Consuming the right foods that boost nutrient absorption in winter is important for one’s health and well-being. We are what we eat. The better we focus on consuming nutritious food, the better chances we have on improving our overall wellness.
In Wintertime, it can be challenging to stay on top of our nutrition with lower temperatures, cold and flu season, and digestive tracts that may be less than healthy. Eating the right foods can be especially important to ensure maximum nutrient absorption and it’s easy enough to do.
Here are some nutrient-rich foods that can give your body the boost it needs to stay healthy during the winter months.
Healthy Fibers to Boost Nutrient Absorption
Add some fiber to your diet from sources such as artichokes, yams, apples, and legumes. Fiber not only helps to keep the digestive system moving, but it can also help absorb essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that can otherwise be flushed out of our bodies.
If you find yourself looking for something slightly sweet, add a handful of dates and raisins to your diet. Not only are these rich in essential nutrients, but they are also full of iron, potassium, and other vitamins that can help prevent nutrient deficiencies.
Healthy fibers are good for the digestive system. They bring balance to the overall digestive process. Better digestion results in better absorption contributing to a better functioning and energetic body.
Herbs and Spices for Minerals and Anti-Oxidants
Herbs and spices can also be an important part of winter nutrition, particularly harder-to-find nutrients like zinc and magnesium. Try adding turmeric, fenugreek, and ginger to your meals, as these are excellent sources of both minerals, as well as providing other important antioxidants.
Adding them to soups, curries, and stir-fries can be a great way to help your body make full use of the vitamins, minerals, and other compounds these herbs and spices contain.
Herbs and Spices not only satisfy one’s tastebuds, but they also contribute to the body’s vitamins, minerals, and other nutritional needs.
Fruits for Vitamin C
It is important to get your daily dose of Vitamin C, as it plays an important role in general immune health.
A great source of Vitamin C, as well as beta carotene, can be found in citrus fruits like oranges and grapefruit. Having an orange for breakfast, or adding freshly squeezed grapefruit or lemon juice to salad dressings, can help ensure you get enough Vitamin C in your diet.
Vitamin C is essential for the overall well-being of our body. They help improve our immune system, help us reduce our stress hormones, and keep the overall body functioning in check. Adding Vitamin C supplements to one’s diet along with the intake of fruits can be far more beneficial for one’s physical wellness.
Green Leafy Vegetables
And of course, it’s hard to talk about nutrition in winter without mentioning the humble vegetable.
But don’t just settle for a knob of cauliflower or plain boiled broccoli - look for dark, leafy greens instead. These are loaded with vitamins and minerals, including magnesium, zinc, and iron, making them an essential part of a nutrient-dense winter diet.
Easy to prepare, vegetables can be one reliable source of nutrients you can consume every day. Boiled, steamed, or even blanched, vegetables can be fulfilling for both the stomach as well as your body’s nutritional needs.
Calcium Rich Foods for Easy Nutrient Absorption
Finally, look to include some calcium-rich foods such as broccoli, sardines, and almonds in your diet. Calcium is essential for strong bones and is one of the most important minerals needed for proper absorption.
Adding a few portions of these foods to your meals every day can provide long-term benefits to your health and help keep your bones and joints in good condition throughout winter.
Bone and joint health is something that degrades with time. Regular intake of calcium helps in better absorption of nutrients that support bone and joint health. Supplementing your Calcium needs can be an option too if you can’t integrate enough calcium in your diet.
By making a few simple dietary changes, it is possible to boost your nutrient absorption in winter and enjoy greater health and overall wellness.
The key is to focus on whole foods and bring consistency to valuable nutrition in the regular diet. As long as your diet is fulfilling, your body and mind will be too. Bring wellness to your daily life with these foods that boost nutrient absorption in winter.