These days, boosting immunity is most important as prevention against diseases. Luckily, immunity boosters are readily available in the form of commonly found ingredients in our kitchen.
Here are the list of kitchen ingredients that could boost your immunity:
Cloves
It is a good idea to stock up on cloves as they contain the nutrients required for immunity boosting. Cloves are high in antioxidants which are crucial to fight off free radicals and ease infections. Other than that, cloves contain powerful properties which can effectively destroy virus-infected cells in the body, clear airways of any congestion. To consume, you can eat it raw, crushed or in different recipes according to your preference.
Yoghurt
The key to eating yogurt to increase its effects on the immune system is to limit the added sugar and instead eat it in its purest form with active, live cultures. Eating the probiotics contained in yogurt will help the immune system, as research has found that the immune system and microbiome work with one another to target pathogens. This meant that not having enough good bacteria in the gut could impact your immunity. Therefore, increasing your yogurt intake can strengthen your microbiome, decrease gut permeability, and support immune function.
Honey
When used externally, honey has been used for thousands of years on wounds as ointment for it contains antibacterial properties. Internally, it does wonders for various bronchial diseases such as asthma and throat infections. However, raw honey shouldn’t be mixed in hot or boiling water, or heated up as this process can destroy its molecules and run the risk of making it toxic. The best way to have raw honey is to have one tablespoon every day.
Most of the time, Haldi Doodh, is also known as golden milk is drunk at night before bedtime for restorative sleep. But that is not all, for turmeric has a multitude of benefits. It is great to cleanse the digestive tract, stimulate blood circulate, and fight colds and coughs. For optimum benefits, use fresh cow’s milk and fresh, unadulterated turmeric. First, get a stick of turmeric and crush it coarsely. Afterwards, boil it together with milk. Those who are lactose intolerant can have their dose of turmeric by adding it to buttermilk in the afternoons.
Garlic Pods
Although we do mention garlic pods as immune boosting ingredient, it should be taken in moderation during summer months as it produces heat for whoever consumes it. Yet in moderation, it removes phlegm, act as an anti parasitic, support the digestive organs and enhance ovarian functions. It is also important to note that the limit is no more than two pods of garlic a day. Eating it raw is best, else you can also grind and add it into your food.
Garam masala, other than making your food taste delicious, is full of antioxidants which help in boosting digestion and fighting inflammation in the body. Moreover, it is also full of antioxidants, fights bloating and flatulence. All in all, it keeps the body healthy and may even increase the body’s immune system. Just make sure your garam masala has these spices listed in it: coriander, turmeric, chilli, fennel, black pepper, cumin, salt, ginger powder, mustard, green chilli powder, fenugreek, cinnamon, coriander, cloves, allspice, asafoetida, cardamom and mace.
Amla (Indian Gooseberry)
Amla, or else known as Indian Gooseberry, is chock full of nutrition particularly with vitamin C which has antioxidant properties. This vitamin is crucial in keeping viral and bacterial infections at bay. Furthermore, Amla is said to balance all three doshas in the body – Vata, Pitta and Kapha – and is suitable for all body types. To consume, amla juice is recommended every morning on an empty stomach. If the taste is too much for you, then you can dilute it with one part juice to one part water.
Tulsi is known for its ability to fight off pathogens, keep colds and coughs at bay, and enhance digestion. According to Ayurveda, it is also said to have antibacterial and antimicrobial properties and is useful in treating chronic respiratory disorders like asthma. Combined with ginger, which is a rhizome with analgesic properties and cleanses the nasal passage of mucus. What you can do is boil a few tulsi leaves and add a teaspoon of grated ginger in water. Strain this concoction then drink to gain all the benefits.
Cinnamon
Cinnamon is a commonly found spice that is used on cakes, bananas or in smoothies. While these dishes taste delicious, cinnamon has been found to contain antimicrobial compounds which inhibit bacteria and viruses. Other than that, cinnamon also lowers blood sugar, cholesterol and may also counter free radicals that can cause chronic inflammation.
Nimbu Pani (Lemon Water)
Nimbu Pani, or lemon water is not only delicious to drink during these summer months but also has a lot of health benefits. This is because lemon helps restore the acid-alkaline levels in the body, flush the system with a lot of vitamin C (which is good for the immunity and fight a cold) but also fight active germs and viruses. Other than giving benefits to the body, it works wonderfully as a detox drink, rooting out toxins in the body. That is the reason why people have hot lemon water first thing in the morning.
Is there any other kitchen ingredient that you use to increase your immunity? Share your experience with us in the comments section below!
