“Let food be thy medicine, and medicine be thy food,” Hippocrates.
Boosting your immunity is your best bet against all forms of virus attack and this has never been more important than it is today! Some spices when added to food not just spruce up their taste but also help up your immunity level. Indian spices have always played important roles in making the traditional dishes delectable. This apart, they also have tremendous immunity boosting values that made them indispensable items in traditional Ayurveda.
Let’s take a peek at the top 10 immunity boosting Indian Spices that’ll help you defend yourself against the raging virus attacks.
Cinnamon
This is the inner bark of the Cinnamomum tree and known for its medicinal properties since the days of the Egyptians. The spice helps ward off infections and fights inflammations, helping damaged tissues heal faster. It’s the high level of polyphenol in Cinnamon that makes it an immunity-boosting superfood. Studies have placed it among the top spices with antioxidant properties that automatically boost immunity.
Fennel
Coming from a licorice-flavored plant, Fennel contains glycyrrhizin, the substance that brings down virus multiplication and also prevents them from penetrating and replicating in healthy cells. The substance has proven to be an effective treatment against several viral diseases including hepatitis and HIV. Studies in test-tubes have shown fennel extracts to be strong anti-viral agents against Parainfluenza Type-3 (PI-3) that is responsible for cattle respiratory infections.
The main component of Fennel oil, Trans-anethole, has shown strong antiviral effects against herpes viruses too. Overall, Fennel is helpful in boosting immunity and decreasing inflammation.
Turmeric
The yellow rhizome has been widely used as a medicine in Ayurveda and also otherwise for more than 4000 years. Turmeric is traditionally used to heal wounds, ease inflammation, and release mucus among others. Curcumin, the main ingredient of Turmeric has proven abilities of fighting infections and boosting overall bodily health.
Ginger
Used to flavor food and tea, Ginger contains specific anti-viral agents such as zingerone and gingerols. These are known to inhibit virus replication and prevent them from entering human host cells. Controlled tests have shown that fresh ginger is helpful in protecting the respiratory system and is effective in preventing flu and cold. It has demonstrated antiviral effects against Avian Influenza and the Feline Calcivirus (FCV) that is a counterpart of the human Norovirus.
Garlic
All ancient civilizations like the Egyptians, Babylonians, Indians and Greeks have used Garlic for medicinal purposes. Garlic intake has shown to lead to an increase in antioxidant enzymes and reduce oxidative pressure.
It has and continues to be used in combating a range of viral infections including the human Papillomavirus (HPV). Use of garlic can reduce susceptibility to cold by considerable level. Garlic has exhibited anti-viral effect against influenza A and B, HSV-1 and HIV, rhinovirus and viral pneumonia. Regular use of garlic can safeguard against viral infections by stimulating protective immune cells.
Clove
Long used in Ayurveda as a remedy against cold and cough, Clove is known to shield the body against infections. It contains the compound Eugenol that acts as a natural antioxidant. Eugenol stops the oxidative damage caused by free radicals. It has proven to be 5x more effective than Vitamin E in this regard. Used in food, tea and flavored hot water, it works well to shield the body against infections causing cough and cold.
Black Pepper
This spice is rich in antimicrobial properties and helps combat cold and cough. A regular intake of the spice can help boost your immunity system and alleviate respiratory infections and chest congestion. The compound Piperine present in Black Pepper has rich antioxidant properties that prevent and delay damages caused by free radicals that are responsible for inflammation and diseases.
Cayenne Pepper
Part of the capsicum family, the spice is rich in Capsaicin that is known to suppress substance P which is a neuropeptide involved in the inflammatory mechanism. Apart from the active positive role it plays in digestive health, Cayenne Pepper is proven to activate the circulatory system against common cold and flu. 5 grams of the spice is said to contain 44% of the daily Vitamin A intake requirement. It is also a powerful antioxidant that is good to boost overall health and immunity.
Basil
Holy Basil, as it is known in India, has several variants all of which are known to fight a host of viral infections. Sweet Basil contains compound such as Ursolic acid and apigenin that are proven to be effective against hepatitis B, enterovirus and herpes viruses. Regular intake of Basil increases immunity against viral infections by elevating the levels of natural killer cells and helper T-cells that defend and protect your body.
Oregano
A popular member of the mint family, Oregano contains the compound Carvacrol that is rich in anti-viral properties. The compound can effectively reduce the potency of Murine Norovirus (MNV) (the contagious virus responsible for human stomach flu), within 15 minutes. This apart Carvacrol is also potent in countering Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) that is responsible for respiratory infections.
Modifying your eating habits will go a long way in protecting yourself against virus attacks. Including natural spices is a good way of boosting your immunity. Eat healthy, maintain hygiene and stay safe at a time when the N-Corona Virus 19 is a state emergency in Colorado.