Five foods to boost immunity during monsoon
Tulsi, also known as Holy Basil, has long been recognized in Ayurveda for its remarkable healing properties. One of its key attributes lies in its ability to enhance our body’s immune system naturally. By stimulating the activity of T helper cells and natural killer cells, both crucial elements of our immune defense, Tulsi effectively strengthens our immunity.
During the monsoon season, when infections are prevalent, these cells play a vital role in safeguarding our health. Tulsi can be consumed in various forms to harness its advantages. Whether ingesting the leaves directly, brewing them into a nourishing herbal tea, or incorporating them into savory soups and curries, you can benefit from Tulsi’s immunity-boosting effects.
Another potent food, as per the expert, is ginger. Known for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, ginger is packed with compounds like gingerols, paradols, sesquiterpenes, shogaols, and zingerone.
“Besides, ginger improves assimilation and transportation of nutrients to the body’s tissues, much needed to keep cold and flu away.
Lovneet Batra recommends incorporating grated ginger into your tea, soups, and stir-fries as a preventive measure against colds and flu. This simple addition of ginger can help fortify your immune system and keep illnesses at bay.
During the monsoon season, another valuable companion is Black Pepper, often hailed as the “king of spices.” It boasts an exceptional compound called piperine, renowned for its antioxidant and antimicrobial properties. By regularly consuming black pepper, you can bolster your body’s defense mechanisms, ward off harmful pathogens, and reduce the likelihood of falling ill.
Moreover, adding a sprinkle of black pepper to your dishes not only elevates the flavor profile but also confers numerous health benefits.
Curry Leaves, a staple in Indian cuisine, are rich in compounds like linalool, alpha-terpinene, myrcene, mahanimbine, caryophyllene, murrayanol, and alpha-pinene.
These compounds function as antioxidants, playing a crucial role in keeping our bodies healthy and disease-free. Curry leaves can be used in your daily cooking, especially in curries, soups, and lentil dishes.