The top 7 immunity boosting foods for kids in winters

Those of us who live in warmer climates eagerly anticipate the winter months. Cooler temperatures, chit-chat over hot coffee, sitting in the winter sun, cuddling up in cosy winter clothing, or indulging in seasonal treats.

But seasonal infections are also present during the winter. No one is immune to the cold, whether they are adults or children. During the winter, children are more prone to runny noses, the flu, colds, and coughs.

In addition, all parents are concerned due to their exposure to the novel COVID-19 strains. There is nothing to be afraid of as long as we take measures, adhere to safety guidelines, and make sure that we offer them foods that enhance their immune systems.

The Immune System's Functions

The immune system protects our bodies from many types of infections, bacteria, poisons, and diseases while also assisting in the healing process after illness and damage. Kids that have robust immune systems stay healthy.

The Top 5 Foods for Boosting Immunity

Several meals can strengthen your child's immune system, particularly in the winter. To keep your kids healthy throughout the colder months, include these in their daily diet.

1. Nuts and dry fruits

Nuts and dry fruits are supposedly warming foods. It is advised to consume them during the winter because of this. Nutrient-rich nuts and dried fruits such almonds, walnuts, peanuts, pistachios, figs, raisins, and dates are readily available. They are a good source of vitamins, minerals, and good fats. Some of them also have vitamin C, which is crucial for boosting kids' immune systems.

The body benefits from the nutrients included in nuts and dried fruits.

2. Sweet potatoes 

Sweet potatoes are a kid favourite, so include this nutrient-dense winter veggie in their diet.

The sweet potato is another nutrient-dense winter vegetable that is particularly readily available in the colder months. Fiber, potassium, vitamin A, and C are all abundant in it. Children typically adore it because it's sweet, and babies also enjoy eating it as their first food.

3. Jaggery

Jaggery aids in indigestion and protects the body from illnesses like the common cold and cough.

Wintertime diets in the majority of Indian homes include jaggery. This is due to the fact that jaggery is yet another type of warm, natural food.

It also aids with indigestion while protecting the body from illnesses like the common cold and cough. During the winter, you can give your kids a diet that includes jaggery instead of sugar.

4. Spices

The antiviral, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial effects of spices are abundant.

Spices like cinnamon, clove, black pepper, and turmeric are effective at warding off illnesses. Additionally, they can be used to treat coughs and colds. These spices are loaded with antibacterial, antiviral, and anti-inflammatory effects. Including these spices when preparing food for kids is a wonderful idea.

One or more of the foods mentioned above may not be your child's favourites. See some recipes to learn how to incorporate these items into your everyday diet. For picky young eaters, there are ways to make these foods enticing.

5. Turmeric

Add a spoonful of this miraculous turmeric powder to your child's milk. To make the milk a little bit sweeter, you can also add a sprinkle of jaggery powder. A small amount of turmeric powder can always be added to the dough for plain or stuffed parathas.

Ginger is one of the best treatments for colds and coughs according to Ayurveda, and it works wonders for digestive health. Numerous health issues are also treated with ginger. The bioactive substance aids in reducing the likelihood of infections. Although youngsters under the age of two should not consume ginger.

6. Ginger

Your child will have significant alleviation from a cold and a cough if you smash fresh ginger, squeeze out the juice, add some honey, and then give it to them. Due to its strong flavour and the fact that we know how easily a youngster might reject ginger, you can also offer your child dried ginger powder laddu (sonth ke laddu). You can also use finely chopped and crushed ginger in any filled paratha you prepare for your kid. You may always add some freshly chopped and crushed ginger to whatever vegetables you are cooking for your family.

Since there are winters everywhere in the nation, sweet potatoes are common. In addition to being a fantastic source of fibre, sweet potatoes are also incredibly high in beta carotene, vitamin A, vitamin C, iron, potassium, magnesium, and natural sweetness, making them a delectable wintertime snack. In the winter, the vitamin C in sweet potatoes aids in the synthesis of blood cells while also assisting in the prevention of the typical cold and flu viruses.

7. Garlic

Any stuffed paratha you are making can have some crushed raw garlic added to it. Whether it be a methi, aloo, paneer, or methi paratha. When making dough, you can also finely mince raw garlic and add it to the flour before making stuffed or plain parathas or even rotis.

Any vegetable you prepare for your family can always benefit from the addition of one or two cloves of garlic. You can also add crushed or finely chopped garlic to the soup you are serving your child.

We are all aware of the importance of turmeric as one of the most potent spices used in Indian cuisine. Due to its abundance in antioxidants, antifungals, antibacterials, and anti-inflammatory agents, turmeric is renowned for its extraordinary healing powers. Turmeric's curative qualities will boost the immune system and ward off the flu not just this winter but every winter.

 


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