Increase Your Immunity During Monsoon

Monsoon is here and i love this season. Actually, i know that we all love this season. Monsoon not only give us the relief from the scorching heat but also as soon as it starts raining, it uplifts our mood. In fact, it is raining here right now as i am writing this post.

Rains are always associated with deep-fried foods, high-calorie foods, tea, coffee etc. Oh, no no please don't get me wrong. I am not here to tell you that you should not eat all this or eat healthy foods and all. Off course, you can eat such snacks once in a while. In fact, i am here to tell you what foods you should eat to increase your immunity because with all these amazing benefits, monsoon also bring the risk of so many illness and infection, which are mostly related to our gut.

So, let's get straight to the point and let me tell you that what foods you should include in your diet to increase your immunity during rainy season:

1. Garlic

Garlic is one of the most effective food when it comes to fight with the Rhinovirus, which is the most common virus which causes common cold in humans. There is a compound in garlic named as Allicin, which fights against the virus. So, include one clove of garlic daily in your diet to avoid infection this monsoon. You can chew the clove directly which is the best way to have its benefits or you can use it in your dishes too.

2. Ginger

I am sure that you already knew that i am going to add Ginger in this list. How can i not add ginger? It is one of the most beneficial root, which increase the blood circulation and hence, helps you to cough out the mucus. The best way to have ginger is to have it in tea. Nothing relaxes a sore throat better than a hot cup of ginger tea. Just slice up a ginger root and boil it in water while preparing the tea. Also, you can grate or finely chop the ginger root and have it with honey.

3. Cayenne Pepper

Cayenne Pepper increases the production of WBC in our body as it has Capsaicin, which is a very high source of vitamin C and Bioflavinoids. The antioxidants and Beta-carotene present in cayenne pepper helps in the development of healthy mucous membrane and hence support the immune system. You can use cayenne pepper powder in your gravies, sauces, soups, chutneys and lemon water etc.

You can watch the video here:

4. Citrus Fruits

As we all know that Citrus Fruits are rich in Vitamin C, which helps us to fight against infections like flu and cold. Having a serving of citrus fruits daily will increase your body's immunity against those nasty invaders. You can have citrus fruits as it is, which is the best way to have it. However, if you want you can also make the juice out of the fruits at home. One thing here to keep in mind is that packaged juices will not do any good. In fact, they will make you gain weight as they are loaded with artificial sugars. So, you want to stick to the homemade fresh juice.

5. Green Tea

Another high antioxidant food Green Tea, which not only helps in weight loss but also increases the body's immunity. Catechin present in green tea can destroy the common cold and influenza virus. Drink a cup of green tea daily to aid in weight loss as well as to avoid the seasonal viruses.

6. Yogurt

To get its maximum benefits for avoiding the cold, cough and flu you should buy the Yogurt which has live and active cultures. Always check the label before buying the products from the market.

Here you can learn How to Read the Nutrition Labels and Ingredients List on Packet Foods.

So, these active cultures will not only improve your gut health but also will help you fight various seasonal infections.

7. Tulsi

Also called Basil, Tulsi is a well-known plant worldwide. It has anti-flu properties, which means it can very well fight with the infections. You can boil tulsi leaves in your regular tea or make a concoction by boiling 2-3 tulsi leaves, 1 garlic clove and 1 inch ginger root in 1 cup of water. Then add half a tsp of honey to it. It can be given to the children to fight against the various infections of rainy as well as the cold season. However, please keep in mind that honey should not be given to the children below 1 year of age. In that case, you can add jaggery to the concoction.

I hope, this blog will be helpful for you. Please do not forget to share your feedback in the comment section below. Happy Monsoon !!

Be happy and stay healthy !!

Nainja