Few people remember, but this technique from grandma warms the body in winter (and you're going to do it)
When it gets cold, the first reaction is usually to look for blankets, heaters or heavier clothes.
But before all this became the norm, grandmothers already knew something simple: the kitchen has always been the warmest part of the house and also one of the most effective ways of warming the body in winter.
Long before there was electric heating, it was there, between the stove and the pots and pans, that the cold was gradually chased away, with hot food, steam in the air and little habits that made all the difference.
Why cooking helps warm up the body
Grandma's technique doesn't depend on a single trick, but on a set of simple gestures. Cooking activates the body, releases heat into the environment and, above all, involves food and drink that warms from the inside out.
What's more, the smell of hot food, the steam rising from the pans and the heat from the stove create an immediate sensation of thermal comfort, something the body quickly recognizes.
Soups and broths: the classic that never fails
One of the oldest strategies is to prepare soups, broths and stews. They warm not only from the heat of the food, but also from digestion, which slightly increases body temperature.
Common ingredients in grandma's kitchen, such as garlic, onions, vegetables, beans and stock bones, help to keep the body warm for longer, especially at night.
Hot drinks as a warming ritual
Tea, hot milk, freshly brewed coffee or even hot water with some aroma have always been part of our cold weather routine. It wasn't just the drink itself, but the habit of holding the hot mug with your hands, bringing immediate warmth to the body.
This simple practice warms the extremities, relaxes and helps the body cope better with low temperatures.
The steam from the pan also counts
While food is cooking, the steam released into the air creates a feeling of a warmer, more humid environment. Grandmothers spent more time in the kitchen for this very reason: the steam helps relieve the feeling of cold and dryness, especially on very cold days.
The oven as an ally (with care)
Baking bread, cake or a dish in the oven was also part of the strategy. The oven on heats up the room and turns the kitchen into a more comfortable space. Once it's turned off, the residual heat helps for a long time - always with attention and safety.
Pans that retain heat
Heavier pans, such as iron ones, keep the heat in for longer. This meant that the food remained hot even after it was done, helping to prolong the feeling of warmth when eating.
Heating the body is more effective than heating the house
Grandma's wisdom was simple: it's no use just warming up the room if your body is still cold. Hot food, hot drinks and movement in the kitchen help to maintain body temperature more efficiently and naturally.
A simple but meaningful technique
In the end, Grandma's technique for warming the body in winter using the kitchen isn't a complicated secret. It's a set of habits that combine hot food, presence, care and comfort.
More than warding off the cold, these gestures transform the kitchen into a welcoming place - just as it always was.
Mirella Mendonça
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