Published: 14 Feb 2020 –
When it’s cold outside, it’s generally thought that eating cooked food is the best way to keep warm. But is this really the optimal way to eat? It may be surprising but many leading nutritional experts promote eating raw foods during winter as a crucial part of a healthy lifestyle.
Why eat raw foods during winter?
Raw foods are prized for their immune system supporting properties. They are also bursting with antioxidants (helping to stave off cold and flu viruses). The trick during winter is to include the right kind of raw foods into the diet – along with key spices – which helps to ensure that the body stays warm. Here it must be said that it doesn’t mean that only raw foods are to be eaten – just added into a varied diet during the colder months.
According to traditional Chinese medicine, winter is the season that’s associated with deep yin; feminine energy. This is reflected in the cold short days and long dark nights. Winter corresponds to the Water Element. Which activates the kidney and bladder region of the body. The delicate kidney organs, in particular, must be nourished and supported as it’s very easy for them to go out of balance in the cold weather. Physically, the kidneys are related to the health of the hair, teeth, knees, bones and sexual vitality. They also correspond to the emotion of fear and will power. Furthermore, the kidney area is the centre of ‘Jing’. This is the life force of the body and is responsible for stamina and longevity.
Wintertime practices:
The good news is, it’s actually very easy to enjoy eating raw food meals when it’s cold outside. As long as we tune into the winter seasonal rhythm and adjust our lifestyles accordingly.
Nourish your energy centre
The kidneys are the body’s energy centre. They are supported by foods that contain the blue/black colour spectrum. For example, kidney beans, beetroot, black beans, black sesame seeds, and seaweeds. Salty foods also correlate to the kidneys and can be nourishing during winter. Healthly rock salt alternatives include: celery seasoning, tamari sauce or mineral rich seaweed sprinkles.
Enrich your drinks
Water is crucial for numerous bodily functions. It’s important to stay hydrated throughout the day by drinking plenty of pure water. Additionally, herbal teas are also hydrating and can help give warming properties to the body. Drinking fresh grated ginger and lemon before meals is warming and can also help digestion. Cloves added into hot water are also very warming and supportive to the kidneys as they help boost circulation. As can turmeric when added into an alkalising Spicy Green Juice.
Embrace Fermented Raw foods
Fermented foods are gaining popularity. But, they’ve actually been around for thousands of years. Probiotic rich, they feed and nourish the microbiome in the lower intestinal tract (the centre of the immune system). Two common probiotic rich foods are unpasteurised sauerkraut and dill pickles. Other delicious fermented raw foods to enjoy during winter are: miso soup, coconut based yogurt, coconut kefir and low sugar kombucha drinks.
WARMING SPICE AND ALL THINGS NICE
Cinnamon: warming, stabilises blood sugar
Garlic: natural antibiotic, antibacterial, antiviral
Turmeric: a natural antioxidant, anti inflammatory properties, aids liver detoxification
Cayenne Pepper: helps relieve chills, coughs, congestion, contains vitamin C
Ginger: garlic of the east, valued for it’s antibacterial, warming, kidney supportive properties
Horseradish: acts as a strong decongestant, good for the digestion of fatty foods
Black Pepper: warming, aids digestion, antiseptic, antioxidant properties
Cardamon: acts as an expectorant, assists in cleansing respiratory passages
Cloves: soothing, anti-septic, warming, anti-inflammatory, aids digestion
As you can see, there are a number of ways you can include delicious raw foods in your diet during winter to help boost your immunity and overall health. Here’s to staying warm when it’s cold outside!