With the onset of the winter season, you must be concerned about your health and diet. As you know that a well-balanced diet and proper healthcare can help us ward off all types of winter ailments. You should be aware of what must be added to your diet that can complete the nutrition intake of the body for winters.

A combination of proteins, vitamins, minerals, and dietary fibre is what dry fruits contain, other than these, dry fruits are one of the healthy and delicious snacks to eat. On top of this, health experts suggest that people who eat more dry fruits may tend to have a more healthful diet and lifestyle overall. 

There are ‘n’ number of ways in which dry fruits help an individual to maintain a healthy body. If you eat dry fruits in a moderate and prescribed quantity daily then you can surely notice that your body is getting healthier day by day.

Here are some of the dry fruits that are rich in nutrients and essential fats that can help the body fight off winter problems. Also, dry fruits are an ideal snack when you are travelling, as they are easy to carry & store and can remain good for a longer period of time. Apart from that, dry fruit is a perfect snack when you are looking for something filling, delicious yet healthy. You can easily get a wide range of dry fruits from any grocery store. You can also get them at justhaat.com, an online grocery store that offers all types of Asian and Indian groceries at an affordable price in the UK.

• Almonds

Almond is one everyday fruit that you shouldn’t skip ever and it is one of the most commonly used dry fruits. Almonds are high in vitamin E and monounsaturated fatty acids. It helps in maintaining high cholesterol levels too and the magnesium and potassium help to balance heart function and blood pressure. 

The abundance of protein, dietary fibre, good fats and essential nutrients present in dry fruits can help you to manage weight and restrict overeating. Inducing almonds in your diet slowdowns the discharge of glucose in the bloodstream preventing sudden changes in the sugar level. Rather than consuming only almonds, you can include them in your normal diet like add almonds to your oats porridge, toss some almonds into your salad, sprinkle some sliced almonds on your yoghurt, prepare pancakes with almond flour. This way it will also help reduce the glycaemic index of your food which is highly recommended for a diabetic person.

• Cashews

Loaded with vitamin E and B6, these nuts are one great fruit to have. Cashew is a good fruit that can be easily added to your diet. Cashew can also be used to provide a good flavour and rich texture to dishes. Cashew possesses anti-ageing properties which provide healthy glowing skin during the winters. Also, experts suggest that cashews when eaten in moderations, can help you control cholesterol levels, blood sugar, high blood pressure and migraines. Include this amazing nut in your diet during the winter season to stay fit and healthy.

• Walnuts

Walnuts are one of the healthiest and nutritious nuts. Walnuts are loaded with healthy fats, fibre, vitamins, omega-3, antioxidants and minerals that help provide proper nutrition to the body during the winters. You can use walnuts in your desserts, yoghurt, oatmeal, salads and many other dishes too and believe us they taste marvellous. Walnut is a great dry fruit that also helps in brain growth. Consumption of walnuts has a positive impact on your brain cells. The presence of flavonoids and vitamin E destroys the harmful radicals that cause dementia. Walnuts even help to reduce the risk of breast and pancreatic cancer. With these many benefits, it is advisable to include this exceptional nut into your diet. 

• Brazil nuts

Brazil nuts are a South American nut with a lot of health benefits which can be consumed on a daily basis. They are best for boosting immunity and they even improve digestion. Consumption of brazil nuts also helps to enhance your skin’s health. Brazil nuts are a rich source of Selenium, an essential trace element which is extremely important for the immune system, thyroid gland, managing blood sugar levels, and cell growth. According to studies, Brazil nuts also help reduce LDL (bad) cholesterol, increase HDL (good) cholesterol, improve blood vessel function and help boost your heart health. These impressive health benefits are enough for you to include this nutritious nut to your winter diet.

• Dates

This iron-rich food has plenty of health benefits. This dry fruit is one of the tastiest fruits to have in winters. It can be used in cakes, cookies, desserts, fudge, pie,  traditional delicious like ladoo, barfi, halwa or simply have it as a snack, it fits in each and every category. Dates are extremely beneficial for people who have anaemia. It is also rich in sucrose, glucose, and fructose which helps in boosting energy in a short period. It is used in breakfasts too as it replenishes the energy within a very short period. The fibre content of dates eases the digestion process of the food. Dates are also good for controlling diarrhoea because of the presence of potassium in it. Loaded with powerful nutrients dates are just so good for your health.

• Apricots

This dried version of orange is rich in antioxidants and is also beneficial for your skin. Apricots are also rich in vitamin A that helps in enhancing vision and it also helps in reducing the loss of sight with age. It also keeps the immune system healthy. Apricots are good for maintaining healthy bones and good skin. Consumption of Apricots promotes cell regeneration which removes dead skin cells. Include this amazing fruit in your diet and enjoy healthy glowing skin during the harsh winters.

• Raisins

Raisins are an excellent source of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and fibre. They are also fat and cholesterol-free. Also, raisins contain boron, a mineral that helps maintain good bone & joint health and helps improve cognitive health. Raisins also contain a good amount of sugar which helps in boosting energy. Rich in iron, copper, vitamins and minerals raisins can help prevent anaemia. Raisins also help relieve constipation, regulate cholesterol levels, improve heart health, prevent tooth decay, improve fertility, and much more. Raisins are a nutrient-dense fruit which is absolutely necessary for maintaining a good healthy body during the winter season.

• Figs

Figs commonly known as Anjeer in India is an extremely nutritious fruit to include in your winter diet. Figs are rich in minerals and vitamins like iron, manganese, sodium, calcium, phosphorus, chlorine, vitamin A, vitamin B1, vitamin B2. Also, figs are a great source of fibres and potassium. Figs are highly beneficial for diabetic people as they may help maintain blood sugar levels. Figs are also extremely good for treating constipation, indigestion, cough and bronchitis. Hence eating figs during winters is highly recommended. 

• Pistachios

The tiny little green coloured nuts pistachios are a storehouse of nutrients. Loaded with Vitamin E, iron, calcium, magnesium, protein, potassium, copper,  antioxidants, and phosphorous Pistachios helps maintain cholesterol levels, heart health, skin and immunity.  Pistachios are also low on fat and high in protein as compared to other dry fruits like almonds, cashew, walnuts, pecan which helps keeping you full for a longer period of time. So without any guilt indulge yourself into this amazing tiny dry fruit. 

Dry fruits help in keeping diseases and stress away as they are storehouses of essential nutrients. Loaded with healthy fats, fibre and essential nutrients dry fruits makes for one of the healthiest snacks. They can be easily added to your diet. Just make sure to have them in small quantities as they contain a plentiful amount of proteins, minerals, vitamins, and dietary fibre. Add these incredible nuts in your diet during the cold chilly winter season and you will be able to see the amazing changes in your overall health. If you are in search of a good place to buy premium quality dry fruits, don’t worry JustHaat is here at your rescue. You can easily buy online all types of dry fruits at the best price from JustHaat - your one-stop-shop for online grocery shopping. With this, we hope you all will stay healthy and fit this winter season.

Happy Winters to all!

Thandai is a popular Indian drink that is traditionally prepared during Holi and other festivals. It is a refreshing and cooling drink that is perfect for hot weather. Here is a simple recipe for Thandai:

Ingredients:

• 1 cup milk
• 1 cup water
• 2 tablespoons sugar (or to taste)
• 2 tablespoons almonds, blanched and chopped
• 2 tablespoons pistachios, blanched and chopped
• 2 tablespoons cashews, chopped
• 1 tablespoon poppy seeds (khus khus)
• 1 tablespoon fennel seeds (saunf)
• 1 tablespoon cardamom powder
• 1/4 teaspoon saffron strands
• 1/2 teaspoon rose water

Instructions:

1. In a blender, add the almonds, pistachios, cashews, poppy seeds, and fennel seeds. Grind them into a fine powder.

2. Add 1/4 cup water and blend again to make a smooth paste.

3. In a pan, heat the milk and remaining water together.

4. Add the sugar and stir until it dissolves.

5. Add the nut and spice paste to the milk mixture and stir well.

6. Add the cardamom powder and saffron strands, and mix well.

7. Let the Thandai cool down to room temperature.

8. Once cooled, add the rose water and mix well.

9. Chill the Thandai in the refrigerator for a few hours.

10. Serve the chilled Thandai in glasses, garnished with chopped nuts and a few saffron strands.

Enjoy your homemade Thandai!

Benefit of thandai

Thandai is a traditional Indian drink that is known for its numerous health benefits. Here are some of the benefits of Thandai:

1. Cooling effect: Thandai is a refreshing and cooling drink that helps to beat the heat and keep the body hydrated during hot weather.

2. Nutritious: Thandai is made with a blend of nuts, seeds, and spices, making it a rich source of essential nutrients, including protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals.

3. Improves digestion: The spices and seeds used in Thandai, including fennel, cardamom, and poppy seeds, have digestive properties that help to improve digestion and relieve digestive problems such as bloating, gas, and constipation.

4. Relieves stress and anxiety: Thandai contains saffron, which is known for its calming properties that help to relieve stress and anxiety.

5. Boosts immunity: Thandai contains ingredients such as almonds, pistachios, and cashews, which are rich in antioxidants and help to boost the immune system, protecting the body against infections and diseases.

6. Anti-inflammatory properties: Thandai contains ingredients such as saffron, cardamom, and fennel, which have anti-inflammatory properties that help to reduce inflammation in the body and relieve pain and swelling.

Overall, Thandai is a delicious and nutritious drink that provides numerous health benefits. It is a great way to beat the heat, boost immunity, and improve digestion.