Consuming immunity-boosting drinks during the winter is a popular practice, as the season often brings a higher risk of cold, flu and other ailments due to various environmental factors like the drop in temperatures, reduced exposure to sunlight and faster spreading of bacteria. Not only do healthy beverages support the immune system and keep one feeling healthier during this time, but also provide essential nutrients and compounds that support the body’s defence mechanisms against any potentially harmful infections.
Most health potions contain ingredients rich in vitamins, minerals and antioxidants – such as vitamin C, zinc and antioxidants derived from fruits and vegetables, helping strengthen one’s immune system. Additionally, these drinks also provide hydration to the body, since the impulse of feeling thirsty is often lost. Drinking immunity-boosting beverages like herbal teas, cold-pressed juices or broths provide optimum hydration, which is a crucial aspect of proper immune function. Here is a list of nine drinks that provide an instant shot of good health and upkeeping well-being.
Ayurvedic Kadha
A warm herbal potion made with whole spices like cinnamon, cloves and dry ginger simmered in water, the kadha is great to soothe cough and throat irritability. Known to be one of the oldest kitchen remedies in traditional medicine, the composition of a kadha might vary with respect to ingredients – based on the kind of ailment that needs to be tackled. For example, while the formula for stomach ailments might contain coriander and cardamom seeds, combating a flu would utilise warm spices.
Green Juice
A great way to ensure that your everyday vitamin needs are met, drinking a glass of green juice loaded with vitamins and minerals from ingredients like coriander, aloe vera and spinach, is ideal for detoxing as well as building immunity. Switch up the seasonal greens to use any uncultivated wild leaves that can be consumed raw, or add a spoonful of matcha or spirulina for added nutritional benefits.
Neem Flower Rasam
Vepampoo rasam or neem flower rasam is a popular preparation in South Indian kitchens, to combat all kinds of ailments that affect the body’s immunity. The mildly bitter flowers of the neem tree make for a tangy and delicious drink to have when simmered in a pepper and cumin infused rasam, offering multiple health benefits. Besides being one of the widely consumed concoctions to soothe digestive issues and nausea, neem flower rasam also possesses anti-microbial properties that encourage the growth of good gut bacteria.
Turmeric Tea
While the natural antioxidant properties of turmeric are well-known, using freshly grated turmeric root or a pinch of turmeric powder to add to a cup of plant milk or warm water is an ideal beverage to consume before bedtime. The curcumin present in turmeric is an excellent compound with immunity-boosting properties that aid the regulation of immune cells. Adding a teaspoon of cultured butter and honey to the tea also provides additional benefits for well-being.
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Citrus Juice
Since citrus fruits like oranges, sweet limes and grapefruit are lush and abundant during the winter months, make the most of drinking a glass of citrus juice for boosting the vitamin C content in your diet. Squeezing juices from a combination of citrus fruits allows one to gain all the micro-nutrients necessary in immunity-building as well as utilise the natural chemicals to reduce inflammation.
Chicken Broth
The easily digestible and highly nutritious chicken broth is rich in collagen and one of the best beverages to consume when down with a flu. According to previously conducted medical studies, chicken broth contains anti-inflammatory and healing properties, due to the high levels of protein and polysaccharides. Moreover, the amino acids present in the broth strengthen the immune system, helping those recovering from illnesses back to health.
Jaggery Tea
Known to be one of the leading antidotes for infections caused due to pollution and the dry winter weather, jaggery tea helps neutralize free radicals within the body as well as fight bacteria. The essential nutrients and amino acids present in jaggery allows for a natural detoxification process, due to the presence of polyphenols and selenium. Research also indicates that adding jaggery as a sweetener in one’s diet enhance the defence mechanism of the lungs, protecting it from external pollutants.
ABC Juice
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Synonymous with good health, cold-pressed apple-beetroot-carrot juice or ABC juice is a fibre-rich juice that eliminates blood impurities and boosts immunity with its antioxidant properties. Loaded with various kinds of vitamins, minerals and iron, this juice not only purifies the blood but also aids in flushing out toxins from the body. The phytonutrients and complex fibres present in the juice also aids in soothing gut issues, boost metabolism and act as a remedy for constipation.
Paya
A form of bone broth made with goat trotters or paya, this mutton-based, protein-rich soup is often consumed for its warming and antibiotic potencies. The proline, glutamine and arginine amino acids enrich the soup, helping bolster immunity and promoted good sleep and gut health – two of the crucial factors that affect a body’s immune levels. Although rich in fatty acids, drinking paya soup also facilitates cleansing of the liver and cells.