Winter immunity stars...

With winter on in full swing, illnesses can’t be far behind. So it’s time to get healthy and fight off familiar evils like the common cold, cough, flu and sore throats. Choosing the right winter foods is a great way to build up immunity and ward off these infectious ailments. Make sure to stock your kitchen and pantry with the following ‘miracle’ foods:

• Amla: This Indian gooseberry is sour at first and then leaves a sweet aftertaste. Have the juice of at least two amlas every morning. You can also grate the fruit and squeeze out the juice before consumption. Diluting amla juice with the juicy extracts of one carrot, one tomato, half an apple and half a pomegranate helps soothe a sore throat. Amla is the only fruit in which the vitamin C does not get rapidly oxidized, unlike every other natural source.
• Orange: Oranges are best known for their vitamin C content. Add them to your other fruit juices or drink pure orange juice. You can also include them in your refreshing salads daily.
• White sesame: The traditional Indian til chikkis can be your best buddies during winter. Til is used in preparations like laddoos, nutrition bars, etc. You can also sprinkle a spoonful on your salads and chapatis.
• Ginger Tea: This fleshy root with its pungent odour and scorching taste is filled with various minerals and vitamins that help combat many winter illnesses. Enjoy a cup of ginger, lemon and honey tea to keep you boosted.
• Gond (gum crystals): These sticky crystals don’t let the cold and cough stick to you. Include them in the form of traditional ‘Gundar Paak’ that is made at home.

Including these ‘immunity stars’ in your daily diet will definitely improve your resistance and keep winter maladies at bay.