Several doctors will assure you that winter is the best time of the year if you stick to seasonal fruits and vegetables. “Take your pick from apples, bananas, oranges, pears, red grapes, kiwis, potatoes, peas or carrots and them to your diet. These food groups are packed with vitamins, minerals, fibre and rich in antioxidants, which prevent a number of ailments,” said Dr Fatima Chattriwala, consulting dietician, Sterling Wockhardt Hospital, Vashi.
She said it is important to eat seasonal fruits and vegetables as they are fresh, which means they retain all nutrients.
“Fruits like papaya, grapes, guava, dates, avocado and pear, which are in season, help with digestion and reduce gas,” said Dr Smita Naram, an ayurvedic doctor.
She said if stiffness and body pain is predominant during this weather, then one should eat pumpkin, gherkins, broccoli, spinach, fresh legumes, fenugreek, which help nourish the bones and reduce stiffness.
He suggested that since cabbage is loaded with vitamins and minerals, fibre, anti-oxidants and anti-carcinogenic compounds, it is best eaten raw, so slice up a few leaves and add to salads or sandwiches.
“Potatoes contain potassium, magnesium, folic acid, vitamin C and even proteins. They may help lower blood pressure and provide anti-oxidants. They are best eaten baked. Sweet potatoes are loaded with beta-carotene, fibre, vitamins and anti-oxidants, onions are high in vitamin C and fibre. The oils in onions lower LDL (bad) cholesterol and raise HDL (good) cholesterol,” he said.
For those watching their sugar intake, beetroot is high in vitamins, potassium and folate while carrots are loaded with anti-oxidants and vitamin A.
“As far as fruits are concerned, oranges, also seasonal, are a good source of vitamin C and flavonoids and pomegranates are packed with anti-oxidants and anti-inflammatory substances, which help in controlling high cholesterol and high blood pressure,” Verma added. One should not omit green leafy vegetables from the diet. “They are rich in iron, vitamins and minerals and they are best eaten in winter,” he said.
