6 Summer Foods To Boost Your Immunity Today
At the start of the year 2022, India grappled with the third COVID wave, largely due to the Omicron variant. March onwards COVID cases saw a steep decline, resulting in the government lifting all COVID curbs and regulations. Perhaps this was a hasty decision, as reported cases on 18th April, Monday are 90% higher (2,183 fresh cases in the last 24 hours) than on Sunday (1,150 cases).
It is evident that COVID is on the rise again, a slight lapse in judgement during this crucial stage of easing back into pre-covid normalcy can result in COVID reinfections. It is impertinent to stay vigilant in our fight against COVID, this involves maintaining social distancing, wearing masks, getting vaccinated, staying active, and most importantly, eating the right food. Some foods set one’s health on a decline, like overly-processed food, fried fast food, and sweets. Conversely, there are superfoods that aid one to achieve optimum health levels. Some of these foods are also great catalysts for the immune system, and as iterated above, with rising COVID cases it’s more important than ever to consume healthy and nutritious food.
With this in mind, leading experts have identified some sets of immunity-boosting food items that are specifically found and important in summers. Follow along to learn the best summer foods to enhance immunity and strength.
6 Summer Foods to Boost Immunity That Will Give You Fast Results
1. Mangoes
Widely lauded as the king of fruits, Mangoes are heavily armed with necessary nutrients. Mangoes have a high density of vitamin A, C and K, known antioxidants that aid the prevention of anaemia, creation of collagen, and quicker healing. Mangoes not only release oxidative stress but also support the body’s immunity system in fighting against diseases. Mangoes, with their rich, sweet taste and various health benefits, are very easy to incorporate into an everyday diet.
2. Basil Seeds
Basil seeds, popularly known as Sabja Ke Beej, or Tulsi Ke Beej in India, have many enticing health benefits. Known to have boastful quantities of Calcium, Magnesium and Iron, Basil Seeds are very helpful in the smooth functioning of the immune system. Not limited to this, Basil Seeds also help strengthen the bones, increase muscle functioning, and aid the production of red blood cells.
3. Muskmelon
Commonly known in Indian households as Kharbuja, this superfood not just keeps you full of nutrients, but also hydrates the body adequately. The high fibre content of muskmelon promotes good intestinal health. The fibre, vitamin C and B6 present in Kharbuja not only help the body in fighting viruses that may attack your immunity, but they also aid in averting the risk of the infection itself. There are some other fruits with similar immunity enhancing properties like Papaya, Orange, Strawberry and Lemon, that have high amounts of beta-carotene, potassium, folates, and other antioxidants proven to fasten the immune system.
4. Protein
Although protein is famous for building and strengthening the muscles, that is not its only benefit. Protein also helps produce more antibodies resulting in a stronger immune response. Eggs, Paneer, Legumes, Fish and Soybean are famously accepted as some of the best sources of natural protein. These food items are often recommended by doctors to COVID patients in recovery.
5. Probiotics
Known probiotics like curd, yoghurt and buttermilk are also very beneficial in improving the immune system. They are great for our intestines and gut health.
6. Water
This one goes without saying, but sometimes we all need a hydration reminder! Not only does regular hydration have ultimate skin, and heart health benefits, but it also strengthens the body’s defence against infections. Water helps remove toxins from the blood and enhances the natural process of immunity in the body. Doctors recommend a daily intake of 3 litres of water for optimum immune health.
Don’t take these COVID flare-ups lightly, stay strong in your fight against this contagious virus. With this said, please do keep in mind your individual limitations and preferences when it comes to dietary changes. For someone with lactose intolerance adding probiotics to their diet may be a challenge, whereas for those with diabetes Mangoes may not be a practical choice.
