The chilly, cold winters are about to commence with the temperatures already dipping. The cold coffees and smoothies are about to be replaced with chai and hot chocolates. As soon as winters are at the doorstep, my tendency is to look for everything warm and fuzzy. From clothes to food, I feel like indulging in some comfort. That’s when I start heating up my brownies and donuts in the microwave so that not even a tinge of cold touches my teeth. It is also recommended to keep the body warm during this season so as to avoid unnecessary infections like cold, cough, fever etc.
While you might think that heating up food is sufficient to provide warmth to the body that is really not the case. That heat is temporary and doesn’t sustain for long. However, there are certain foods that are inherently hot. This means that they produce heat in the body and keep it warm for longer durations. Remember how our mothers would wrap some cashews, almonds and pistachios in our fist before going to school in winters? The reason behind this was that dry fruits like these are known to be warm by nature and maintain the body temperature to bear the chills.
Similarly, there are certain grains and flours which boast of a similar property. Wheat is one such cereal that has become a staple in most diets. The consumption of wheat in the form of chapattis, pasta, bread etc. has become so widespread that it has overpowered several other nutritious grains in the family. This winter, opt for these four cereal grains and pep up your meals with a new ingredient.
1. Maize
Commonly known as corn, maize or makkai is one of the most underrated grains despite the range of benefits it offers. Be it your chapatti or cutlets, you can always count on maize to be an ideal ingredient. The versatility of the grain along with its potency for being hot makes it perfect to try in this season.
2. Kuttu
The buckwheat flour usually makes appearances during the vrat season when everyone resorts to kuttu ki poori and roti as a replacement for wheat. However, this nutritious grain can be included in your everyday winter diet too. The fibrous and filling quality of this grain is why you should be eating it during winters. You are sure to get your dose of necessary vitamins too in the form of kuttu parantha, dosa etc.
3. Kangni
Foxtail millet or kangni is full of essential vitamins. The dry millet is a good winter grain, providing you with the necessary nutrition for hair growth and keeping your heart and nervous system fully functional.
4. Ragi
This one is considered to be a great substitute for wheat since you can make a nice multi-grain roti by combining this flour with a few others. A diabetes-friendly grain, ragi is not only rich in calcium but also a great way to lose weight and ease digestion.
