The winter season is known for lowering immunity. Staying healthy throughout the winter takes some extra care and attention.

Cold temperatures, dry air, and seasonal infections may all tax the immune system in the winter. So now is a great time to start adopting certain habits and incorporating certain diets that can strengthen your immunity and keep you healthy over the winter months.

Winter doesn’t have to mean getting sick with a cold or the flu. Here are some superfoods to boost your immunity during the cold winter months to prevent illness and have a healthy winter season. 

1. Amla or Gooseberry 

The plant’s seeds, leaves, bark, and, most notably, the fruit, are all utilised for therapeutic purposes.

Amla is a potent superfruit high in vitamin C, vitamin B complex, and several vital minerals such as iron, calcium, fibre, and so on. It has anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory agents. All these properties make it a great immunity booster. 

2. Jaggery 

In the cold winter, jaggery will keep you warm.

If you practise Ayurveda, you may be aware that jaggery has a hot potency. This indicates that eating jaggery stimulates your body’s metabolism and generates heat. The heat aids in the dilation of blood vessels and the improvement of blood flow.

Consuming a reasonable amount of jaggery on a daily basis can aid in the purifying and cleaning of the respiratory system, lungs, stomach, and food pipe, making it an excellent cleansing agent for the body.

For optimal benefits, consume a small bit of jaggery after your meal.

3. Ghee or Clarified Butter

Ghee is famous for its ability to keep you warm during the cold. Ghee’s high smoke point makes it perfect for cold-weather cooking. It also has a mild flavour, allowing the aromas of your dish to stand out. You may use a dollop of it on rotis or in sabzis.

It is high in Omega 3 fatty acids and butyric acid. Omega-3 fatty acids have been shown to improve cardiovascular health.

Consuming 1 tsp of ghee every day in your winter diet might significantly boost your immunity.

4. Chaywanprash 

Because of the inclusion of certain extremely potent herbs, Chyawanprash is the ideal immune booster tonic. These herbs help the immune system by increasing the generation of white blood cells.

It strengthens the mucous membrane and aids in the cleanliness and clarity of the respiratory tract. It is frequently used as a tonic throughout the winter months since it boosts general health and wellness by supporting natural resistance, providing strength and stamina, and combating infections.

The amla and cinnamon in Chyawanprash assist control your gut system, encouraging healthier digestion and digestive tract function.

5. Tulsi

Tulsi or Holy Basil is a religious plant often found in Hindu households. Along with its religious connotations, it also carries numerous health benefits. It is called the ‘Queen of Herbs’ for a reason. 

Tulsi is well-known for its ability to help your body cope with external and internal changes and has antioxidant properties, which are considered to improve your health by strengthening the body’s immune system, reducing stress, and improving mental capacity. Tulsi includes zinc and vitamin C, both of which aid in the fight against illnesses.

Tulsi also helps combat the effects of ageing. It can help relieve scalp itching caused by dry winter conditions, as well as manage hair fall.

6. Turmeric 

Turmeric’s immunity-boosting qualities protect us from a wide range of diseases, including the common cold, flu, and other respiratory disorders. It also helps to relieve pain and enhance joint function, offering relief from body aches throughout the cold season.

The skin is more prone to losing moisture throughout the winter, resulting in dry and cracked skin. Turmeric is well-known for its skin-care benefits. It has several skin benefits, ranging from wound healing to acne and outbreak reduction.

Winter’s cold and dry weather makes the skin and scalp dry and itchy, leading to flaky dandruff. Turmeric is also a hair remedy that helps heal dandruff and promotes hair growth.

Gear up for this winter by including all these superfoods in your grocery list. If you have some unique winter hacks, do tell us in the comments below. 

Writer: Siddhi Gattani