Winter health heroes: Indian superfoods to keep you warm and energised

Boosting immunity and fighting the cold

Culinary

December 31, 2024

/ By / New Delhi

Winter health heroes: Indian superfoods to keep you warm and energised

Rich in flavour and health benefits, Indian superfoods are a must-have during the colder months

Winter is perfect season to nourish your body with nutrient-dense Indian superfoods that not only help you stay warm but also keep your health in check.

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The onset of winter brings with it not just a serene stillness and chilly winds, but also an opportunity to nourish the body with healthy, nutrient-rich Indian superfoods that help it combat the harsh weather.

These foods are packed with essential nutrients and offer versatility in the kitchen, making them perfect for a range of dishes, snacks and sweets.

Rich in flavour and health benefits, these Indian superfoods are a must-have during the colder months to keep your body strong and energised.

Amla

Amla

Amla, also known as gooseberry, is a powerful Indian superfood that should be a staple in your diet especially to combat the harsh weather, the ever-increasing pollution and other environmental stressors.

Rich in vitamin C, amla is renowned for its skin and hair benefits. It nourishes the skin, reduces signs of ageing, and promotes a healthy complexion.

Its anti-inflammatory properties also help soothe irritation, acne, and redness. Additionally, consuming amla can enhance the absorption of antioxidants, improve the bioavailability of essential vitamins and minerals, and support better digestive function by boosting enzyme activity.

Amla can be consumed in the form of pickles, candies, and as an ingredient in various dishes.

Beyond its internal benefits, amla is also a natural remedy for hair care. When applied topically, amla strengthens hair roots, making them softer, shinier, and more resilient. Its nourishing properties promote hair growth and help prevent dandruff, making it a go-to solution for healthier, fuller hair.

Sattu

A winter staple in Indian households, sattu, roasted black gram flour, is a nutritional powerhouse, rich in proteins, vitamins, and fibre. It is an excellent addition to your diet, especially during the cooler months, helping to keep you energised and healthy while combating the chill.

It is highly effective in supporting digestive health, promoting regular bowel movements, and providing a natural energy boost to counteract the sluggishness that often accompanies the colder season. Rich in protein, sattu contains 20-25 gm of protein per 100 gm, making it an excellent source of plant-based nutrition, especially for vegetarians and vegans.

Sattu can be enjoyed in various forms, as tangy chutney or sauce, pairing perfectly with winter meals. For a nutritious treat, try making sattu peda, a delicious, protein-packed sweet made with dry fruits.

Another great way to incorporate sattu into your diet is with a sattu milkshake. It is a quick, wholesome breakfast option that is ideal for chilly mornings, providing a perfect balance of nutrition and energy.

Gondh (Indian gum)

Extracted from the resin of trees like Acacia, gondh, edible gum, is an Indian ingredient also prominently used in Ayurveda, which is gaining global recognition due to its nutrient rich make-up and medicinal properties.

This winter super food is Rich in antioxidants, and supports the immune system, protecting the body against seasonal illnesses. It is also a natural source of essential minerals like calcium, magnesium and phosphorus, contributing to bone health.

Additionally, gondh is renowned to be beneficial for skin health as it helps beat dryness and promote a healthy complexion. Gondh can be used as an ingredient in sweets such as laddoos, kheer and raab.

Chholiya

While many vegetables are celebrated for their health benefits during the winter months, one that often goes overlooked is chholiya, or green chickpeas.

This superfood is packed with essential nutrients, including potassium, protein, fibre, and antioxidants, all of which contribute to a healthy heart, support weight management, and help regulate blood glucose levels.

What makes chholiya even more appealing is its versatility. It can be incorporated into a wide range of dishes, from fresh salads to flavourful chutneys and sauces, offering both taste and nutritional value.

Moringa

Moringa, also known as the drumstick tree, is a popular ingredient in South India, used in a variety of dishes. The leaves and drumsticks are extremely high in nutritional value, known to have antifungal, antiviral and anti-inflammatory properties.

Additionally, Moringa is a rich source of amino acids, vitamins A, C and E, calcium, potassium and protein. The super-food also helps maintaining body’s immune system and can be consumed as an ingredient in a variety of food items, tea, and even chu

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