Foods That Can Help You Stay Safe from Infection During Monsoons

Here are some foods that can help you fight infection and stay safe during monsoons -

1. Ginger or Herbal Tea

During monsoon, the number of cases of water borne diseases is on the rise. Hence experts advise to refrain from drinking still water or cold water, and instead boil the water well and drink it warm to prevent risk of infection. The age-old ritual of starting the day with a glass of warm water is advised too, as well as drinking hot beverages like green tea, ginger tea, masala chai or herbal tea throughout the day. Herbs and spices like ginger, cloves, black pepper, cardamom, tulsi, brahmi, mint etc provide essential immunity boosting nutrients to the body.

2. Khajur or Honey

Refined sugar maybe pinpointed as the devil in disguise for our ill health, but natural sweet foods like dates, jaggery and honey contain certain essential nutrients that are good for our health. Tip in some dates into your bowl of cereal and salads, or munch as a snack.

3. Pepper Water or Rasam

Black pepper is a storehouse of health boosting components. The power spice contains Vitamin C, Vitamin A, flavonoids, carotenes and other antioxidants that help remove harmful free radicals and protect the body against infections. Add 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper in warm water and keep sipping on it throughout the day, or make yourself a peppery rasam and enjoy!

4. Hot Soups

To battle common cold and flu during the season, hot soups help to de-clog your nasal passages by increasing the temperature of your airways. It also promotes increased secretions that aid in getting rid of bacteria and viruses from your system while the spices have an anti-inflammatory effect against colds and even help suppress coughing, pain and fever and act as a mild sedative too. Make use of seasonal ingredients like gourds, pumpkin, etc.

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5. Munch on Nuts

Nuts are considered to be among the healthiest snacks to munch on. They contain vitamin E, niacin and riboflavin. Vitamin E is an excellent antioxidant that helps keep the cells healthy. Consuming nuts may even help you adapt and react to stress better.

6. Drink Up Kadha

Kadha is an Ayurvedic tonic that helps in boosting immunity, thus making you stronger from within. It is made with a number of herbs and spices that are boiled usually in water to extract their benefits. Some of the ingredients that go into it include tulsi, ginger, black pepper, cinnamon, giloy, etc.