7 Vegan Friendly Foods That Are Also Immunity Boosters
1. Cold Pressed Virgin Coconut Oil
Virgin coconut oil is hailed as nature’s superfood due to its myriad health benefits. It also contains MCTs that help in improving the immune system, boost energy, and aid in weight management.
Monolaurin, which is also found in coconut oil, functions as an anti-viral agent.
It can be used in cooking, baking vegan desserts at home, as a salad dressing, or for sautéing basic vegetables.
2. Black Pepper
The king of spices, black pepper, has an anti-inflammatory effect and is a powerful antioxidant. It enhances nutrient bioavailability.
Black pepper with turmeric is an exceptionally good combination, as piperine, which is found in black pepper, increases the absorption of curcumin from turmeric.
3. Turmeric
This golden spice is anti-inflammatory and a powerful antioxidant.
Turmeric is a common Indian spice that is added to almost every Indian curry preparation.
Apart from that, turmeric milk is known to soothe a common cold and cough – vegans can mix it with almond or soy milk for best results.
4. Garlic
Garlic is a very potent antimicrobial agent, which has immune-enhancing effects. It is advisable to chop it into small pieces and chew it raw.
Make a dip or chutney to ensure that it reaches the last part of the gut before getting fully absorbed into your body, killing gut pathogens.
5. Nigella Sativa/ Kalonji
Also known as onion seeds, these are a good source of antioxidants.
They have antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties.
They help in boosting immunity and have generated great interest during the COVID-19 pandemic.
6. Overnight soaked and fermented rice
Soak a few tablespoons of cooked white rice in some water in a clay/mud pot and leave this mixture overnight.
Eat it in the morning on an empty stomach. You can also have it mixed with yoghurt, sliced onions and green chillies for breakfast.
It is a good probiotic and a good source of vitamin B12, which is often considered to be deficient in the vegan population.
Ensuring a healthy gut using natural probiotic sources and supplementing Vitamin B12 will ensure a robust immune system.
7. Ginger
Ginger is known to improve digestion and has anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which makes it a great immunity booster. It also prevents coughs and colds.
Ginger tea is also famous for treating sore throats and common colds, and is a vegan-friendly substitute for a regular cup of tea.
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