As much as you all enjoy rains during the monsoon and the slightly cooler weather just before the autumn season kickstarts, one cannot stop the rise in the chances of catching the seasonal viral or influenza during this weather.
Nutritionist Avni Kaul says with persistent showers hitting the country almost during any hour of the day, the chances of catching a common cold, viral infection or influenza during this time is quite high.
Therefore, it becomes vital to safeguard yourselves from these commonly occurring cases of flu and their symptoms due to the changes in weather.
There are few food items that can actually, help you in countering viral and influenza that by enhancing the immunity system.
In this article, Delhi’s renowned Nutritionist and Dietitian Avni Kaul talk about the immunity boosting foods to counter viral and influenza during the monsoon season.
These superfoods contain healthy nutrients and can be easily available in your kitchen.
Sweet Potato (Shakarkand)
Sweet Potato or Shakarkand is one of the fines sources of beta-carotene of all vegetables, even higher than carrots, and only one small sweet potato contains way more than your daily requirement of Vitamin A. This nutrient helps in keeping the mucous lining in your nose healthy and functional as the first line of defense against dangerous viruses and bacteria. Vitamin A also makes white blood cells, which fight against infections.
Garlic
Garlic has sulfur-containing properties that help fight off the viruses responsible for the common cold and flu. But bear in mind that the way garlic is treated is important. Crushing or slicing it and letting it stand for a minimum of 10 minutes before eating is advised, as this increases the allicin content. Which is the compound responsible for garlic’s fighting abilities?
Green Or Herbal Tea
Green tea is known to contain polyphenols. A powerful plant antioxidant with immunity-boosting effects. A particular kind of polyphenols called catechins helps to kill influenza viruses.
Ginger
Ginger is always in demand during the monsoon season. Particularly, the ginger tea. It not only rejuvenates your system but helps to lessen the symptoms of viral or flu-related symptoms such as sore throat and chest congestion. Ginger is best to consume in its raw form or cooked in food.
Green Vegetable
The importance of eating green vegetables cannot be ruled out. Because they are rich in vitamin C and E which plays a critical role as a protective nutrient. You should consume a lot of spinach, cabbage, bottle gourd (lauki) that helps to boost your immunity.
Probiotics
Probiotic foods like curd, yogurt, lassi and chach are a great source of gut microbes which assists in the digestion of the food. They all help in the formation of good gut flora which in return boosts immunity, stop inflammation, infections, and regulation of metabolism.
P.S. It is advised to consult your doctor because monsoon also brings life-threatening diseases like malaria and other diseases which occurs due to mosquito bites. Instead of going for self-medication visit to your doctor first. Especially, if you see the repeated occurrence of flu and fever.
In Buenos Aires, 2018 Summer Youth Olympic Games Nutritionist Avni Kaul was the Advisor (Nutrition) from India. She is a Gold-medallist master’s science graduate from the University of Delhi in the subject of Food and Nutrition. Avni Kaul is a diet and nutrition columnist in some of India's leading newspapers and magazines like -
Columnist at TimesNow
Columnist at NDTV Food
Columnist at Grazia
Columnist at Deccan Herald
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