The world is devastating due to pandemic COVID-19 and still it might take a few months to years for the vaccine to be discovered. The best way to keep ourselves protected is by maintaining self-isolation, proper hygiene, social distancing and eating right.
Almost countries’ government has executed home quarantine for the betterment of its well beings. This step is quite commendable but are you incorporating the right diet to improve your immune system? The better your immune system, there’re minimal chances that viruses or bacteria can invade you.
That is why in today’s blog, we are here with 10 foods that will help you to improve your immune system to fight against viruses and bacteria.
Let’s get started!
1. Garlic
Garlic, which is one of the main kitchen ingredients, has also been in use since ages for treating cold and flu because of its anti-bacterial, antiviral and antifungal properties. The sulphur content in the garlic makes it pungent in smell but eating a few cloves of raw garlic helps to boost the number of virus-fighting T cells in your bloodstream.
How to consume garlic?
- Intake 2-3 garlic cloves each day during your meal (if you do not want the pungent smell to stay throughout the day, consume it during the night time).
- Alternatively, you can even soak a few garlic cloves (slightly mashed) in a glass of water, leave it overnight and drink garlic water in the morning.
Also, learn how to make garlic oil at home to treat hair loss:
2. Turmeric:
Turmeric consists of curcumin which has natural anti-inflammatory, antiseptic and antibacterial properties that helps to boost the immune system by keeping viruses and bacterias at bay.
How to consume turmeric?
- Take a glass of boiled milk and add a half teaspoon of turmeric to it.
- Mix well and drink before bed daily.
3. Citrus fruits:
Citrus fruits act as an immunity booster because they are rich in vitamin C which is essential for healthy growth of body tissues. People suffering from cold tend to intake more vitamin C as it acts as an antioxidant that helps to prevent the cell damage due to free radicals.
Few citric fruits include: lemons, oranges, grapefruits, tangerine, pomelo etc. You can add any of these fruits to your regular diet.
4. Almonds
Rich in vitamin E, almonds act as an antioxidant that helps to improve the immune system function. They are also rich in iron and protein which are other vital elements to boost the immune system.
You can either consume it alone or add it to salad, yogurt or your favorite breakfast (oats, muesli, porridge)
5. Ginger
Ginger has strong anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that combat any kind of inflammation and cell damage to improve your immune system. You can either consume food that consists of ginger or take sips of ginger tea.
6. Green tea
Green tea is one of the healthy beverages which is rich in antioxidants and nutrients called Polyphenols. It helps to protect the body against potential viruses and infections. One of the best green tea that helps to boost your immune system is chamomile green tea.
Also, discover 10 AMAZING Health Benefits of Drinking Chamomile Tea
7. Broccoli
Broccoli, one of the healthiest veggies which is great in taste and nutritional values, also consists of antioxidants and vitamins that helps to boost the immune system. It is rich in vitamins K, C, fibre, potassium and folate. It also helps to prevent cancer of the breast, colon, bladder, lung, liver, ovaries, and prostate.
8. Spinach
Spinach is power packed with numerous antioxidants, vitamins (such as A, C), folate, fiber, magnesium, iron and beta carotene. It helps to improve the immune system by providing necessary nutrients for cells and DNA repair.
You can either consume spinach raw mixing in salad or lightly cook it to preserve nutrients.
9. Avocado
Avocado is rich in several vitamins and minerals that include potassium, lutein, folate, Vitamin B and zinc. Adding a slice of avocado to your sandwich or topping a healthy salad with a few cubes of avocado will make your immune system much healthier.
10. Yogurt:
Last but not the least, the dairy product – yogurt is considered to boost the immunity of your body as it provides protein, calcium, vitamins D, B6 and B12, potassium, magnesium and riboflavin.
You can either consume plain yogurt (instead of pre-flavored ones) or mix some fruits in it.
In order to boost your immune system, it requires that you incorporate several nutrients to your diet. Hence, try considering the above foods to your diet plan as a strong immune system helps to protect yourself from various health conditions such as cold, flu or even the novel coronavirus.
Get a great start to improve your immune system by eating right. Also, do not forget to exercise and discover other 10 helpful tips to boost your immunity.
