Hot drinks help combat winter's chill by offering a comforting warmth. They also prevent dehydration, which is easy to overlook in cold weather.
For this reason, we spoke to leading health experts to learn about the best hot beverages to keep you warm during the winter months.
However, it’s important to consume these beverages in moderation, especially for those with specific health issues or allergies.
Here's a list of 6 expert-approved hot drinks to warm you up this winter season. Bookmark this guide for your next trip to the grocery store:
Kahwa
Kahwa is a traditional green tea concoction consumed primarily in Kashmir, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Iran, and some regions of Central Asia.
“Kahwa tea, a traditional kashmiri drink seasoned with cardamom, cinnamon, ginger, and saffron, is the best beverage to sip in the cold weather, as it helps keep the body warm. The special ingredient saffron has a warming effect on the body, providing instant relief from the chilly environment. Moreover, it is also the perfect homemade blend for cold, cough, and chest congestion. Cinnamon and ginger are rich in phytochemicals, which help fight these ailments. Kahwa tea is also rich in antioxidants, which boost immunity and enhance the body’s capability to fight external infections,” mentions health expert Aman Puri.
Coffee with cinnamon
Coffee is an easy way to get a caffeine boost and stay warm on a cold day. You can add cinnamon to your coffee for added health benefits.
“My go-to beverage would be a hot americano with a dash of cinnamon. The enhanced antioxidant power of coffee and cinnamon combats oxidative stress and reduces inflammation, potentially boosting the immune system to help fend off winter-related illnesses. Additionally, for individuals watching their calorie intake, especially during the holiday season, it is a satisfying choice. It's comforting flavour profile makes it an ideal option during the chilly winter days,” says certified nutrition coach Anaheez Patel.
Herbal tea
Herbal teas are a great caffeine-free option that will help you stay warm. They also offer a plethora of health benefits.
“Mint and ginger tea keeps you warm while increasing your digestive fire that helps you soothe acidity or indigestion that may happen during the holiday season. It also acts as a tonic for your throat and helps in managing high blood pressure, pain and inflammation during winter months,” remarks nutritionist Lovneet Bhullar Batra.
“Honey ginger tea is a harmonious blend of ginger’s heat and honey’s sweetness. It is a comforting beverage that offers potential health advantages, particularly if holy basil leaves are added. Ginger and holy basil are known for their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits that can strengthen the immune system, fight infections, assist digestion, and relieve nausea. This tea’s soothing warmth provides a welcome relief from the cold, making it an ideal winter companion. Honey ginger tea is rich in antioxidants and polyphenols, offering not only warmth but also boosting immunity, aiding digestion, and improving overall metabolism,” adds fitness and nutritional scientist Dr. Siddhant Bhargava.
Turmeric milk
Turmeric milk is not only delicious, but it also offers several health benefits. Turmeric is a natural anti-inflammatory, so this drink is ideal for soothing a sore throat or cold.
“Turmeric milk is a vibrant, golden-hued drink comprising turmeric, ginger, and other spices. Turmeric is known for its anti-inflammatory properties and may contribute to joint health,” remarks health expert Gurmeet Arora.
“Turmeric milk is really the answer to a lot of our everyday woes. The vegan version comes with all the benefits of the milk variant but is more nutrient-dense. You simply soak equal parts of cashews, almonds and melon seeds overnight. Grind them along with a date, and add some black pepper, turmeric powder and cinnamon powder. Mix this into hot water and you are done. The almonds will keep your glucose levels stable and you will enjoy the satiety that you would with cow's milk,” says nutritionist Khushboo Jain Tibrewala.
Warm lemon water
Sipping this simple beverage is an excellent way to hydrate and boost your immune system in the winter months.
Warm lemon water is a healthy and enjoyable addition to your winter routine, especially if you have a hard time staying hydrated or getting enough vitamin C.
Ayurvedic Kadha
Ayurvedic kadha is a comforting drink made from a decoction of herbs and spices.
Along with keeping you warm, Ayurvedic kadha is an immunity booster and a remedy for various ailments such as cough, cold, congestion, and sore throat.
“Here's my favourite homemade winter kadha recipe to soothe the soul. Take ginger, mango ginger, a few leaves of holy basil, a few strands of lemon grass and some mint leaves. Boil two mugs of water with these ingredients. Boil the concoction down to half and then strain. You can use some honey or jaggery too as per personal preference. Each ingredient of this warm aromatic concoction is known for its potential health benefits and is best consumed first thing in the morning or just before bedtime,” concludes health coach Nyela Kapadia.
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