Nowadays people talk more about strengthening the immune system amidst the COVID-19 outbreak. They look forward to various products to boost their immunity but do they really know what immunity is? In simpler terms, it is the defense mechanism of your body. Your body may get infected by various agents, like pathogens, viruses, bacteria, etc. A stronger immune system identifies and fights such external harmful entities.
Various supplements claim to provide immunity but why opt for them when our Indian superfoods provide the same. Regular usage of these superfoods helps to build your immune system stronger that eventually helps in fighting against germs and bacteria and prevents you from falling ill.
Here is our recommendation of 5 top immunity boosters. When consumed regularly, these five Indian superfoods can boost your immune system making it stronger and build ability to overcome any negative influences in the body including stress.
#1. Turmeric
Turmeric is known for its antibacterial properties and hence, holds a very prominent place in Indian households. Its high curcumin content makes the body stronger against inflammation and hence, strengthens the immune system. It relieves your body from various problems like sore throat, heart problems, flu, constipation, etc. Owing to its benefits, turmeric has been brought to western countries and is used as a dish and a drink. Moreover, it is also used as an ingredient in various medicines.
Its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties make it use widely throughout the globe. To heal the wounds and vanish the infection, turmeric is used generally with milk. This Indian herb is magical and 100% effective in boosting immunity. The best way to intake turmeric is by consuming turmeric milk. Don't just add turmeric to the boiled milk but put it in the boiling milk. Let it be on flame for a couple of minutes and then pour it in your glass. You can also look up the unbeatable combination with Ashwagandha through our Ashwagandha Golden Latte recipe here.
#2. Ashwagandha
The mere fact that the benefits of ashwagandha are mentioned in Ayurveda is enough to exhibit its uncountable benefits. It not only sharpens the memory, improves the functions of the nervous and reproductive systems, increases height but is also a great immunity booster. It can better be consumed with water, milk, ghee, or honey. It improves cell-mediated immunity that eventually improves the body's defense system. Its antioxidant properties also help in protecting cells from getting damaged.
The time of consuming ashwagandha also depicts its benefits. Take Good Lyfe Ashwagandha Superoot Powder with milk during the night for a sound sleep whereas the powder with honey in the morning gives a kick start to your day. In fact, in various studies, it was observed that consumption of ashwagandha with cow's milk has led to an increase in the activation level of white blood cells which play a crucial role in fighting against flu, tumours, and the like diseases. You can make a number of interesting preparations especially with Hot Chocolate in our recipe section here.
#3. Moringa
If you are not aware of this name, let me tell you that it has been used in hot and arid countries like India for centuries owing to its ample health benefits. Moringa is rich in protein which is the base of the immune system. Yogurt is known for protein but very few know that moringa contains more protein than yogurt. Besides, moringa is rich in vitamins A, B, C, and E that makes it an antioxidant as well. This aids in fighting infection and illness and keeping cells healthy.
Moringa is one such plant all the parts of which are full of nutrition, be its seeds, leaves, stems, roots, flowers, or nuts, but I know this plant is not accessible to everyone. Good Lyfe Moringa Superleaf Powder is a blessing for such people. This 100% organic moringa powder is readily available in online grocery stores. This powder can be used in various ways. You can sprinkle it on your salads, or add in soups, dips, sauces, shakes, smoothies, etc. Find a number of delectable preparations in our recipe section.
#4. Amla
Amla, also known as Indian gooseberry, has been used in Indian kitchens for ages. Its use in savoury dishes (such as Amla Superberry Dal) is the same as in fighting ailments like flu, cold, cough, etc. It is immensely rich in antioxidants and micronutrients which aid the enhanced immunity. It is also a great source of Vitamin C that increases the number of white blood cells and hence, prevents you from being caught by viral infections. Moreover, it also detoxifies the body and improves the conditions of the heart, eyes, and hair.
Its high fiber content helps in digestion and weight loss. It can be consumed in form of juice, candy, or even raw. Its taste can be enhanced by combining it with ginger, honey, salt, and pepper. If you can't get it in original form, get yourself Good Lyfe Amla Superberry Powder and use it the way you want.
#5. Virgin Coconut Oil
Just like medical herbs, coconut oil was also recognised in Ayurveda as medicine centuries ago. It is surprising to know that the oil is as nutritious as mother's milk is! The magical content here is the lipid content. The MCFAs (Medium Chain Fatty Acids) and monoglycerides present in the oil make it naturally antibiotic and an immunity booster too. Lauric acid, caprylic acid, and capric acid are the major MCFAs present in coconut oil that works miraculously together to strengthen the immune system.
One thing to be kept in mind is that Virgin Coconut oil is richer in compounds like polyphenols, sterols, Vitamin E, etc. than the refined one since refining eliminates little content of these compounds. One way of using coconut oil is cooking. Another way of using this oil is mentioned in Ayurveda. It is called oil pulling, a detoxification therapy. You just have to take one spoon of oil, keep it in your mouth and swish it for around 5 minutes. It may not directly increase immunity but it helps in destroying bacteria in the mouth that eventually leads to better health.
It doesn't mean that consumption of these products would not make you fall ill. These are merely helpers; various other factors are also crucial for your well-being in the long run, like a proper diet, adequate sleep, plenty of water, maintaining hygiene, doing yoga, etc. Making these small change and as part of your regular routine can bring about big changes.
So go ahead and start a good lyfe!
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