Muscat : The temperatures have started to drop in most regions of the Sultanate, especially during the evening. Cold air often affects the health of children, adults, and everyone. The decrease in temperatures during the winter season is accompanied by changes in dietary habits that are driven primarily by the need to give the body a sense of warmth and boost immunity to face diseases that are prevalent during this season.
Many foods are recommended not to be excluded from winter tables due to their essential nutritional elements for the body's health in this season and its cold atmosphere. More attention should be paid to the dietary pattern than any other season to maintain body health.
Some foods are recommended to be consistently consumed during this season.
"There are fruits that give the body a feeling of warmth and also help strengthen the immune system, such as oranges, tangerines, kiwi, bananas and lemons, providing the body with vitamin C," said Nutrition specialist Reem al Zaabi.
Reem added that hot soups are beneficial during winter, as they provide comfort and nutrition. They contain vegetables and proteins that enhance the body's immunity.
She also advises consuming potatoes for their richness in carbohydrates, vitamin C, potassium, and essential fibres to support immunity and raise body temperature.
Among the foods Dr Reem recommends for warmth and strengthening the immune system are red meats and fish. She points out that "meat has a high iron content, which is important for the immune system, and it increases the oxygen level in the body, reducing the feeling of coldness because oxygen provides energy and warmth." Reem also mentioned hot beverages, such as green tea, herbal tea and coffee, as they provide warmth and promote relaxation. She emphasised the benefits of root vegetables, such as turnips, in flu resistance and raising body temperature, in addition to garlic, ginger and black pepper.
Dr Reem advises a good amount of water consumption, explaining that insufficient water intake increases the sensation of coldness. She emphasised that "dehydration causes a decrease in body temperature, and therefore it is necessary to keep the body hydrated by consuming fluids, especially in winter." Dr Reem also pointed out the importance of avoiding the consumption of baked goods and fats during the winter season, especially for those who do not engage in physical activity.
She explained, "Consuming foods high in saturated fats leads to the accumulation of fat in the human body, while people do not exert much physical effort during the winter due to the cold to burn calories. Therefore, it is better to avoid foods that contain a high amount of fats, carbohydrates and sugar."
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