Ginger Photo by Don Shin on Unsplash

5 Must- have organic food for winters

Madhavi Daruwalla

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We often suffer from sniffles, cold sore throat body aches during winters. The cold also results in people’s blood pressure getting higher. If we include some of these in our daily intake, we can be sure to ward off the winter blues and boost our immune system.

Ginger

1.Cold and flu prevention and Treatment: Ginger has long been used as a natural treatment for colds and the flu. Many people also find ginger to be helpful in the case of stomach problems or food poisoning. Ginger is good for curing digestive problems.

2.Reduces pain and inflammation: Ginger has anti-inflammatory properties and is a powerful natural painkiller.

3.Heartburn relief: Ginger has long been used as a natural heartburn remedy. It is most often taken in the form of tea for this purpose.

4.Migraine relief: Research has shown that ginger may provide migraine relief due to its ability to stop prostaglandins from causing pain and inflammation in blood vessels.

Ginger can be used in our cooking or be made into tea.

Cinnamon

1.Cough and cold: Cinnamon helps soothe a scratchy throat and helps reduce congestion.

2.Improves circulation: Cinnamon improves blood circulation and the anti-bacterial properties of cinnamon also help in preventing tooth decay and gum disease.

4.Helps in diabetics: Consuming about 1 gram of cinnamon reduces blood sugar, triglycerides, LDL cholesterol, and total cholesterol in type 2 diabetes.

4. Digestive aid: Cinnamon improves digestion and absorption. It is an anti-bacterial and heals infections in the stomach. It eases stomach cramps.

5.Natural anesthetic: Cinnamon is a natural pain reliever and a good source of manganese. It helps in building bones and other connective tissues, important for those with arthritis and osteoporosis.

Boil powdered cinnamon in water add honey to make a delicious tea.

Jaggery

1.Jaggery dilates blood vessels and this is beneficial for people with high blood pressure.

2.Jaggery stimulates digestive enzymes improving digestion, and reduce acidity, bloating, and flatulence.

3.Jaggery prevents constipation as it is rich in fiber.

4.Jaggery detoxifies the liver as it is rich in zinc and selenium

5.Consuming jaggery helps fight cough, cold, flu, and other winter ailments.

6.It helps in detoxifying lungs benefitting those who have asthma, bronchitis, and pneumonia.

7.Jaggery builds immunity as it contains iron, selenium, zinc, magnesium, and phosphorus.

8.High iron content helps in anemia and low hemoglobin.

9.Reduces joint pain.

10.Helps in PMS

Jaggery can be eaten as it is, it is especially beneficial if eaten after meals.

Sesame

1.Sesame seeds help keep stress away. Sesame oil contains tyrosine, which affects serotonin activity.

2.Sesame helps keep you stay energized. As they are rich in fiber, iron, calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus.

3.Sesame seeds are a good source good for the heart. They have high-fat content which is healthy as it is mainly polyunsaturated fatty acids and Omega-6 fatty acids.

4.Sesame seeds reduce osteoporosis. They are rich in calcium and zinc which are crucial for bone health.

5.Sesame seeds have high magnesium content which prevents hypertension.

6.Sesame seed oil has anti-inflammatory properties that heal redness, capping, and sores. It hydrates the skin and prevents dry skin.

Til or sesame is used in Gajak and Rewari( Typical Indian brittle which is eaten primarily in the winters.)Cold press til oil can be used for cooking or massaging on the skin or drizzling over salads.

Honey

1.Honey prevents and soothes a sore throat.

2.Honey boosts our immune system and make it stronger.

3.Honey helps alleviate problems related to our respiratory systems.

4.Honey reduces swelling and pain on wounds and speeds up the healing process.

5.Honey has antibiotic properties and is a natural wound sealant.

6.Honey has moisturizing and hydrating properties so it is great for the skin and the hair, especially in winters.

Have a spoonful of honey for a sore throat or add to tea made of ginger and cinnamon.

These are must-haves for the seniors as well as children who are most vulnerable to coughs and colds in the winters.

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Madhavi Daruwalla

Sociologist, Wife, Mother, Educationist, Environmentalist,Social Activist and Digital Marketing Intern.