Here are 5 immunity boosting superfoods to beat the flu season

With the pandemic and the flu season upon us, building up your immunity has never been more important.

While you can take all the precautions like limiting your exposure to sick people, getting a good eight hours of sleep, washing your hands frequently, having strong immunity can be one of the greatest assets. If we've seen anything this year, it is that it really is about the survival of the fittest

You are what you eat. It is important to have a diet that comprises:

Antioxidants which are your bodies’ super defenders, minerals that aid in the formation of cells and tissues, and fatty acids that maintain proper immune response and functioning of the brain, and nervous system.

Here are 5 power-packed superfoods that come pow with the aforementioned three, and will help boost your immunity and keep you healthy.

Amla (Indian Gooseberry)

Known for its anti-bacterial and astringent properties Amla is an excellent source of Vitamin C which helps strengthen immunity. Vitamin C from it is more easily absorbed in the body than from a store-bought supplement.

How to use: Drinking a shot of fresh amla juice is the best way to reap its benefits, however, if you cannot handle the sour taste you can eat it pickled in a spicy achaar or a sweet muraba. You can even cut it up into small pieces, sun dry it and eat it as an evening snack.

Shehad (Honey)

Honey is a powerhouse of antioxidants. A common Indian home remedy for soothing a sore throat and cough, it is very effective in improving the body’s digestive system.

How to use: You can drink lemon-honey tea to calm those nerves during a stressful day or start your morning with a wholesome honey banana smoothie.

Spirulina

Considered to be amongst the oldest form of life on earth, Spirulina is a blue-green algae which is a good source of Vitamin B, E and C, iron and magnesium. It is known to boost the production of white blood cells that help to fight viruses and bacteria in the body.

How to use: Spirulina is available in tablet and powder form. You can make spirulina and lemon shot with cayenne pepper in the morning or add a spoonful of spirulina powder to your daily pre-workout smoothie along with bananas and mixed berries.

Chia Seeds

A popular ingredient, Chia Seeds, have made it to the must-have list in every fitness guru's diet regime. These seeds are loaded with essential nutrients like iron, calcium, thiamine, manganese, magnesium, zinc, phosphorous. Daily intake of chia seeds help boost metabolism, aids digestion and leads to good immunity

How to use: You can simply add Chia Seeds to your morning smoothie or sprinkle some over your yoghurt for lunch. Make sure you start with not more than 1 tablespoon to see how your body adjusts to it.

Haldi (Turmeric)

Turmeric is an age-old anti-inflammatory with has stood the test of time and has been consumed by generations. It helps to boost immunity, eliminate cold, cough and chest congestion. Turmeric is also prebiotic which promotes the growth of healthy bacteria in the gut.

How to use: You can add a spoon of turmeric to a hot glass of milk or water before you go to bed. Turmeric is also a much-loved favourite spice and can be used to add more flavour to your Indian curries.