The Best 5 Antiviral Natural Foods To Boost Your Immunity

Contributed by: Abshar Faheem

Introduction

Boosting your immune system is always beneficial, whether it is a simple cold or combating the coronavirus. If your immune system is robust, it can shield you from all types of bacteria, viruses, and fungus, and also reduces the risk of illness. Therefore, all of us must follow easy immunity-boosting tips. You will be surprised to know that there are more than 5000 varieties of viruses that can lead to serious health conditions.

A virus is a minute infectious agent that replicates inside an active cell and can infect all kinds of life. So, to minimize the risk of infection it is important to include some anti-viral foods in your diet. Having anti-viral foods will boost your immune system and also assist in rapid healing post-COVID.

Basil

Basil or Tulsi is usually found in every Indian family. There are numerous types of basil seen in various parts of the country and surprisingly each of them carries antiviral, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial properties. Consuming some tulsi leaves on a daily basis can give your body a strong immunity that can help fight against several varieties of infection. A small test-tube study showed that the basil extracts featured some compounds like apigenin and ursolic acid that are known to be efficient against herpes viruses, hepatitis B, and enterovirus.

Fennel seeds

Fennel seeds carry trans-anethole, a compound that has been confirmed to be quite effective against herpes viruses. It is a licorice-flavored plant that can reinforce your immunity, reduce swelling in the body and fight against viral infection. Fennel seeds are also packed with vitamin A, vitamin C, and Beta Carotene. These are the components identified as immunity-boosting properties. Including fennel seeds in your diet can clear the sinus and your respiratory system. 

Garlic

For centuries, garlic has been used as a remedy for various kinds of health conditions. Various studies recommend that garlic can help combat influenza A and B, HIV, HSV-1, viral pneumonia, and rhinovirus. Garlic has numerous health advantages because it has a compound called allicin that gives garlic a unique smell and taste. Garlic is an organic and plentiful source of organosulfur compounds like quercetin and allicin that prevent antiviral infection properties and reduce the risk of infection.

Ginger

Ginger is a healthy superfood that remedies various diseases. The powerful antiviral, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties of ginger can be helpful in fighting against avian influenza, RSV, and feline calicivirus (FCV). Additionally, ginger also carries compounds such as gingerols and zingerone that control the progression of the virus in the body. Ginger tea and ginger shots can be a marvelous relaxing agent for your throat and also alleviates stress, tension, and headaches.

Turmeric

Turmeric, the yellow spice, generally used in Indian curry carries various compounds with healing properties and the most notable of its properties is curcumin. Turmeric contains antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antiviral properties. This yellow spice can help in killing certain viruses and reduce the chances of developing infections. You can try turmeric powder or its root to include more of such nutrient-rich yellow spice in your balanced diet.