How to Boost your Immunity, naturally!
In the race to make billions this tech savvy generation failed to reconnect with its own health and well-being. The happy go lucky millenial generation depends more on ready-to-eat and frozen foods giving least thought to the consequences. The casual attitude has brought us to an unprecedented catastrophe across the globe. And here rises the biggest battle to stay alive and reminds us of the term coined centuries ago by British Naturalist Charles Darwin: “Survival of the Fittest!”
Today we stand amidst an inexplicable crisis wherein we have to desperately look for a natural immunity booster. So, let’s see which foods can help us boost our immunity naturally.
There is a dire need to reinforce our defense mechanism to fight the ongoing pandemic COVID19. To build that we need to safeguard ourselves with some immunity boosters and to name a few superfoods which might rescue us from this medical meltdown.
AMLA / GOOSEBERRIES
A rich source of Vitamin C, amla is known to boost immunity by increasing the body’s white blood cell count and help prevent viral infections like the flu. Not only this, it also helps absorb calcium and iron from other foods, improves digestive health, eases cough and balances the stomach’s acid levels.
**The best way to have it: To get the best of its nutrients, have amla with calcium- and iron-rich foods like apricots, raisins and dairy products.
TOMATOES
Tomatoes are the major dietary source of the antioxidant lycopene, which has been linked to many health benefits, including reduced risk of heart disease and cancer. They are also a great source of vitamin C, potassium, folate, and vitamin K.
GARLIC
Garlic not only gives your meal some extra flavor, it also strengthens our immune system. Studies have shown that regular consumption of garlic extract can have a positive effect on blood pressure and high cholesterol levels.Garlic is a package full of antioxidants, which enhances our body’s natural defences.
** Have 2gm of fresh garlic once daily for seven days continuously.
GINGER
The spicy, aromatic ginger root is used to add some punch to drinks, teas and soups.It is also termed as the real superfood which reduces inflammation,relieves pain and helps reduce nausea.
**Have 1 teaspoon of juice extracted from grated ginger with a dash of lemon and honey.
SWEET POTATO
Sweet potatoes are naturally packed with vitamin B5, riboflavin, niacin, thiamin, and carotenoids due to their naturally orange color. Scientists have determined that sweet potatoes contain anti-inflammatory, anti-diabetic, and anticancer properties.
**Boil it, add a bit of lime juice and have.
WALNUTS
Walnuts are a healthy food loaded with beneficial vitamins and minerals that promote overall health. Walnuts are an excellent vegan source of omega-3 fatty acids. In particular, they are full of alpha-linoleic acid (ALA), which can be converted into two other beneficial forms of omega-3s, DHA and EPA. Adding to its versatility,walnuts are a great way to bump up your fiber intake.
TULSI / HOLY BASIL
According to Ayurveda, tulsi is nature’s best antibiotic. It’s antiviral and antibacterial properties are believed to relieve fever, headaches, sore throats and cough. Besides boosting immunity, tulsi is also said to improve digestion and help with respiratory ailments. What’s convenient is you can easily grow it at home and use it whenever needed.
**The best way to have it: You can eat the leaf raw or even add some to your cup of green tea.
JAMUN / BLACK PLUM
Its unusual taste doesn’t make it everyone’s cup of tea, but the fruit has a lot to offer: it purifies the blood, helps with indigestion, controls blood pressure and regulates blood sugar levels. Boosting immunity, it reduces incidences of fever, cold and cough.
**The best way to have it: Blend some jamun pulp with honey and amla to balance its strong flavour. Have it as a paste or stir the mix into a glass of water.
CUCUMBER
Cucumber is one of the most hydrating foods.Cucumbers provide various nutrients but are low in calories, fat, cholesterol, and sodium.Cucumbers have anti-inflammatory benefits which augment our immune system.Cucumbers may play a vital role in controlling and preventing diabetes.Cucumber also contains a range of B vitamins, vitamin A, and antioxidants, including a type known as lignans.
BROCCOLI
There have been many health claims over the years about broccoli and whether it could be labelled a ‘superfood’ or not, but its nutrient-rich profile does offer some real health benefits. Broccoli is a good source of fibre and protein, and contains iron, potassium, calcium, selenium and magnesium as well as the vitamins A, C, E, K and a good array of B vitamins including folic acid.
These traditional superfoods can combat the most dreadful disease of the millennium is quite obscure but definitely escalate the immunity levels of homo sapiens to a great extent. As we face the massive medical deadlock of modern times, let’s put our foot together and include these health supplements without fail. After all “Health is Wealth”!!
