5 things that happen when you consume cold foods in the winter season

Winter can be harsh on your health. Blame it on the changing season, or the fact that colder climates make it easier for certain kinds of flu and infections to spread. And at this time, not following the right diet can cause trouble.

Finally, when the winter season is here, are you still thinking of having a bottle of aerated beverage straight from the fridge? Don’t! Consuming cold temperature foods and drinks during this season can lead to some complications.

Yes ladies, cold foods should not be had in winter, the outside ltemperature is chilled and your body is already doing hard to balance with it. But when you eat something cold, your body has to work twice as hard to bring them up to the body temperature. Not just that, read the other complications also. 

Here are some complications, which cold foods can lead to:

1. Gut issues

According to Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), having cold food can cause various gut-related problems like bloating, puffiness, and cramps, especially in women. The practice states that the gut is extremely heat sensitive, and consuming cold foods sends a shock throughout the body, which could lead to other complications like digestive sensitivity, fatigue, and sinus infections.

2. Lowers body temperature

Consuming cold foods may lower the body temperature, and due to the coldness in the body, the flow and circulation of fluids may be impacted. This could lead to a problem called blood stasis, which means blood is not circulating at an optimal level. 

Also, read: These 5 winter-friendly murabbas will add the right sweetness to your diet

3. Impact on the throat

Daljit Kaur, Head, Dietetics, Fortis Escorts Heart Institute, New Delhi, says, “When we eat or drink cold temperature foods, it directly targets our throat, leading to a throat infection. Therefore, cold foods such as cold coffee, cold drinks, and juices should not be included as part of your winter diet, as they can irritate the throat. Instead, you should include warm foods like hot milk, soup, nuts, herbs, and spices, rather than taking cold foods.”

4. Makes you susceptible to cold and cough

According to experts, you may be more likely to get sick during the winter months. While cold and cough are not as severe as flu, they can make your basic day-to-day activities more challenging. The sneezing, stuffy nose, and sore throat are never fun to deal with. During the winter season, when the weather is already cold, eating or drinking something that’s not warm could trigger a reflexive cough action. 

5. Negative impact on the immune system

Eating cold foods can impart a sense of heaviness in the body. They are harder to digest and can negatively impact the immune system.

Also, read: Vaginal itching can increase in winter. Find some relief using these tips

So ladies this winter, ditch cold temperature foods and let your diet keep your body warm. To do so, renowned nutritionist Ritu Khaneja lists down certain foods. Include there in your daily diet to build your immunity and give your body much-needed warmth. 

Here they are:

• Ghee
• Dates
• Sesame seeds
• Jaggery
• Ginger
• Sweet potatoes
• Carrot
• Sarso da Saag
• Nuts
• Kesar or Saffron

So you see, you can totally beat the winter chill without too much hassle!