Winter is here! As the dreaded cold and flu season makes its way into our homes, coughing, sneezing and body aches become a common problem. But what if there were ingredients you could add to your meals that could help bolster your immune system while keeping your meals delicious and nutritious? Well, these ingredients might just be lurking in your kitchen cabinet.
Spices have been much applauded for centuries for its medicinal properties. Adding spices to your daily meals can help boost your immune system. But just make sure your spices are organic. Consuming inorganic or conventional spices might just be more harmful than the nasty cold because of their high content of pesticides and chemicals.
Dolly Kumar, an entrepreneur and a health and wellness enthusiast tells how these five spices can help you strengthen your immune system this winter
Turmeric
Turmeric is the most common spice used in Indian households. One cannot imagine Indian cuisine without a dash of turmeric added to it. Remember the times your elders forced you to gulp down a glass of turmeric milk (haldi doodh) every time you fell sick? Well, turmeric is an excellent natural anti-biotic. Also, this wonder spice contains curcumin which is packed with anti-oxidants. It is also an anti-inflammatory and anti-carcinogenic agent.
Spices have anti-oxidants that improves body's immunity
Cinnamon
Cinnamon is an amazing healing spice. One of the oldest spices known, cinnamon has powerful anti-oxidants and provides many health benefits like lowering blood sugar levels and protecting heart health, to name just two. Furthermore, the sweet and warm taste of cinnamon makes it a delicious addition to your sweet and salty dishes as well as to your drinks.
Black Pepper
With a distinctive taste and pungent aroma, this organic ‘King of Spices’ contains various anti-oxidants that accelerate the body’s metabolism. Add this incredible spice to any cuisine or use it as a condiment and enjoy the fine flavour along with its myriad health benefits.
Cloves
Rich in anti-oxidants, cloves have anti-inflammatory, anti-septic and dental-soothing properties. Widely recognised the world over for its medicinal and culinary qualities, these dried flower buds have distinct flavour and intense aroma. Add cloves to your salad dressings, meats and desserts and relish the bursts of flavours.
Cardamom
Green Cardamom (or Elaichi) is a rich source of minerals and anti-oxidants that aid in blood detoxification and help alleviate digestive issues. A fragrant spice, it complements both sweet and savoury dishes perfectly. Furthermore, the aromatic green pods are replete with many vital vitamins, including vitamin-C, an essential ingredient for optimum health.
The writer is director, GAIA