Healthy Foods That Are Incredibly Good for You During Winter
During winter, the cold weather and lack of sunlight can make you feel sluggish and depressed. In most cases, the cold weather can also increase your risk of catching a cold or flu. While eating pizza and ice cream during the winter months can be tempting, some healthy foods you should consider adding to your diet for optimal health. What are those foods? Most importantly, how can they help you during the winter season? Anyone writes about this topic but only a few about how beneficial it is to us during winter. Eating nutritious and healthy foods during the winter helps support your body’s immunity, energy levels, and overall health. Here are some of the best options.
Sweet Potatoes
Sweet potatoes are a winter staple, and for a good reason. These delicious root vegetables are packed with nutrients including Vitamin A, C, E, B6, potassium, and dietary fiber. The high amount of Vitamin A makes them great for maintaining healthy vision during the dark winter months when you don’t get as much natural sunlight to boost your vitamin D intake. Eating sweet potatoes is also linked to a reduced risk of certain cancers and can help keep your blood pressure in check and protect you from inflammation.
Kale
Kale is one of the most nutrient-dense foods available. It has high levels of vitamins K, A, C, and B6, along with magnesium and iron. Vitamin K and A are significant for maintaining healthy bones during the winter months, when you likely won’t be getting as much natural sunlight to boost your vitamin D intake. Eating kale can help reduce inflammation in the body and is even linked to a reduced risk of certain cancers. Plus, it’s an excellent source of dietary fiber, which helps keep your digestive system working at its best.
Nuts and Seeds
What many people often overlook are nuts and seeds. They are a great source of healthy fats, proteins, vitamins, minerals, and essential fatty acids. Eating a handful of nuts or sprinkling some seeds on your salad can help keep you full and energized during the cold winter months. The omega-3 fatty acids in these foods also help reduce inflammation in the body and support heart health.
Seafood
Seafood is a great source of healthy proteins and omega-3 fatty acids during winter. Salmon, mackerel, sardines, anchovies, and some other types of fish are excellent sources of lean protein and essential vitamins and minerals. Just like nuts and seeds, omega-3 fatty acids help reduce inflammation and keep your heart healthy. In addition, they are an excellent source of dietary fiber, which helps regulate digestion and boost immunity.
Bone Broth
Who can’t resist a hot bowl of soup during winter? Bone broth is an incredibly healthy and nutritious option to help keep your immune system in check. It’s full of nutrients such as calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, and potassium, which are great for keeping your bones strong and healthy. In addition, it contains collagen, which helps reduce inflammation and improve skin elasticity.
All in all, there are plenty of nutritious and healthy foods you can add to your diet during winter. Sweet potatoes, kale, nuts and seeds, seafood, and bone broth are all excellent options that will help keep your body strong and healthy through the cold months. So don’t forget to include them in your diet.
