The global pandemic of Covid-19 that struck in 2020 took the world in a whirlwind. People realized how imperative it is to include self-care activities to reduce stress levels and optimize performance. The same goes for maintaining a healthy lifestyle that includes eating a nutritious diet, exercising regularly, and eating the right seasonal foods. It’s raining in most parts of India now which increases the need to strengthen your immunity in monsoon.
A strong immune system enhances the body’s capacity to fight infections and viruses that are prevalent in the rainy season. Therefore, it is important to ensure that one is incorporating some superfoods in their monsoon diet that will boost their immune system. Consuming these foods will help one stay healthy and not fall ill frequently.
Pranay Jain, a health expert and nutritionist, spoke to Health Shots, to share some great foods that can help you steer clear of seasonal diseases.
Gorge on these 5 food items to strengthen your immunity in monsoon:
1. Citrus fruits
Citrus fruits are packed with Vitamin C, which increases the production of white blood cells in the body. It is important to inculcate Vitamin C in the diet on a daily basis as it highly boosts the immune system. Fruits like oranges, grapefruit, and tangerines are excellent sources of Vitamin C
2. Cruciferous vegetables
“Cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli, cabbage, and brussels sprouts have antioxidants, various nutrients, minerals, and vitamins. These vegetables are widely available during the monsoon season. They contain vitamin C, A, and E and potentially prevent DNA damage. They contain beta-carotene and zeaxanthin which helps enhance the immune system,” says Jain.
3. Yogurt
Yogurt is another excellent food to build up one’s immune system. It contains Vitamin D which helps regulate the immune system and makes it stronger. However, with many flavoured yogurts in the market containing artificial ingredients, it is important to either make the yogurt at home or choose one that is packed with Vitamin D.
4. Beans
“Beans are a rich source of potassium, magnesium, vitamin B, proteins, and fiber. Fiber promotes a healthy gut. The proteins in the beans play a crucial role in building white blood cells thus boosting immunity,” Jain told Health Shots
5. Nuts
Nuts such as almonds, cashews, and pistachios are powerful antioxidants. They invigorate the production of WBCs and strengthen the immune system.
Eating superfoods that boosts the production of white blood cells can help in building a healthy immune system. They will help build resistance against diseases, viruses, and infections and aid in quickly recovering from cold and flu. So peeps, eating right can highly contribute to building a wholesome lifestyle.
