Ah, the monsoon season! A time for cozy weather, hot tea, and... a sudden rise in infections? Yep, along with very good rains comes not so good bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens that thrive in damp conditions. Strengthening your immune system during this season isn’t just a good idea—it’s essential. Let's see how these foods can help you stay healthy and cheerful during the rainy days.
- Citrus Fruits
When life gives you lemons, make lemonade! Oranges, lemons, and grapefruits are all jam-packed with Vitamin C (just like Mumbai & Bangalore traffic 😭)
The primary role of Vitamin C in your body is-
- Growth and repair of tissues throughout the body.
- Produces collagen, a protein used to make skin, tendons, ligaments, blood vessels, and cartilage.
- Vitamin C is an antioxidant that helps protect cells from free radicals, which are unstable molecules that can damage cells.
- Vitamin C can strengthen your immune system by helping your body's defense cells, called neutrophils, move quickly to where they're needed, such as infection sites. It also makes these cells more effective at fighting off germs. Additionally, Vitamin C can reduce the impact of allergies and help your body fight infections more efficiently.
- Green Leafy Vegetables
Popeye was muscular and popular thanks to his love for spinach. With green leafy vegetables like spinach, kale, and fenugreek, one gets profuse supply of vitamins A, C, and E, coupled with a dose of antioxidants that help the body fight off diseases. Green leafies keep your immune system fit for the monsoon.
- Ginger
Ginger isn't just used to put a little 'zing' into your dishes; it's a powerhouse of health benefits. Rich in anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, ginger reduces inflammation while boosting your immune response. Useful against common respiratory infections during the monsoon, ginger can be added to your tea, soups or certain dishes. To increase the benefits, ginger can also be added to honey. Grate a spoonful of ginger and add honey to it. Have this once or twice in a day to fight off infections and help with sore throat.
- Honey
Honey is much more than a natural sweetener; it's actually an immune booster with antibacterial and antioxidant properties. Soothe a sore throat and reduce coughs, energize quickly with just a spoonful of honey. Add it in tea, drizzle over toast, or as a natural sweetener in recipes or have it on-the-go with HoneyAllDay honey straws & honey pouches.
- Garlic
Garlic not only keeps the vampires away but also is a potent ingredient in keeping infections at bay. It is rich in allicin, a compound known for its immune-boosting properties. This pungent bulb can be taken to reduce the intensity of coughs and colds, and other infectious that are common during monsoon. The addition of garlic to soups, stir-fries, and other dishes adds flavor to them and makes for a healthy meal. Garlic can also be mixed with truly raw honey, & this combo offers various benefits such as boosting immunity, promoting heart health, improving digestion, managing diabetes, aiding in weight loss, enhancing brain health, and providing respiratory relief. It has antibacterial, antiviral, and anti-inflammatory properties of both ingredients, making it a potent natural remedy for several conditions.
- Yogurt
Your gut health is directly linked to your immune system, and that’s where yogurt comes in. Rich in probiotics, yogurt supports good gut bacteria for a healthy gut microbiome, which goes on to develop robust immunity. A bowl of simple yogurt every day will keep digestion problems at bay and make it easier for your body to fight monsoon-related illnesses.
- Almonds
Almonds not only boost your brain power but also boosts your immunity. Almonds are a good source of Vitamin E, a cell-damage-antioxidant that helps strengthen immunity. A handful of almonds as a snack or crunchy complement to your breakfast will keep you fit and healthy during the rainy season. If almonds seems like drying for your mouth, you can mix it with truly raw honey. It aids digestion, boosts immunity, improves skin health, enhances energy levels, and promotes better sleep. This mix is also known for its anti-inflammatory properties and may support respiratory health. Enjoying almonds with honey regularly can be a natural way to boost overall well-being.
- Green Tea
Swap out your cup of chai for green tea, a beverage rich in flavonoids and antioxidants like EGCG, which are known to enhance immune function.
It also protects against diseases like cancer, improving heart health, aiding in weight loss, and shielding the skin from harmful radiation. EGCG works by targeting specific molecules related to these health issues. Green tea inhibits the growth of microorganisms by its antimicrobial nature; hence it is an excellent beverage during monsoon. Squeeze in some lemon and dash in a little truly raw honey for added benefits.
- Papaya
It's not only a refreshing tropical fruit but a great immunity booster. Papaya is full of vitamin C and digestive enzymes like papain, which support immune function and aid in digestion. Whether eaten fresh or added to a fruit salad, papaya is a delicious way to keep the immune system up!
- Turmeric
Curcumin, a bioactive of turmeric, has potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that enhance your immunity. A glass of hot turmeric milk, as it is often called, "golden milk," may serve as a great remedy in building immunity and battling infections through the wet season.
Include these immune-boosting superfoods in your diet to counter an attack of any illness during this season. And ofcourse your greatest companion from nature— truly raw honey by HoneyAllDay honey—for your all-round protection from infections.
