5 super foods that'll keep flu at bay

Garlic, ginger and citrus fruits can improve your immunity.

With monsoon fading away and winter setting in, you need to careful about seasonal flu.

There are certain foods which can protect you from the season flu spurts by boosting the immunity of your body.

Remember how our grandparents advised us to eat certain fruits and vegetables during a particular season.

Well, there is a lot of merit in that advice as some desi foods provide protection against flu and help overcome the terrible symptoms if the flu virus infects you.

Dr Priyanka Rohatgi, of Apollo Hospitals has listed down some super foods:

1. Garlic

Coveted in ancient India as a medicinal crop, many studies have found garlic to be an immunity booster as well as a symptom reliever.

It has antiviral, antifungal, and antibacterial properties. In many parts of the country, garlic is a part of regular diet.

But eating raw garlic provides more immunity, so consider eating 1 to 2 cloves of raw garlic every day; especially if your friends and colleagues are falling ill.

2. Ginger

Ginger tea is an all time favourite during monsoon season.

Not only does it provide a good kick to rejuvenate the system, it also helps to alleviate the symptoms of flu like chest congestion.

It is also available as medicinal supplement; however it is best to consume it raw or cooked in food.

3. Citrus fruits

Fruits which belong to the citrus family are rich in vitamin C, which is an anti-oxidant known to enhance the immune system.

Kinnow, oranges, lemon and even peppers are good sources of vitamin C.

Tomato is another good source of vitamin C.

4. Green vegetables

The importance of eating green vegetables on a regular basis cannot be overstated.

Especially green leafy vegetables like spinach, cabbage, lettuce, etc. are good sources of vitamin C and vitamin E, another nutrient with protective properties.

Broccoli, french beans, bottle gourd, peas are some vegetables which have immunity-boosting nutrients.

5. Probiotics

Probiotics such as yogurt, curd, lassi, chach are the best source of gut microbes which help to digest the food.

They constitute the 'good' gut flora which helps to boost immunity, prevent inflammation and infections, and regulate metabolism.

Spices such as turmeric, cloves and cinnamon are other rich sources of anti-oxidants.

Some exotic herbs like rosemary, oregano, thyme, dill also enrich the body with essential nutrients that help the body fight off flu infection and regain strength quickly.

Lead image used for representational purposes only.