This year's biting cold has held everyone captive. The rapid drop in temperature, bad air quality, and the Nipah virus have made life miserable. Every mild to severe symptom, from sudden fever to headaches, triggered a fear that made everyone ask themselves, 'Is this Nipah?" The virus is not only contagious but also deadly, and only a patient’s immunity can help them recover from this infection.
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But boosting immunity is not an easy task. To stay healthy, dietary habits must be changed. Celebrity chef Sanjeev Kapoor has identified several spices that aid digestion and boost immunity. The job of spices is not just to enhance the taste of food; they also have significant health benefits. So, to stay healthy this season, it is important to know which spices to include in daily meals.
Turmeric
Chef Sanjeev Kapoor has stated that turmeric has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, and this spice is found in almost every kitchen in India. Turmeric is unmatched in healing wounds, providing relief from cold and cough, and eliminating digestive problems. Along with adding turmeric to lentils and vegetables, one can also prepare and drink turmeric milk or smoothies.
Cumin, fennel & cardamom
These three herbal ingredients have the ability to eliminate digestive problems. The chef says that cumin improves metabolic rate, fennel eliminates bad breath, and cardamom removes toxins from the body and keeps the mind calm. Dry roast these three ingredients in a pan and grind them into powder. Eating this after heavy meals can help digestion. By consuming cumin, fennel, and cardamom together, digestive problems can be easily managed.
Ginger, black pepper & cloves
During seasonal changes, consuming ginger, black pepper, and cloves is extremely important. According to the chef, these herbal ingredients keep the body warm and strengthen its ability to fight infections. Ginger increases blood circulation and eliminates stomach problems. Black pepper helps in nutrient absorption, while cloves contain antimicrobial components. These three ingredients can be crushed and boiled with tea before drinking.
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Cinnamon & nutmeg
Cinnamon helps regulate blood sugar levels and supports heart health. On the other hand, using nutmeg in limited quantities eliminates digestive disorders and improves sleep, according to the chef. These two ingredients can be incorporated into various foods to help maintain both the health of body and mind.
