Keep infections at bay with seasonal powerfoods

Consultant dietician, Dr. Dharini Krishnan talks about how one should eat local and seasonal produce that is packed with vitamins and nutrients.

Enjoy your fresh citrus fruits in the morning or in fresh squeezed juices or smoothies during the day. They are rich source of Vitamin C, essential to build up immunity against seasonal infections. While those who have wheezing problems are often advised to steer clear of them, I would suggest one can actually have them in moderate quantities. But if you feel the citrus fruits aggravate the wheezing, then you can avoid them. 

Dark green vegetables have lots of phenolic flavonoid antioxidants and minerals. These vitamins and minerals are essential for the proper functioning of your body. Leafy green vegetables have a bioflavonoid known as ‘Quercetin’. This is responsible for the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities of vegetables along with its unique, anticancer properties. Quercetin also effectively cuts down the flow of substances that lead to allergies. Spinach, lettuce, broccoli  and even amla should be consumed during this time.

Be it toor dal, masoor dal or moong dal, all of these are high energy and protein foods that help the body to combat any illness. While dhal is a good protein source it needs to be supplemented with protein in a purer form like paneer, curd, nuts, and non vegetarians can go in for meats.

Dry Fruits like walnuts, almonds and dates which provide the essential vitamins and minerals for building immunity in children. They are the best things to feed kids, when they are preparing for exams. A good source of Vitamin E, they can make a great snack. Groundnuts that are currently in season can make a great evening snack.