7 immunity-boosting foods for the monsoon

Enjoy the rain and beat infections with these superfoods

Much as we love the monsoon, we have to admit it brings quite a few health issues with it, not all of which are water borne. A good immune system therefore is the need of this season, which can be built by eating certain foods.

Here’s what you can eat to avoid falling sick during the monsoon (Shutterstock)

Citrus foods: Foods like lemon, gooseberries, oranges and so on can boost immunity because of their high Vitamin C content. Although most citrus fruits are acidic, they instantly create an alkaline environment in the body, thereby reducing the effect of any kind of inflammation. Disease-causing germs can thrive only in an acidic environment.

Foods rich in Vitamin E: Vitamin E is a potent antioxidant found in nuts and seeds like almonds, walnuts, hazelnuts, peanuts, plant oils and vegetables like kale.

Monsoon Rules

Avoid eating outside food. If you can’t, eat only fully cooked foods instead of raw foods.

Always wash your fruits and vegetables thoroughly.

Use herbs and spices like turmeric, nutmeg, lemongrass and black pepper.

Most infections are viral and antibiotics work on bacteria only. Stay home if you are sick.

Keep yourself hydrated; sip green tea and warm water instead of cold beverages.

Wash your hands with soap and clean water regularly to protect against infections.

Sleep well for better immunity.

Iron-rich foods: Iron, particularly the easily absorbed ‘heme iron’, helps the body carry oxygen to the cells. Heme iron is abundant in lean poultry and seafood. Vegetarians can get other forms of iron from dates, beans, broccoli and kale.

Garlic: Raw garlic can fight bacteria, viruses and fungi, and increase the virus-fighting T-cells in the bloodstream.

Turmeric: Turmeric’s active component curcumin is a powerful antioxidant, anti-viral and anti-fungal and can help protect against cancer. Try a cup of turmeric latte.

Nutmeg: Trace minerals found in nutmegs such as potassium, iron, calcium and manganese help boost your immune system.

Green or herbal tea: Green tea contains polyphenols – potent plant antioxidants with immunity-boosting effects. A particular type of polyphenols called catechins may kill influenza viruses.

From HT Brunch, August 26, 2018

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