10 Immunity Boosting Foods to Help You Fight Inflammation During COVID-19

The outgrowing number and stats across the world have proved that the new strain of virus name SARS- Cov-II or popularly knows as COVID-19 is one of the most infectious pandemics of human history after Spanish flue and Bubonic Plague. Even in countries which had earlier claimed to gather control over this monster virus, we all can see a recurrence or second wave of infection mounting up gradually and gripping up the economy to come to halt. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention or CDC, vaccine development for such types of infections would require at least 18 months or more. That being said, the only way out left is to keep oneself aloof from any such infection by resorting to strict social distancing norms and also aligning ways to enhance one’s immunity through elemental food supplements and herbs.

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While all of the efforts are on developing a possible vaccine to take control of the pandemic, RailRecipe believes in focusing on roots and changing one’s lifestyle patterns to enhance one’s immunity profile. Lifestyle changes would include your sleep patterns, workout patterns, and also your food habits. We are bringing to you 10 immunity-boosting foods that will not only enhance your immunity but also help you fight any possible inflammation during this pandemic.

Here’re 10 immunity-boosting food supplements to help you fight inflammation during COVID-19:

1. Moringa or Drumstick: Popularly known as “Sahjan” is very much recommended for consumption during this period. The prime reason being that Moringa has a high amount of Vitamin C content. It contains approximately 7 times more vitamin C than oranges. As we all know that Vitamin C is very much vital for the immunity of our body. Apart from this, Moringa is also used as a herb to treat infections as it contains a high amount of potassium, iron, and essential amino acids which are vital for maintaining homeostasis or the favorable environment in the human body.
2. Giloy or Amritavalli: The popular wonder drug which is a creeper and has been in use to prepare multiple ayurvedic medicines from ancient times. Coming to the benefits, Giloy has multiple anti-oxidant properties that help in eliminating free radicals from the human body thus helping us to fight ageing. It also helps in the removal of toxins from the body. In Sanskrit, Giloy is known as ‘Amrita’, which literally translates to ‘the root of immortality’, because of its abundant medicinal properties. “The stem of Giloy is of maximum utility, but the root can also be used. Its benefits and uses have even been approved by the FDA (Food and Drug Administration)”. This herb has antipyretic properties and helps in fighting all forms of infection related to joints, heart, etc.
3. Holy Basil or Tulsi: Wonder Leaves which comes in 12 different forms and is used in multiple ways across India. The leaves are easily available and are rich in phytonutrients (such as antioxidants, flavanol) chlorophyll, vitamins, and minerals, as well as Eugenol, a bioactive compound that has anti-microbial, anti-fungal and anti-bacterial properties and reduces stress and plasma glucose levels. You can chew 4-5 fresh basil leaves every morning (make sure you wash them well in running water) or infuse them with your morning tea.
4. Curcumin or Haldi: Haldi has been an important ingredient of every Indian recipe since ages. But, with growing cases of infection, the elemental value of this herb has become very much vital as it contains an important compound in the form of curcuminoid or curcumin. This very curcumin present in Haldi has powerful anti-oxidant properties and also a powerful anti-inflammatory effect. The recommended dosage for curcumin is 1 gm per day. But this cannot be supplemented with regular Haldi, as the curcumin content is very lesser. It is advised to consume Haldi along with warm water or lukewarm milk in order to stay aloof from COVID-19 infection.
5. Pumpkin Seeds: They come loaded with zinc, iron and vitamin E, pumpkin seeds are good for boosting the immune function. Pumpkin seeds also have anti-fungal and anti-viral properties. It helps in cell growth, improves your mood, and is even better for quality sleep. Sprinkle some pumpkin seeds on your salad to reap its amazing health benefits.
6. Ginger or Zingeber officinale: Popularly known as “Adrakh” is no doubt a common ingredient in Indian food. People love to add it to their tea preparations during the monsoon and winter season. We might not be aware, but ginger is an antimicrobial, antibiotic, and anti-inflammatory compound. It is effective in soothing sore throat, dispel nausea, and intestinal gas. Due to its high antioxidant content ginger can enhance the immune response system.
7. Fenugreek or Methi: Yet another hern having medicinal properties. It acts as a natural antioxidant and strengthens the immune system. It is not only used as an herb (dried or fresh leaves), spice(seeds), vegetable (fresh leaves) but also as a condiment in the artificial flavoring of maple syrup or in the production of steroids. You can add fenugreek seeds as preservatives in pickles as they are rich in vitamin E.
8. Sunflower Seeds: These are a rich source of vitamin E and nutrients. The small crunchy seeds contain selenium which helps to body fight certain types of cancer and helps to build your immunity. The antioxidant and vitamin E help us to fight free radicals and are even good for your skin.
9. Berries: The average antioxidant content of berries is relatively high. These include dried amla (Indian gooseberry), bilberries (native to Northern Europe), etc.  Antioxidant-rich berries include blueberries, cranberries, blackberries, raspberries, black currants, goji berries, and strawberries. Including these in breakfast is very vital to fight infections. Elderberries have antibacterial and antiviral qualities that help fight cold and influenza.
10. Cinnamon or Dal-chini: A very common spice of India, but with great anti-microbial properties. Cinnamon has also been used for its medicinal properties for thousands of years. It fights inflammation, ward of infection, and heals damaged tissues. Cinnamon is high in immune-boosting antioxidants, have anti-diabetic effects and even help to cut the risk of heart disease.

Apart from the above elemental food supplements, we all need to make other lifestyle changes as well such as maintaining a regular workout schedule, taking sun-bath for not less than 30 minutes every day, avoiding unwanted travel plans and gatherings, taking precautions and following SOP’s laid down by government while visiting any monumental places or excursion sites.