As the winter season sets in, many people tend to crave hearty and warm meals. And consuming salads in the winter season can be a great way to incorporate more plant-based meals into your diet. Here are some benefits of having salads in winter.
Now that winter has arrived, it’s time to savour the nutritious goodness of in-season fruits and vegetables. Regardless of whatever your diet is, a nutritious winter salad can offer your body the essential nutrients and immunity boost it needs, all while enriching every bite with taste. Some people think that salad is a summer food but know it’s not as it is equally important to incorporate during the winter season.
Including seasonal fruits and vegetables in your diet can provide your body with the needed nutritional boost to help fight off various seasonal illnesses as the change of seasons can often have a negative impact on health. We asked Shikha Gupta, a renowned dietician and nutritionist, to help us know the benefits of eating salads in the winter season. Salads offer a variety of health benefits, and in winter, they can provide much-needed nutrients and energy during the colder months. Here are some benefits of eating salads in winter, take a look:
1. Boosts Immunity
Winter is the season when we are more prone to catching colds and flu. Salads packed with vitamin C-rich foods like citrus fruits, bell peppers, and broccoli can help boost immunity and ward off illnesses. As Vitamin C is essential for maintaining a healthy immune system, consuming it in the winter months can help prevent infections.
2. High Fibre Content
Salads packed with fibre-rich ingredients like lentils, chickpeas and quinoa, keep you feeling fuller for longer. This helps regulate blood sugar, manage weight, and promote gut health, essential for optimal digestion and nutrient absorption.
3. Promotes Weight Loss
Salads are high in fiber and low in calories making them a perfect choice for people wanting to lose weight. In winter, when we tend to eat more comfort foods like pasta and stews, salads can help balance out our diet and prevent overeating. So adding leafy greens like spinach and kale to your salad can provide fiber and help you feel full for a longer period.
4. Reduces Stress
Winter is a season when stress levels tend to rise due to holiday preparations and colder weather. Salads packed with magnesium-rich foods like spinach, avocado, and nuts can help reduce stress levels by promoting relaxation.
5. Keeps You Hydrated
Consuming salads in winter can help keep you hydrated during the dry winter months. While it’s true that we tend to drink less water in the winter due to lower temperatures, it’s still essential to stay hydrated. Winter salads can provide a significant portion of your daily water intake through ingredients such as cucumber, tomato, and lettuce.
6. Improves Digestion
Winter is a time when many people tend to eat heavier, richer foods that can sometimes be hard on the digestive system. Adding plenty of fibre-rich vegetables to your salad can help keep your digestion regular and prevent bloating and discomfort.
