Keep Warm This Winter - Eats and Treats by Tania Rebello

TDT | Manama                 

The Daily Tribune – www.newsofbahrain.com 

Are you scanning your wardrobe wondering what to wear during winter? Before you take that trip to the clothing store, it might be helpful to know that you can use food to keep your body warm.

We have often heard the saying “Food is medicine”; it is true because food contains a range of vitamins and minerals that work together to nourish our bodies.

But what is truly fascinating is the ability of food to either warm or cool the body.

Instead of piling on winter wear, read on to explore some interesting ways on how food can help you to beat the cold winter:

Eat foods that take longer to digest:

Foods that take longer to digest often help to w a r m up the body.

These are often foods containing healthy fats, protein and complex carbohydrates in proper proportions.

Root vegetables, certain green leafy vegetables, brown rice are some such sources that require more energy to digest causing a rise in body temperature.

This process is called thermogenesis.

Eat oatmeal to stay cozy. It’s a great thermogenic food that releases energy slowly throughout the day to keep your body warm.

Ensure consumption of foods containing carnitine:

Carnitine is a substance that plays a critical role in energy production as it increases metabolism giving you a warm feeling.

The level of carnitine in your body makes you feel cooler or warmer than usual. Red meat, fish, poultry and milk are great sources.

It is no surprise that the red meat consumption during the chilly winters is much higher in countries where the winters are extreme as they have discovered the knack of keeping warm during winters.

For vegetarians, asparagus, avocados and peanut butter would be ideal alternatives.

Consume foods that increase blood circulation:

Cinnamon can naturally increase your blood circulation ultimately keeping your vital organs warm and preventing you from feeling a chill.

Beef is great when you find yourself in chilly conditions because it is a fantastic source of iron, which is crucial for circulating your blood.

The high calorie and fat content found in beef makes it the perfect fuel for your body, simply partner it with wholemeal bread and make it a sandwich.

Drink hot beverages:

If you feel cold, make sure to drink ample hot teas, coffee, hot chocolate and soups in between meals.

Hot beverages and soups instantly warm the body. My all-time favorite soup is Cream of Mushroom soup.

Do you have a favorite soup? Comment on this article on social media. We would love to hear from you.

In the meantime, here is an easy cream of mushroom soup recipe to prepare at home.