Winter is here, and now you have all the good reasons to have 5 cups of chai or coffee a day and all things warm. During winter, the surrounding temperature drops, compared to our body temperature, leading to a cold and cough. Thus, boosting immunity becomes essential.
Yes, you will nestle in soft and cozy blankets and wear puffy jackets to shield your body from the cold, but that won’t be enough. You need to screen your body internally as well.
It would be helpful if you gorged on some green leafy and root vegetables to help you stay hale and hearty. Foods this season taste better and have a higher nutritional value added to them, but these organic winter vegetables can prevent your body from cold and keep you healthy.
These superfoods being organic are rich in nutritional components such as vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, protein, and fiber and are low in calories and may help you battle the bulge.
5 Recommended Veggies to Boost Your Immunity This Winter:
Carrots/ Gajar
Carrots are termed as a ‘superfood,’ and for good reasons. The orange cones are loaded with the antioxidant beta-carotene, which converts into vitamin A in the body. Apart from being good for healthy eyes and skin, Vitamin A is also good for the immune system. They improve your digestion and slow down the aging process. So enjoy this organic root vegetable in its raw form or make delicious dishes out of it. Yes, do not forget the sinful gajar ka halwa and carrot cake with fresh and chemical-free carrots during the winter season.
Radish/ Mooli
Radish is another winter season vegetable that is super rich in nutrients like vitamin C and can protect you against diseases such as common cold and flu, common during winters. Radish is high in fiber that helps keep you full and prevents you from bingeing. It is also an antioxidant expert that helps boost immunity and skin health—devoured in salads or otherwise.
Spinach/ Palak
Palak, the leafy green, is a favorite among many and is excellent for our well-being. A great source of vitamins A and K and iron can help fight bacteria and viruses, thus restraining you from infections. Picking chemical-free spinach can boost your immune system and give you strong muscles. Additionally, this organic leafy green vegetable promotes weight loss – so you can have a delicious green smoothie daily to keep you energized.
Mustard Greens/ Sarson
The crispy green leaves are a powerhouse of phytonutrients (plant compounds) and should be a must part of your winter diet. Sarson is an underrated player in the green leafy family but can do wonders to your body. It contains antioxidants that can detoxify your liver and blood. It is also an invaluable fount of fiber. So fill your winter plate with the flavourful Sarson da saag and Makki di roti.
Sweet Potatoes/ Shakar Kandi
These beautiful and vibrant potatoes are rich in both Vitamins A and C. One medium sweet potato helps meet your daily recommendation of Vitamin A and provides manganese, potassium, B Vitamins, several antioxidants, and over 50% of your daily Vitamin C needs. Sweet potatoes are also a great carbohydrate to fuel running. You can have it boiled or even roasted and make a popular winter street food.
Lastly, engaging in other healthy lifestyle habits and activities will help to improve overall health and support a robust immune system.
