Winter is drawing to a close - the temperatures are dropping, days are getting shorter and we’re trying our best to stay away from falling sick and being doomed to a bowl of bland soup. Even if you are an avid winter enthusiast, you won’t be able to enjoy the chills if you aren’t keeping well.
Needless to say, this time of the year demands that you lend maximum support to your immune system. Washing your hands, exercising regularly and soaking in sunshine alone do not suffice. You are what you eat and if your diet isn’t right, you are more susceptible to illness than anybody else. And because this season demands extra care for your well being, here is a list of immunity boosting foods which are absolute MUST HAVES for every time the seasons change:
- Shilajit
The minerals contained in Himalayan Shilajit not only boosts your immune system, but they will help remove toxins from your body. Besides, the enzymes present in the magic herb provide for body’s primary antioxidant defence against oxidative stress and constitute a huge part of our immune system. Research shows that consuming a pinch of Shilajit dissolved in a glass of milk or warm water over an empty stomach yields the best result for your immunity.
2. Almonds
Almonds are rich in Vitamin E and Vitamin E is the key to a healthy immune system. It’s a fat-soluble vitamin, which means that it requires the presence of fat to be absorbed properly. Almonds provide a healthy combination of both healthy fats and the Vitamin, which means your immune system can rejoice with a daily serving of almonds alone.
3. Kehwa
The Kashmiri version of the green tea is packed with flavonoids, a type of antioxidant which has been shown to enhance immune function. What’s more, Kahwa has been used to relieve sore throats and shoo away cold and flu in Kashmiri households for as long as the tea has been known in the Valley. The Kahwa is also a good source of the amino acid L-theanine which may aid in the production of germ-fighting compounds in your T-cells.
4. Mountain Garlic
Garlic is found in almost every cuisine in the world. Not only does it adds a zing to food, it's a must-have for your health. According to the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health, garlic may help lower blood pressure and also has immune-boosting properties which seem to come from a heavy concentration of sulfur-containing compounds.
5. Raw Honey
Honey gathered straight from the hives not only tastes delicious but can also help soothe symptoms of a cold, relieve sore and itchy throats, says a detailed research published by the Iran Journal of Basic Medical Science. The study reiterates that raw honey has antibacterial properties, killing any germs in the body that can cause you to get sick.
By giving your immune system the support it needs to thrive, you can keep float through the winters and reiterate that HEALTH IS WEALTH.