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Diet-induced thermogenesis - The process of heating the body through food is known as diet-induced thermogenesis. The work it takes to digest food, for several hours, increases heat in the body.

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The science - When food is digested, brown fat is activated, which has a specialized protein. When the protein reacts within the digesting process, heat is produced.

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What you eat matters - Livestrong reports that, according to the National Council of Strength and Fitness, the amount of heat generated from dietary sources is completely dependent on the food consumed.

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Oats - It's not hard to cozy up with a hot breakfast of oatmeal in the winter, but the fiber in the oats will keep you feeling warm, and full, until lunch.

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Bananas - This versatile fruit is rich in B vitamins and magnesium, which is said to help the thyroid and adrenal glands regulate the body's temperature, especially in cold weather.

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Potatoes and carrots - Root vegetables require more energy to digest than veggies from above ground, and heat is created in the digestion process, which also lasts longer. 

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Spinach - Spinach is great in the winter as it is said to increase metabolism and help raise body heat, not to mention the added dose of iron which can help keep you warm.

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Coconut oil - Coconut oil's medium-chain fatty acids are easy to absorb as a source of energy, and their beta-oxidation stimulates metabolism and reportedly enhances its thermogenic effect.

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Green tea - A steamy mug of green tea is already appealing in the winter, but the antioxidant flavonoids and caffeine are what gives it thermogenic properties.

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Eggs - With a high amount of protein, calcium, and iron, eggs have a strong tendency to produce heat through our digestive system.

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Cabbage and kale - Livestrong also notes that cabbage and kale are among the most effective heat-producing root vegetables.

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Peanuts - Peanuts are praised for speeding up metabolism and increasing blood circulation, as well their low glycemic index which means they are digested slowly and therefore provide long-lasting energy.

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Mangoes - This surprising fruit is usually associated with summer, but it's actually a "hot food," meaning it creates heat in the body, according to Ayurvedic studies. 

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Hot or iced coffee - No matter the temperature, coffee's caffeine increases metabolism by stimulating the release of fatty acids, which in turn can increase body heat, Eat This reports.

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Onions and garlic - According to mind-body health system Ayurveda, consuming onions and garlic generates heat in the body, potentially due to their B vitamins, though some also say they cause nightmares. 

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Brown rice - Because brown rice is a complex carbohydrate, it requires more energy and time to digest, therefore creating more internal heat.

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Turnips - Turnip and its leaves reportedly help improve your overall cardiovascular health along with increasing your body temperature.

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Ginger - A 2012 study published in the journal Metabolism found that ginger, by way of its pungent compounds gingerol and shogaol, enhances thermogenesis. 

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Dates - Dates are high in minerals, fats, and fiber, and require more energy to digest, thereby  producing more heat in your body.

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Hot peppers - Hot peppers not only add flavorful heat to dishes, but when consumed in moderation, certain peppers may help increase your internal body temperature.

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Chili peppers - Specifically chili peppers within the capsicum family are among the most reliable when it comes to raising body temperatures, as the spice stimulates the circulatory system.

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But be careful! - Don't overdo it when it comes to hot peppers, firstly because the pain is fierce, and secondly, you want to avoid sweating as that actually lowers your body temperature.

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Cumin - This aromatic spice generates a less intense heat than chili peppers, while still warming your insides, according to Eat This.

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Butternut squash - Not only is it a nutritious soup base with tons of dietary fiber, but butternut squash also has high levels of vitamin C and potassium as an added boost to your immune system.

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Whole grains - Because of the fiber, whole grains require more energy to break down than simple carbs, and the process not only increases body heat but keeps you full for longer. 

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Lean meats - If your hands and feet always seem cold, you may have an iron deficiency, and adding foods rich in the mineral can help warm you up. Lean meats are a good option while remaining low in saturated fat.

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Beans and lentils - If you don't eat meat, beans and lentils are another good source of iron. Just make sure you’re also eating things like citrus, which help your body absorb iron.

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Water - When you're dehydrated your core temperature drops, and water also helps your body's natural system for regulating temperature.

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Warm meals - While diet-induced thermogenesis does not include the temperature the foods are served at, consuming warm foods may provide a more instant, though temporary, relief from cold.

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Avoid alcohol -

A shot of whiskey may warm you up for a minute, but alcohol actually lowers your body’s core temperature and impairs your ability to shiver, which is your body's natural reaction to raise its temperature. Avoid going out for too many drinks!

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Why does keeping warm fight off colds? -

A warmer body temperature reportedly creates an environment that is hostile to pathogens in your body, helping you fight illness more effectively.

See also: Daily habits that increase your risk of catching a cold.

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