As we soak in the soothing rains, the calming drops from the skies bring out the chai andpakoda cravings and instantly change the mood of the city to sublime hues. Work becomesslightly more bearable with the soft, cooling breeze while we hum our way to deadlines. Butthe season also comes with a lot of risks due to the humidity and the wet atmosphere,increasing your chances of falling ill. Hence, its important to make healthier lifestyle choicessuch as eating a well-balanced diet that includes plenty of immunity-boosting foods.Here are some powerful herbs and spices that not only add flavour to your food but also helpstrengthen your immune system:
Cinnamon: Commonly known as dalchini, cinnamon contains sufficient amounts ofmanganese, iron, calcium and fibre. Its essential oils including Cinnamyl acetate andcinnamaldehyde boost immunity. Cinnamon is also used as a wonderful cardio-protectiveherb as it helps to keep the blood pressure in check and it is also a great antioxidant.
Pepper: Pepper has anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. Its carminativeproperties also help in digestion and in maintaining gut health, but importantly, itsexpectorant properties help break up the mucus and phlegm depositions in therespiratory tract thereby providing relief from the nasal congestion and sinusitis. You canadd this effective ingredient in your diet by sprinkling some on your eggs, your salads,soups and even spice up your chai!
Cloves: Cloves contain an active ingredient eugenol that fights off disease-causingbacteria in the body thus, reducing the chance of infection. They also have antioxidantproperties which aid the immune system in fighting off oxidative damage and cell-damaging free radicals. Clove has been used for ages as a remedy for acute pains and it isalso an excellent respiratory herb.
Lemongrass: As rejuvenated as the aroma of lemongrass leaves us, it also contributessignificantly to the bodys wellness. Add its concoction to your teas and include it in yourmeals to enjoy its antioxidant properties. Its often referred to as fever grass as its usedfor treating fevers and symptoms of a cold. Additionally, it is also used for treatinginfections of the digestive tract and urinary tract.
Hing (Asafoetida): Hing or asafoetida has properties that help boost your immunitywith its anti-inflammatory, antibiotic and anti-viral properties. It keeps the digestivetract in check and targets cell-damaging free radicals which are contributors to variousdiseases. You can add it in your dal and other meals to enhance taste and wellness.
Turmeric: The age-old ingredient from moms kitchen can work wonders when itcomes to immunity. Be it in your food, milk or even your tea, turmeric helps cure wounds, clears the skin, aids in digestion and benefits your bones. Curcumin, a compoundpresent in turmeric, is known to possess anti-inflammatory properties that help boostimmunity. It is also a great antioxidant which helps to slow down the oxidativeprocesses in the body and keeps you looking young.
Ginger: Nothing says monsoons better than a good cup of ginger tea. Well, not onlyis it calming to the soul but the ginger in it also helps to ease throat infections. Its anti-inflammatory, anti-viral, anti-bacterial properties keep the bodys defences up againstcough, fever, chills and congestion.
A spoonful of honey mixed with ginger extract canhelp your child get rid of all the irritation and congestion in their respiratory tract.Ginger can also help ease out the aches and pains.
Garlic: Garlic has unparalleled benefits. From helping in keeping your blood pressure in check to keeping your gut healthy, it does it all. Its antimicrobial and antifungal propertiesstimulate the immune system and keep diseases at bay.
Add some garlic to your everydaycurries, mix it up with some chutneys and enjoy the flavour and the health. The allicin ingarlic also helps to fight allergies and respiratory infections. It is also a great naturalblood thinner.
(The author is a wellness expert)
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Spice it up - Deccan Herald
