Immunity Boosting - What Foods Work

What Foods Work

- Pavithra N Raj

What is immunity?

Immunity is defence mechanism against ‘foreign bodies’. It is required for fighting bacteria, viruses, parasites infections.

Immunity can be divided into:

Innate immunity – are in-born with some level of immunity fighting capability against infections.

Acquired immunity – which we develop as we grow.

Passive immunity- is developed with another source which doesn’t last long (Ex: Vaccine for H1N1 which needs to be taken every year to fight against virus)

Immunizations– the vaccination at childhood

Foods that help for immunity boosting Herbal foods like

Garlic: has a powerful anti-inflammatory and antiviral property. Allicin content in the garlic help boost immune system. It can be incorporated in rasam, in the preparation of curry or simply taken roasted in a pinch of ghee.

Ginger: Gingerol an active component in ginger makes it a perfect immunity booster. Apart from that, Ginger has anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, which help in keeping several ailments at bay and helps fighting infections. Can be included in curries or used to make ginger tea.

Turmeric: Curcumin is the compound which has powerful anti-inflammatory properties, help improve immune function. Pinch of turmeric powder can be added to warm milk every day.

Pepper, cinnamon, fennel seeds, cumin, cloves, bay leaves, ajwain has antiviral and antibacterial property which can be boiled in water and prepare an immunity booster drink add a teaspoon of honey before consumption.