5 foods that can warm your soul during winter

Everyone is in need of traditional warming foods right now to help keep the chills at bay

With winter in full swing, everyone is in need of traditional warming foods like soup and hot chocolate to help keep the chills at bay. However, did you know that there are other foods than just a bowl of soup of cuppa that could help keep you nice and snug?

Chinese medicine has provided that certain 'yang' foods affect our internal temperature, reported BT. Although these theories haven’t actually been backed up by modern science, it won't hurt to try these five foods that can warm your soul during the cold season.

Chilli

PHOTO: BT

Chilli peppers contain capsaicin, which gives them their spicy kick. Capsaicin is also used in topical pain-relieving creams, and can cause a burning or stinging sensation when first applied to the skin – just like the heat you feel when you eat chilli peppers.

Onions

PHOTO: BT

Onions are used in traditional Chinese medicine, as an energy tonic, to help increase perspiration and tackle illnesses brought on by cold weather. They encourage energy to move to the body's surface to help keep you warm.

Ginger Tea

PHOTO: BT

If you're thinking of warming up with a cup of tea, try adding ginger root to your brew. Ginger is thought to have thermogenic properties that can keep you warm. Some even believe it may also boost metabolism and promote blood flow.

Turmeric

PHOTO: BT

This spice that gives curry powder and mustard its deep yellow colour, is rich in antioxidants and has long been used for healing. It's seen as one of the best warming herbs because it's thought to tighten tissues and absorb excess moisture. Other than that, turmeric milk and turmeric tea are seen as excellent warming drinks too.

Porridge

PHOTO: BT

A steaming bowl of porridge is thought to be one of the best winter warmers ever. It is considered a healthy food because oats can help lower 'bad' cholesterol which collects on the walls of your arteries. Oats are also another Chinese 'yang' or warming food, and are thought to help keep you toasty by mopping up excess dampness inside the body.

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