Eating seasonal fruits and vegetables is the best way to keep fit and healthy. A few months back, my 12-year-old son, Tarun, was down with viral fever and was bedridden for about 3 days. When we took him to our family physician – along with a set of medicines, he specifically asked us to feed him a quarter kilo of fruits and a quarter kilo of vegetables every day so that he could recuperate and help strengthen his immunity. Ever since I’ve been reading up about the importance of different fruits and vegetables extensively to know which ones to add to my son’s diet.
Thanks to worldwide markets and the latest food processing techniques, a whole lot of food items are available to us in supermarkets and even in local stores throughout the year. While it’s great to have such privileges, it is always best to follow nature’s way of telling us what to eat and when.
Here is a list of 7 foods for winter you should include in your everyday diet.
7 foods you should eat during winters
Make a note of these foods and their benefits and find a way to add one or the other in your everyday meals.
1. Custard Apple
Custard apples are known to have high dietary fibre and are hence good for the digestive system. The antioxidants present in this sweet-tasting fruit (hence the name) help fight free radicals in the body, which can reduce chances of contracting chronic illnesses. Eating the fruit in limited amounts is also good for eye health. The potassium and magnesium content can help regulate high blood pressure too. Custard apples contain Vitamin C which helps build immunity and reduce the risk of infections.
2. Pineapple
Pineapples are low in calories but high on nutrients. The antioxidant content in the tropical fruit helps fight diseases and the enzymes help ease digestion. The vitamins and minerals present are said to boost the immune system and reduce inflammation – hence reducing the risk of certain cancer. It is also believed to ease symptoms of arthritis.
3. Guava
Eating Guava has been found to improve blood sugar levels in the body. It is also said that guavas help relieve symptoms of menstruation in women such as stomach cramps. The dietary fibre present in this fruit grown on tropical trees benefits the digestive system. The antioxidants and vitamins are said to help keep the skin healthy. Vitamin C, in particular, strengthens the immune system. The low calorie-content in the fruit makes it a weight-loss-friendly fruit.
4. Dates
The nutrition profile of dates is excellent due to the many vitamins and minerals present in them. The presence of fibre prevents constipation and helps maintain overall health. Dates have also been found to be good in promoting bone health and regulating blood sugar levels. Certain studies have revealed that dates improve brain function too!
5. Brinjal
Brinjal is one of the must-eat foods for winter. Also known as eggplants, brinjals are a rich source of many different nutrients. A pigment present in brinjals is said to protect our bodies from cellular damage. Eating brinjal regularly will help keep the blood sugar level in check. The antioxidant content can even reduce the risk of heart diseases. The low-caloric content makes it a good addition to a weight-loss diet.
6. Beetroot
Beetroot is a rich source of various nutrients and yet has a low-calorie value. This common vegetable is known to have a significant impact on aiding in blood pressure control. The nitrates present in the food has helped it make its way into diets of athletes. Certain pigments present in beetroot help fight chronic inflammation that could result in obesity, liver disease, heart disease, among others.
7. Tomatoes
Tomatoes are commonly known to improve skin health. It is also beneficial in keeping skin protected from sunburns. Tomatoes have been found to fight against oxidative stress and inflammation, making them sources to promote heart health. Tomatoes are also believed to reduce the risk of certain cancers.
Including fruits and vegetables in our diets is very important as they strengthen our immunity, boost our metabolism, and help prevent chronic diseases.
Which of these is your favourite fruit/vegetable? Let me know in the comments.
If you’re curious, here is a list of summer foods that will keep you dehydrated.
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