How cold affects your body and how to compensate with diet

When temperatures drop and the cold settles in, you not only need to dress appropriately, but also understand how cold affects the human body. Our body reacts in various ways to keep warm and protect itself, but these responses can have consequences that are important to know. Fortunately, diet is a great ally to compensate for these effects and strengthen our immune system during cold periods. In this article, we explain what processes occur in your body with cold, how diet can help you, and how to benefit from practical options such as the freeze-dried fruit sticks from Greenora.

What happens to your body when it is cold

Cold triggers a series of reactions in the body aimed at conserving heat and maintaining vital functions. However, these adaptations can affect your well-being if you do not provide adequate support.

The effects of cold on the body

When faced with low temperatures, your body activates mechanisms including:

• Vasoconstriction: Blood vessels narrow to reduce heat loss through the skin, but this can decrease circulation in the extremities, causing a sensation of cold or even numbness.
• Shivering: Involuntary muscle movements to generate additional heat.
• Increased energy expenditure: Your body consumes more energy to maintain internal temperature, increasing basal metabolism.
• Altered immune response: Cold can weaken your defences, making you more susceptible to respiratory infections.

The consequences of cold on the human body can include fatigue, dry skin, muscle stiffness, and a higher risk of colds. That is why it is essential to take care not only of external protection but also to provide internally what the body needs.

How diet helps you fight the cold

An appropriate diet is key to maintaining body heat and strengthening the immune system. It is not just about eating more, but choosing foods that help you generate energy and protect your defences.

Foods that naturally increase body heat

To compensate for the cold, it is advisable to include ingredients in your meals that promote thermogenesis (heat production):

• Foods rich in complex carbohydrates: Whole grains, legumes, and tubers that provide sustained energy.
• Lean proteins: Help maintain active muscle mass, essential for generating heat.
• Warm spices: Ginger, cinnamon or paprika can stimulate circulation and internal warmth.
• Energy fruits: Banana, for example, is rich in potassium and carbohydrates that the body uses for muscle function.

These options will not only help you feel warmer but also provide essential nutrients for a healthy state. In the Fit sticks from Greenora you will find a natural mix of banana, peach and dates, perfect for boosting energy.

Nutrients that strengthen the immune system in cold times

Cold weakens our defences, but certain nutrients can reinforce them:

• Vitamin C: A powerful antioxidant that helps fight colds and reduces the duration of infections. Found in fruits such as kiwi, strawberry, or mango.
• Vitamin A and beta-carotenes: Maintain healthy mucous membranes, the first barrier against viruses and bacteria.
• Zinc and selenium: Minerals that modulate the immune response.
• Natural antioxidants: Protect cells from oxidative stress caused by cold and environmental exposure.

To boost your defences deliciously, the Immune sticks combine mango, pineapple and ginger, ingredients that provide exactly these essential nutrients without additives or added sugars.

Freeze-dried fruit sticks as an ally on cold days

Freeze-dried fruit is a practical and healthy option to support your body in winter. Since it is preserved without additives and retains almost all its properties, it works very well to prepare hot drinks that help you warm up.

With milk or hot water to gain energy

You only need one freeze-dried fruit stick to prepare an instant drink with hot water or milk. This combination provides a quick source of vitamins, fibre and antioxidants that your body can easily absorb to regain energy and warmth.

For example, a smoothie with Well Being – which combines apple, peach and banana – is perfect for a warm breakfast or snack. Additionally, if you prefer to boost your immune system, Immune with ginger can be your best choice for a vitality boost.

Ideal fruits for winter: vitamin C and antioxidants

Fruits such as mango, kiwi, strawberry and berries contain a high concentration of vitamin C and natural antioxidants, essential to protect you from the cold. Taking advantage of these fruits in freeze-dried form offers ease of consumption and nutritional concentration.

Sticks like those from Green Boost include mango, kiwi and spinach to offer a complete cocktail that boosts your energy and protects your cells. Also, they are a fantastic choice for those seeking a healthier diet without hassle.

When and how to take these foods to notice their effects

Incorporating these foods into your daily life is simple and effective if you follow some basic guidelines to gain maximum benefit against the cold.

Keys to easily integrate them into your autumn and winter routine

Freeze-dried fruit sticks are compatible with different moments and preparations. Here are some tips so you don’t run out:

• Upon waking: Prepare a smoothie with milk or plant-based drink and a Well Being stick, to activate your metabolism and start the day with energy.
• At the office or away from home: Take with you the Mix Box, with assorted sticks to hydrate and nourish yourself instantly just by adding hot water wherever you are.
• As a boost before or after physical activity: Opt for a smoothie with Fit, which provides energy and antioxidants for recovery.

Ideal times of day to take advantage of their benefits

Consuming these foods at strategic times can improve how you feel the cold:

• In the morning: Helps ignite your metabolic engine and prepare you for the day.
• Mid-afternoon: Prevents energy drops and keeps your body warm.
• Before going to bed: A hot drink with freeze-dried fruit can promote relaxation and prevent you from feeling cold at night.

Including these habits will allow you to feel better, with more vitality, as well as helping your immune system stay strong.

 

Cold has several effects on your body, from altering circulation to increasing energy expenditure and affecting your defences. But knowing these processes and supporting yourself with an appropriate diet, you can minimise its consequences and face winter with well-being. Incorporating foods that promote body heat and strengthen your immune system is essential. The freeze-dried fruit sticks from Greenora are a practical, natural and delicious way to achieve this. Whether with a hot smoothie of Well Being or an antioxidant boost with Immune, you have the energy and nutrients you need to feel comfortable and protected against the cold. Don’t let low temperatures lower your defences or make you feel exhausted: take care of your body from the inside and enjoy every season to the fullest.