When the days get shorter and colder, weâre more likely to get sick and for some, Seasonal Affective Disorder sets in. But eating a healthy diet during the winter can help fight some of the negative impacts the season has on our bodies, Hereâs what nutritionists advise we load up on during winter.
- Red peppers - they have more than three times the vitamin C of an orange and it can boost your immune system. Plus the phytochemicals and beta-carotene give you antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits.
- Smoked salmon - Cold weather can be tough on our skin, but eating salmon can help combat that. Not only are the Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids found in salmon good for our heart, brain, and eyes, theyâre also important for preventing moisture loss in our skin.
- Mushrooms - Itâs the antiviral and antibacterial properties in mushrooms that make them a winter menu must. Button mushrooms are a great source of vitamin D, which builds your immunity and theyâre full of other minerals and antioxidants, too.
- Cheese - A vitamin D deficiency can keep the brain from working properly, which could make us feel tired and unmotivated. But cheese can help beat the winter blues because itâs high in vitamin D and so are orange juice, cereals, and soy milk.
- Blueberries - They contain more active antioxidants than any fresh fruit and theyâre great for clearing out your system in winter.
- Cinnamon - While youâre finishing off that platter of Christmas cookies, make sure youâre eating plenty of cinnamon as well. It can help boost your metabolism, help with digestion, and itâs packed with antioxidants.
- Bananas - They contain tryptophan which the body uses to make serotonin, the âfeel goodâ hormone. Dairy products, fish, dried dates, almonds, and peanuts are also high in tryptophan, so eat plenty of these for a natural mood lifter this winter.
Source: Cosmopolitan UK