FOODS TO BOOST YOUR IMMUNITY: Maintaining good health inside out.

As we are all amidst an ongoing deadly pandemic, each and every one of us are resorting to almost any kind of measure to fight it off. Age old traditions are coming back into our daily routines to help maintain good health, alongside all the modern methods that we have been using in the recent past.

There are numerous and countless ways one can help boost their immunity to prevent oneself from being affected by the virus to at least some extent. Some are mental and rest physical. And as it is widely known, both of them are related to a very great extent.

It is extremely imperative that we inculcate healthy eating habits to help sustain our health in such a trying time as we are prone to be exposed to things that could be extremely detrimental to our health.

Some of the various foods that can facilitate this process are kadhas, which is essentially a concoction of various food items with medicinal properties. This is an age-old tradition especially in India, passed on through various generations since time-immemorial.

Consuming foods like berries, onions, garlic, ginger, carrots and even pumpkins that are high on antioxidants is extremely necessary to help reinforce the immune system during these times. These foods contain copious amounts of Vitamin C, B and E, which help get rid of infections. Most preferably they could be consumed raw to consume their benefits in the truest form. Berries can be consumed in the form of fresh juices and the rest can be consumed as healthy salads along with a main meal such as rice.

Vitamin C helps in aiding of the launch of an effective immune response. Lots of citrus fruits like guavas, oranges, amla, berries, lime etc help provide our bodies with adequate amounts of Vitamin C. All of these ingredients can be blended in a food processor and consumed as a concoction.

Turmeric, as widely known is rich in anti-inflammatory properties possessing an active compound called curcumin known to reap a wide range benefit. Adding turmeric and black pepper to your diet is a tried and tested recipe for boosting your immune system. Having it in the form of tea along with water and spices like cinnamon, cloves, cardamom, saffron or just having a glass of good old haldi doodh can be extremely beneficial.

Coconut oil can help greatly in reducing inflammation and digesting fat-soluble vitamins. Coconut oil has antiviral properties that can attack a variety of bacteria and viruses. It can be directly consumed by having 1-2 tablespoons every morning or by just simply replacing your regular cooking oil with coconut oil. This not only helps with maintaining good health but also adds a wonderful flavour to the food as well.

Various other foods like Sauerkraut, miso, kefir, yoghurt, kimchi, home-made pickles and kanji water, that are broadly classified as fermented foods encourages the growth of good bacteria in your gut and high level of it can help with good immunity. Having a small cup of yoghurt after every meal can be extremely beneficial.

Liquorice has many antiviral, antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. It is known to be very effective to get rid of many viral illnesses. Brewing yourself a warm cup of liquorice tea is very helpful to treat a raging cold and give immense relief.

Lastly, apart from consumption of food to help sustain good physical health, heed must be paid to maintain good mental health as well. Exercising regularly, sleeping well, surrounding yourself with good and healthy thoughts are ways one can nourish their minds and help maintain great health inside out.