On a cold winter morning, a cup of hot chocolate can feel like a warm hug. However, if combined with a healthy dish, it can help your body build a strong immune system with superfoods.
Adding nourishing food to our diet as winter approaches is crucial to prevent ourselves from cold and diseases. If you are clueless about what food should go on your plate this winter season, here’s a list of the top superfoods.
8 Ultimate Superfoods To Relish This Winter
Sweet Potatoes
Sweet potatoes are rich in vitamins A and C, which makes them a great winter vegetable and superfood. They are known to reduce the chances of cancer, boost the immune system and maintain the health of the digestive system and eyes.
Roast them, mash them or even make sweet potato fries. There are hundreds of dishes you can try making out of sweet potatoes. Sweet potato noodles are without fats and carbs, and so a perfect alternative to spaghetti.
Salmon
You can satisfy your taste buds and adequately nourish your body with Salmon. Salmon is good for digestion. It also promotes brain health and stabilizes mood. It is particularly helpful in managing cravings for substances.
Substance abuse can disrupt the production of tyrosine, which in turn affects the production of dopamine, a neurotransmitter responsible for clear thinking. Eating salmon in adequate amounts can restore the healthy system and reduce stress or thoughts of using substances.
However, you will also need a professional’s help, as merely eating Salmon won’t help you win against addiction. If you or a loved one wants to recover from addiction, consider reaching out to addiction centers near you for professional support.
Citrus Fruits
Citrus fruits can become your shield against colds and flu as they are high in Vitamin C, minerals and antioxidants. Studies show that citrus fruits, like oranges, can remove free radicals from the body and reduce the chances of getting cancer.
Winters bring different citrus fruits to our disposal, like grapefruit, kiwi, etc. Enjoy them as a refreshing snack, or squeeze them into fresh juices or salads for a citrusy flavor. Adding citrus fruits to your winter diet will keep cholesterol in check and your skin refreshed.
Beetroots
High in potassium and low in fat, beetroots make the perfect addition to your table for lunch in winter. This dark red veggie can benefit your health in several ways. For instance, iron and potassium stores in beetroot support healthy blood circulation and nitric oxide will improve your exercise performance.
Recipes with beetroots can be a little tricky, but you can add them to salads or make smoothies. Some people also prefer making Russian-style soup or pickles out of beets to add a tangy side dish to the meal.
Leafy Vegetables
Do you have high blood pressure? Well, some winter vegetables can help reduce that. Kale, for instance, is rich in potassium and can reduce blood pressure by removing sodium from the body. You can have a kale smoothie with your breakfast to make your diet rich in fiber.
Apart from kale, you can have spinach, which is abundant in vitamins and minerals. It supports neurotransmitter functions, resulting in improving mental well-being.
Garlic
Garlic does more than just add flavor to your dishes. Its antimicrobial properties make it the perfect food to boost the immune system. It helps in keeping cold away and lowering cholesterol levels. You can use garlic in soups or roast it and spread it on toasted bread.
Pumpkin
Pumpkin is not only good for decorating purposes during Halloween, but it is a great source to provide your body with adequate Vitamin K. While some people prefer eating roasted pumpkin with salt and pepper, some enjoy the soup. Pumpkin pies are also a famous dessert during winter.
The benefits of pumpkin don’t end there. Its seeds are also edible and provide great nutrition to the body as they are rich in omega-3, zinc and vitamin E.
Conclusion
Making all these foods a part of your winter diet will enhance your overall well-being. You can experiment with different ways of preparing these nutrient-dense foods to make your meals delicious and nutritious.
