When it’s cold outside, it’s important to eat hearty, wholesome food that warms the soul and feeds the body. Curry offers the spicy comfort you need when the mercury drops. But did you know that certain ingredients can actually warm your body naturally? Let’s delve into this further and check out some good Indian food that should be on your to-eat list this winter.
Thermogenesis and Body Heat
Foods that take a long time to digest help raise your body temperature and make you feel warm and cosy, even when it’s cold outside. The medical term for this process is thermogenesis, which is the process of your body producing heat caused by food metabolising. Many of the most flavoursome ingredients of curry result in thermogenesis, giving you a good excuse to order a Little India delivery! Nestled in South Kensington, our restaurant offers a wealth of authentic dishes, all freshly prepared using aromatic spices that will boost your circulation and keep you toasty.
The top seven Indian spices to keep you warm, include:
● Ginger – this contains heat-producing oils called gingerols. Adding ginger to drinks will keep you warm and aid digestion. Ginger is also found in many Indian dishes including Chicken Tikka Masala and Butter Chicken. So, look out for these on the menu if you want to stay warm throughout the colder months.
● Turmeric – Turmeric is one of the most common spices found in the Indian kitchen and is well-known for adding a deep, earthy flavour to dishes. The curcumin compound in turmeric helps to raise the body temperature – yet another excuse to enjoy Little India fine dining.
● Cinnamon – From cakes to mains, cinnamon is a frequently used spice known to raise the temperature of the body and boost the metabolism. Cinnamon is also a key ingredient in a spice mix known as garam masala, a staple in Indian dishes.
● Chilli – Chilli will make your mouth burn and have you reaching for some milk, water or a good Indian beer such as Cobra. And while your tongue will certainly know if there’s chilli in a dish, your body will also become warm and snug as a result of eating this fruit.
● Cardamom – Cardamom is often used to make aromatic teas. It’s also a key ingredient in rice dishes such as Biriyani and desserts such as Kheer – an Indian rice pudding. Eat this and your body will respond with extra warmth.
● Cumin – what would a curry be without cumin? Again, it’s an Indian staple known to produce and balance heat in the body and aid digestion.
● Coriander – this Indian spice can be served ground or as a fresh herb. It helps to regulate the heat produced in the body and is also important for digestion. Many spice blends contain coriander, but it’s also common to sprinkle coriander over the top of dishes for a dash of colour.
If you feel like getting warm with a delicious Indian this winter, head to Gloucester Road in South Kensington where you’ll find our Little India restaurant. Taste a range of authentic dishes from Korma to Vindaloo – or sample our creative dishes to experience something new.
