Winters can tend to get very cold sometimes. It is important to keep ourselves warm during this time. This is where our diet plays a crucial role.

We tend to fall sick mostly during the winter season. We need to take extra care of ourselves during this time. Taking care of the diet is a must. we should only eat foods that keep us warm and boost our immunity during this season. This way there are fewer chances that we will fall sick and in turn, we can enjoy the weather merrily. We need to keep ourselves healthy to cope up with the winter spirit. Certain foods like Dried fruits and nuts help us in keeping warm during the cold season. Making these foods a part of the diet is highly beneficial for our health.

How dry fruits and nuts help in keeping us warm during this season?

• Keep us warm:
  Dry fruits and nuts like pistachios, almonds, walnuts, cashews naturally raise the heat in our body. More heat is produced within our system which keeps us warm naturally. We need to be careful about how much heat we let in though, as too much heat can also cause problems in our body. Also, Dry fruits contain more fiber, vitamins, minerals and nutrition as compared to any other fresh fruit and hence if made a part of our winter diet can do wonders for us.
• Rich source of vitamin E:
  Dry fruits and nuts are rich in vitamin E which is a huge requirement of our body. They also keep our cholesterol levels in check and fix our body sugar levels. Dry fruits are good for our heart as well. These natural heat producers work no less than magic in the winter season and can help us cut down a few layers of clothes from our body by providing us with natural warmth.
• Disease-fighting compounds:
  A handful of nuts are both preventative and therapeutic for the common cold, but we have to eat them whole. A study in the journal Microbiology Letters found that polyphenols disease-fighting compounds found in the skin of the nuts can increase the sensitivity of white blood cells known as helper T cells, which are involved in fighting off viruses. And, like a natural vaccine of sorts, the immunity boost lingered even after the nuts had been digested in the gut.
• High in Zinc to Help Fight against the cold:
  Although zinc supplements exist, the best way to reap the benefits of this mineral is by infusing it into our daily diet specially with consuming nuts. The mineral is beneficial for a variety of reasons since it contains antiviral and anti-inflammatory properties. Zinc may work by preventing the rhinovirus (one of the most responsible viruses of common cold) from multiplying. It may also stop the rhinovirus from lodging in the mucous membranes of the throat and nose.
• Dates as common cold fighters:
  Both fresh and dried dates are an excellent source of vitamin C along with vitamins such as B1, B2, B3, B5 and A1. Vitamin C is a potent antioxidant that helps ward off infections and keeps our immunity strong against cold. As an infusion, extract, syrup, or paste, dates are a traditional remedy for sore throats, colds, and bronchial catarrh.
• Great for a snack:
  Dry fruits are very healthy for our body and are a great alternative to the oily snacks and junk food that we consume day-to-day. They satisfy our food cravings during sick days perfectly and are tasty to eat.