Cold and flu season is upon us, and hence it is highly essential to prevent them. The air you breathe, the things you touch invariably invite germs, bacteria, and viruses into your body. What can be done to prevent the infection of these viruses or bacteria? Food! Yes, food is not just a source of energy but also has the power to heal the body internally. Some of the most effective weapons in this fight against ill-health is right in your kitchen.
Here are some Indian foods that can help boost the immune system-
1. Turmeric
Turmeric has a compound called curcumin that has strong anti-inflammatory properties. Also, most of the immune-boosting properties come from curcumin, and hence turmeric is added to almost all the recipes. Turmeric helps prevent the flu, improve sore throat, heart disease, improve digestion.
2. Tulsi
As per Ayurveda, tulsi is nature’s best food. It boosts the immune system, improves digestion, and cure respiratory-related illness. Not just that, it’s antibacterial and antiviral properties relieve fevers, headache, sore throat, and cough.
3. Amla
Amla is rich in Vitamin C, which is known to boost immunity by increasing the body’s WCB count. It also helps prevent infections like flu, and helps absorb calcium and other foods, improves digestion, and balances stomach acid levels.
Take amla with calcium and iron-rich foods like apricots, raisins, and dairy products.
4. Jamun (Black Plum)
Jamun is one of the best foods that boost immunity. Along with that, it reduces the incidence of fever, cold, cough, purifies blood, helps with digestion, and regulates blood sugar levels.
Make paste of jamun with honey and male, add it to a glass of water and the consume for good results.
5. Kali mirch (Black pepper)
Though black pepper is mostly used as garnishing, it is a health booster as it contains a compound called piperine, which is high in antioxidants. Piperine has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties and removes harmful toxins from the body.
6. Neem
Nimbin and nimbidin, the compounds present in neem not only boosts the immune system but also cools the body. Its antifungal and antibacterial properties keep the infections at bay and remove toxins from the body and purify the blood.
7. Cinnamon (Dalchini)
Cinnamon is loaded with antioxidants. It has anti-inflammatory properties that help reduce the risk of infections and diseases. The antibacterial and antifungal properties of cinnamon make it a strong immune booster. It also reduces blood sugar levels from the body.
8. Other Spices
Green chilies- speeds up metabolism and is considered top spice to boost immunity. Capsaicin present in it has antioxidant and anti-aging property. Loaded with Vitamin C, chilies help improve cold and sinus problems.
Ginger- it decreases inflammation and has antimicrobial properties that give a boost to the immune system.
Clove- this effective remedy of cold and cough reduces throat inflammation and aids the immune system with its antioxidant properties.
Also, read TIPS To BOOST Your Immune System