Boost the immune system in a natural way with spices

In order to fight cold and other diseases, you need to boost your immune system. If you can boost your immune system naturally then there are no side effects. The following common spices used in our daily household cooking to boost our immune system.

• NUTMEG - It is a sweet ground based spice used to cure nausea, stomach spasms and intestinal gas. This spice can be used in your daily cooking or in the deserts.

• TURMERIC POWDER - Turmeric powder is identified as the most powerful spice. Turmeric powder has healing properties including antioxidant, anti-viral, anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, anti-carcinogenic, anti- mutagenic, and anti-inflammatory. Turmeric powder can be used in curries, smoothies, warm milk etc.

• GARLIC - Consuming garlic on a daily basis (in food or raw) helps lower bad cholesterol (LDL) level because of anti oxidant properties. It is nutritious but has very few calories. Can combat sickness, can reduce blood pressure, including common cold.

• BLACK PEPPER - It is a high source of antioxidant. It improves blood sugar & bad cholesterol (LDL) level .The combination of black pepper & turmeric powder used in food is very good for digestive system & prevents us from common cold.

• GINGER - Ginger root or ginger is widely used as a spice and a folk medicine. It has the following benefits

  • Best for detoxification

  • Lower blood pressure level

  • Powerful antioxidant

  • Burns fat

  • Prevents from cold

  • Helps in digestion

  • Normalizes heart rate

  • Relives pain

  • Increases energy level

  • Ginger tea helps to boost our immune system

• HIMALAYAN SALT - It can be applied in our daily household cooking or can be consumed as a solution with water. It helps us in the following ways

  • Improve digestion

  • Regulates blood sugar and hormonal balance

  • Flush out toxin

• CINNAMON & CARDAMON - Both the spices can be applied in our daily household cooking,

  • they are very good antioxidants.

  • It also reduces the risk of heart disease.

  • It can improve sensitivity to the hormone Insulin. Cinnamon tea is very powerful beverage.

• SAFFRON - It is a powerful anti-oxidant which can improve mood and treat depression symptoms. It also helps with the following

  • Improve eyes

  • Treats insomnia

  • Ideal for people with Arthritis

  • Pinch of saffron in food can change colour & flavour of food.

Hopefully by now you all would have had a good idea about the benefit of spices in our life, so try to add these spices in your household cooking.

Eat Healthy & Stay Healthy!

Priyanka Bhattacharya

Clinical dietitian