TO YOUR PLATES – It’s cold and you’re tired. It’s not surprising, it’s the season. What if the solution was in the kitchen?
Feeling a little down? Don’t panic, everything is normal. Gloomy weather, cold, colds, bronchitis or other endless illnesses are all reasons. But don’t rush to buy grandmother’s remedies, the solution is at the market gardener. In order to stay in shape in the face of the cold that is setting in, it’s all about diet. Grab your pens, here are the 10 foods that you need to add to your shopping list the next time you go to the store.
Mushrooms
To fight the cold, nothing beats vitamins. And that’s good, mushrooms are full of them. Vitamin B3, for example, is essential for the skin. Mushrooms are also rich in iron and zinc, which are essential minerals for increasing our red blood cell count and thus preventing anemia. The other advantage is that they are very easy to cook. Whether velouté or fricassee, you will no longer have an excuse to do without them.
Celery
We can see you grimacing. Yes, celery, whether root or stalk, does not appeal to everyone. It needs to be well seasoned to bring out its flavor. Very low in calories, it is however rich in vitamins and fibers that contribute to good digestion and has purifying qualities that help eliminate toxins. Celery also contains many minerals including potassium, which contributes to good cardiovascular health and prevents hypertension. Ideal in soup, pot-au-feu, mash or salad.
Red beans
Dried vegetables will be your best friends all winter long. We are betting on red beans, rich in vegetable proteins that are essential in addition to animal proteins. They also contain carbohydrates such as starch that bring them closer to cereals and fibers, ideal for lazy intestines. This is a significant virtue in winter when we tend to eat less fruit than in summer.
Avocado
Yes, avocado is fatty. But it is unsaturated fats essential for health, which makes it an ally in winter when our energy needs are slightly higher in case of exposure to the cold. Avocado also contains vitamins C, B and E, which have antioxidant properties and help fight against skin aging. Enough to keep a fresh complexion despite the gloomy weather.
Grapefruit
A splash of ‘mousse and it’s off again! Fresh on the plate for breakfast or in juice, grapefruit allows you to start the day off on the right foot. Rich in vitamin C, this fruit works as a real anti-fatigue remedy. Its antioxidant properties also have an effect on the skin. And good news: it works with all citrus fruits!
Watercress
You have to love its very particular taste. But whether eaten raw or cooked, watercress is an excellent source of vitamins A, K and C and antioxidants. It also contains more iron than spinach, contrary to what Popeye would have us believe. It is therefore perfect for dealing with the little ailments of winter and eliminating toxins.
Onion
A seasonal vegetable, onion has qualities that are not always known. Good for the digestive tract and anti-infectious, it promotes blood circulation and contains a large number of vitamins (A, B and especially C) and mineral salts. It’s time to put some everywhere! Be careful of your eyes when cutting it, however.
Black radish
What if the cousin of the radish that ruined our childhood meals in the canteen became our best ally for the winter? Very rich in vitamin C and potassium, black radish is known for its diuretic and purifying action, particularly on the liver. It is also very effective against infections and helps clear the bronchi. It can be eaten raw, grated or in strips, according to your tastes.
Propolis
It is the natural antibiotic par excellence. Little known, propolis is a resin made by bees to protect the hive from external viruses. A shielding role that it also fulfills in humans. Particularly effective for respiratory and ENT problems, it could well save your life in case of ear infection. It is available in the form of a spray, lozenge or pipette.
Ginger
Better known for its aphrodisiac properties, ginger is also one of your best allies in winter: stimulating blood circulation, it also acts as a real anti-inflammatory and protects the stomach lining from acidity. It is also recommended to relieve nausea. The miracle cocktail against small viruses? A ginger herbal tea accompanied by honey and lemon.