Boost Your Immune System: These Indian Spices Are Antiviral
Now more than ever, taking good care of our health is crucial. One of the most important parts of that is having an immune system that's strong and ready to fight off viruses for you. The good news is, you can boost your immunity by just consuming the right food. This includes Indian spices, which date back years and years ago. Traditional dishes have been passed down from generation to generation rich in these spices, which are delicious and have varying aromas too.
Read on for more on antiviral Indian spices:
Black Pepper
There are plenty of antimicrobial properties in this spice, which helps to fend off cough and colds. The immune system gets a major boost from this alongside the alleviation of chest congestion. It has Piperine, a compound rich in antioxidant properties.
Cinnamon
This spice comes from a tree, particularly its inner bark, and is known for its medicinal properties. Cinnamon dates all the way back to the ancient Egyptians. Both inflammations and infections are addressed by the spice, alleviating symptoms caused by damaged tissues. Needless to say, it has antioxidant properties as well. It becomes a superfood that helps boost immunity because of polyphenol, which it has in high levels.
Fennel
Glycyrrhizin, a substance that combats virus multiplication as well as preventing replication, is found in fennel. It's taken from a plant that's generally licorice-flavored. It's been proven to work in treatment to fight viral diseases such as HIV and hepatitis. Test tube research has been done showing that fennel extracts have plenty of antiviral agents versus Parainfluenza Type-3 (PI-3), responsible for respiratory infections in cows.
Moreover, the herpes virus is also combated by fennel. The oil version has a main component called Trans-anethole, which is vital at fending it off.
Garlic
The medicinal purposes of garlic date back all the way to ancient civilizations. Babylonians, Egyptians, Greeks, and yes, the Indians have all used it as such. Garlic intake cuts oxidative pressure down and increases antioxidant enzymes. There is a wide range of viral infections that are fought off by garlic, such as the human papillomavirus (HPV). Protective immune cells are generally triggered by this as well.
Ginger
One of the more popular spices as a whole, ginger is used in tea and to flavour food. It has the likes of gingerols and zingerone. Aside from preventing the replication of viruses, they keep the virus cells from entering cells in the human host. There have been tests done that show how wonderful fresh ginger is at respiratory system protection. Additionally, it's also effective in keeping the possible onset of colds and flu at bay. It's also shown antiviral effects versus the Feline Caliciviral (FCV) and Avian Influenza, which are viruses in animals. For humans, the closest equivalent is the Norovirus.
Conclusion
Indian food is known for being ripe with plenty of spices in it. Aside from varying levels of heat and flavor, however, many Indian spices are also antiviral! Next time you grab a bite, order something with garlic, ginger, and/or cinnamon to boost your immune system.
Trying to find an Indian food delivery service in Vancouver, BC? Check out Karakoram Restaurant today! We have Indian flavors as well as Western, Middle Eastern, and Pakistani favorites on our menu!