Some healthy foods help your body fight the virus
Many foods have been scientifically proven to both prevent and fight viral infections. Below, some of the strongest ones to add to your routine.
1. Garlic
Garlic is loaded with vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and an active compound known as allicin. It’s known to strengthen the immune system, restore suppressed antibody response to disease, and help combat respiratory infections.
2. Black and Green Tea
Both back and green teas have antiviral properties thanks to their enzyme-inhibiting and receptor-blocking properties. Tea is packed with catechins that have been shown to fight influenza and other respiratory viral infections. Tea is also loaded with antioxidants and flavonoids, and interestingly the flavonoids may help combat viruses thanks to the way they interact with the gut’s microbiome.
Green tea
4. Ginger
Ginger is known to have antiviral properties, contains more than 50 antioxidant compounds and has powerful anti-inflammatory benefits which have been shown to aide breathing and respiration. It’s also great at relieving nausea, treating aches and pains in the body, and reducing indigestion. Basically, ginger can both help combat a viral infection and alleviate its symptoms.
5. Turmeric
It’s packed with curcuminoids that have powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that help protect the body, reduce pain, and even alleviate depression. Curcumin has also been shown to have antiviral properties by inhibiting cell binding. Consume your turmeric with black pepper to significantly increase absorption of curcumin in the body.
6. Star anise
It contains shikimic acid that is used as a base material for the production of Tamiflu, which is used for influenza virus. It is super powerful as an anti-viral. All you need to do is take star anise and boil it in water and add it to your teas like green tea or black tea and consume twice a day.
Star Anise is a ket ingredient in many Asian dishes
7. Probiotic Foods
Probiotics play a many roles in our well-being. Their role against viral infections is due to their immune-boosting properties, bolstering the body’s white blood cell count. They also play a role in mood and mental health, so if you’re stressed out, probiotics can help you feel more balanced.
8. Oregano
One of my daily go-to’s for immune support is oregano oil, but you can just as easily reap its effects from the fresh or dried leaves. The active antiviral ingredient is known as carvacrol, and has been shown to fight viral respiratory infections. You can add oregano to your favorite sauce, soup, or as a salad topper.
9. Cinnamon
Cinnamon has long been touted for its antimicrobial and antiviral properties, likely due to its high antioxidant potency which is even stronger than those of garlic or oregano. It’s also anti-inflammatory, reduces blood sugar, and treats a host of ailments. There have even been scientific studies showing its effectiveness against HIV. But be wary if you are on medications, as it is a natural blood thinner.
10. Omega-3s
You’ll find omega-3s in salmon, flax, seaweed, chia seed, hemp seed, walnuts, and soy products like tofu and tempeh. Omega-3s are anti-inflammatory and also directly boost immunity by enhancing the function of B cells, a type of white blood cell.
11. Shiitake Mushrooms
Shiitake Mushrooms are loaded with beta-glucans, antiviral compounds that have been shown to inhibit viral replication and enhance immune function.Other studies have shown that shiitake mushrooms have significant antibacterial and antifungal properties, and protected against 85 percent of the yeasts, molds, and other organisms it was tested on.
12. Yogurt
Yogurt contains probiotics that fight viruses. Other studies have found that probiotics can enhance respiratory immunity, speed recovery and reduce the severity of respiratory infections caused by influenza viruses. Probiotics may protect against other viral infections, including certain types of Coxsackievirus, against respiratory infections, HIV-1 and diarrhea-causing viruses.
13. Berries
Foods rich in resveratrol such as: peanuts, pistachios, blueberries, cranberries and even cocoa and dark chocolate are helpful to fight fungal infection, ultraviolet radiation, stress. They also protect the body against viral attacks.
14. Vitamin-C rich foods
Amla, red peppers, yellow peppers, oranges, guava and papaya are rich in vitamin C and have anti-oxidant and immunity boosting properties. You must have them daily for best results.
Remember, stress also affects immunity, so take adequate time for self care. A daily glass of tea is one of my self-care routines and may help you stay well.
Source:
– betternutrition.com
– theepochtimes.com
– timesofindia.indiatimes.com
