daily! Including these millets in your diet in this weather is a must. You can mix 25% of each millet flour in wheat flour to reap its nutrition every day. 

7. Sarson (Mustard)

Sarson seeds and oil are the hidden treasures of the Indian kitchen. They are power-packed with essential fatty acids which boost immunity and promote a healthy heart. Its anti-viral and anti-bacterial properties are known to keep infections at bay. Substitute your daily refined oil with Sarson ka Tel for these few cold months and enjoy an infection-free season!

Pro tip- Sarson oil also boosts hair growth and makes skin supple. Take a head-to-toe massage in mustard oil before showering and relish its wonders!

8. Jawas (flax seeds)

Here’s another hidden treasure from our kitchen- flax seeds. These tiny wonders are a rich source of omega-3 fatty acids- an essential fat that our body cannot produce on its own. Just small amounts of Jawas every day can keep cholesterol levels in check. And what’s better? It also aids in weight loss as it is rich in nutrients and can keep the stomach full for a longer time. Dry roast Jawas with Jeera till it turns aromatic and stores it for a healthy after meal Mukhwas! Or get creative and experiment- have our Jawas ki Sabzi with Chawal ki Roti. 

9. Gud (Jaggery)

Gud is a rich source of digestive enzymes, which help in regulating bowel movements and further cleanse our liver. Biting into a small piece of Gud after meals is a great way of kick-starting digestive process. Gud is also an excellent source of iron and folate that prevent amnesia. Just having a glass of warm water or milk with Gud in winters can keep your body warm. Our wide range of Laddoos prepared with Gud are also a great option to have as desserts.

Have any other creative ways to use these foods? Let us know in the comments below.