8 Must-Have Superfoods To Boost Your Immunity This Winter

With the onset of winter, one feels like skipping the gym and eating or drinking a warm cup of hot cocoa. The chilly winds make us want to wrap ourselves in a blanket and do nothing at all. However, with the drop in mercury and a lack of exercise, there is a high chance that your immunity may drop too. Here is a list of curated food items to boost your immunity this winter season

1. Ghee

Ghee is the superfood you should not skip this winter. A moderate amount of ghee will help to protect your skin from dryness and help to generate heat in the body which further gives energy to the body. It is an Ayurvedic favourite to treat a variety of winter woes since centuries.

2. Ginger

Ginger is one of the essential spices used in the Indian kitchen. It has been widely used for its medicinal properties. It can be used in teas, soups and the daily food you cook. It boosts immunity and can relieve a sore throat, and fight inflammation.

3. Green Leafy Vegetables

Green leafy vegetables are rich in nutrients loaded with soluble and insoluble fibre, vitamins and minerals like iron, folic acid, calcium, potassium, phosphorus and magnesium. They boost your immunity against seasonal infections.

4. Amla

Amla is power-packed with vitamin C and is a superfood to have this winter to boost your immunity. One can have it in the form of murabba, pickle, chutney or have it as it is. It helps to prevent hair loss, acidity, weight gain and the problems that arise during this season.

5. Jaggery

Jaggery, also known as Gud, is power-packed with iron, an essential food to be consumed during winter as iron helps in binding oxygen to RBCs. If the iron level in the body is low, your cells receive less oxygen, which makes you feel colder.

6. Nuts

Nuts are the compact snacks which fit in the palms of our hands and boast of many minerals and vitamins. Vitamin C and protein in the nuts build your immunity, which help you ward off colds, coughs, asthma, and other ailments common in the winters. Dry fruits have an enormous quantity of an antioxidant called phenol which clears your system of free radicals and counters the ageing process. They further boost your energy level and brain health.

7. Broccoli

Dark green cruciferous vegetables are a great source of vitamins, minerals, iron, vitamins A, E, and C, fibres and antioxidants. It possesses anti-cancer and anti-inflammatory properties, which are beneficial for overall health. It is packed with soluble fibre that draws cholesterol out of your body. Broccoli even has significant amounts of omega-3 fatty acids, which are well-known as an anti-inflammatory.

8. Garlic

Garlic is loaded with antioxidants, anti-inflammatory, anti-viral and anti-bacterial properties which makes it a superfood for winter. Try to add garlic to the soups or vegetables you cook. Garlic can also be consumed raw in the form of pickles for its super benefits.