5 anti-viral natural foods to include in the diet to boost immunity

Whether it is the common cold or the raging threat of coronavirus, building your immune health is always a good idea. A strong immune system protects you from all kinds of viral, fungal and bacterial infection and cuts down the risk of illness. This makes it vital to follow some easy immunity-boosting tips.

There are more than 5000 different types of viruses that can cause serious illnesses. A virus is a small infectious agent that replicates only inside a living cell and can infect all forms of life. We all know that COVID-19 is a viral infection of the upper respiratory system. So, to reduce the risk of infection it is crucial to add some anti-viral foods to the diet. Noshing on anti-viral foods will supercharge your immune system and also help in speed recovery post-covid.

The holy basil or Tulsi is commonly found in every Indian household. There are several varieties of basil, found in different parts of the country, all of them have antiviral, anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. Chewing a few tulsi leaves every day can provide your body with immunity to fight several kinds of infection. A small test-tube study revealed that basil extracts contain compounds like apigenin and ursolic acid that can prove to be effective against herpes viruses, hepatitis B, and enterovirus.

The tiny fennel seeds contain trans-anethole, a compound that has proven to be quite effective against herpes viruses. It is a liquorice-flavoured plant that can help to boost your immunity and decrease inflammation in the body and combat viral infection. Fennel seeds are also loaded with vitamin A, vitamin C and Beta Carotene, components are known for their immunity-boosting properties. Adding fennel seeds to the diet can clear the sinus and respiratory system.

Throughout history, garlic has been used to treat different kind of health ailment. Studies suggest that garlic can be effective against influenza A and B, HIV, HSV-1, viral pneumonia, and rhinovirus. The potent health benefits of garlic are due to the presence of a compound called allicin, which gives garlic a distinct smell and strong taste. Garlic is a natural and rich source of organosulfur compounds like quercetin and allicin that inhibit antiviral infection properties and cut down the risk of infection.

Ginger is a helpful superfood that treats different kinds of health ailments. The impressive antiviral, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties of this root herb can be effective in avian influenza, RSV, and feline calicivirus (FCV). Besides, ginger also contains compounds such as gingerols and zingerone that curbs the growth of the virus in the body. Ginger tea and ginger shots can be an amazing relaxant for the throat and also helps relieve tension headaches.

The yellow spice commonly used in Indian curry contains several compounds with medicinal properties, the most important of which is curcumin. Turmeric has powerful antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antiviral properties. This spice could help eliminate certain viruses and cut down the risk of infection. You can use turmeric powder or the root to add more of this nutrient-rich spice to your diet.