logo
    profile
  • Recipes
    Recipes
    • Global Recipes
    • Regional Recipes
    • Snacks
    • Chicken Recipes
    • Desserts
    • Millet Recipes
  • Blogs
    Blogs
    • Ingredients Hub
    • Health & Wellness
    • Diet Tips
    • Cuisines
    • Cooking Tips & Tricks
  • Festivals
    Festivals
    • Ganesh Chaturthi
    • Onam
    • Navratri
    • Diwali
  • Meal Planner
    • Coming Soon
      • Trending
      • Videos
      • Meal Plans
      • Web Stories
    SearchSearch
    LoginLogin
    Home
    Blogs
    Boost Your Immunity this Winter
    foodies-logo
    Foodies Only in your inbox
    By clicking "Subscribe", you agree to ourPrivacy Policy and to receive marketing emails from Foodies Only
    About UsContact UsSite Map
    FAQsPrivacy PolicyTerms of Use
    ITC Portal

    Copyright © 2025 Foodies Only

    instagram-logofacebook-logoyoutube-logo

    Boost Your Immunity this Winter

    recipes-cusine-icon-banner-image5 minrecipes-cusine-icon-banner-image06/03/2025
    Immunity Boosting Foods

    Boost Your
    Immunity
    This Winter with These Natural Home Remedies

    recipe-like
    0 Like

    recipe-save
    Save

    Share
    recipe-like
    0 Like

    recipe-save
    Save

    Share

    Quick Summary

    Winter's chill is no match for these immunity-boosting foods! From tangy citrus fruits to aromatic herbs and spices, these natural immunity boosters will keep you strong and healthy all season. Warm up, boost your defences, and enjoy the flavours of winter—your immune system will thank you!

    Deep Dive

    As the seasons change, so does our body’s immunity. Just like summer months require foods that keep you cool, especially when braving the Indian summers, winters require fortified defences against cold, cough, and flu. Simply put, staying healthy during the colder months requires extra care, and nothing works better than incorporating immunity-boosting foods and remedies into your daily routine. From immunity-booster drinks to immune-boosting herbs, this article will equip you with the best winter wellness tips to stay strong and healthy.

    Why Focus on Immunity?

    Our immune system is our body’s defence mechanism, protecting us from infections, bacteria, and viruses. While good hygiene and regular exercise are essential, the foods and drinks we consume play a significant role in helping us boost immunity naturally. This becomes especially crucial in winter when the cold weather can make us more susceptible to illness.

    Immunity-Boosting Foods: The Basics

    Food is the cornerstone of good health. Certain ingredients are known to enhance the immune system by providing essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Here’s a list of immunity-boosting foods that should be staples in your kitchen:

    Turmeric

    Turmeric, with its active compound curcumin, is a powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant. Whether added to curries or warm milk (haldi doodh), it’s a time-tested remedy to boost immunity naturally.

    Ginger and Garlic

    Both ginger and garlic are loaded with compounds that fight infections and reduce inflammation. These staples are not only key ingredients in Indian cooking but also effective home remedies for immunity when consumed raw or in tea.

    Citrus Fruits

    Fruits like oranges, lemons, and amla (Indian gooseberry) are rich in vitamin C, an essential nutrient for immune health. Regular consumption of these fruits during winter is one of the best natural remedies for immunity.

    Honey

    Honey is a natural antibacterial and antioxidant. It’s often used in immunity booster drinks or paired with ginger to create simple, effective home remedies for immunity.

    Immunity Booster Drinks to Try

    Hydration is key to a healthy immune system. Certain drinks boost the immune system by combining hydrating properties with medicinal benefits. Here are a few must-try beverages this winter:

    Turmeric and Ginger Tea

    This soothing tea combines two potent immune-boosting herbs—turmeric and ginger. Add a teaspoon of turmeric, freshly grated ginger, and a dash of black pepper to hot water. Let it steep for 5 minutes, strain, and enjoy.

    Amla Juice

    Rich in Vitamin C, amla juice is a powerhouse for the immune system. Drink it fresh or combine it with honey for a morning dose of health.

    Kadha

    Kadha is one of the most popular answers when looking for tips on how to boost immunity in winter, and for all the right reasons. A traditional Indian remedy, kadha is prepared by boiling immune-boosting herbs such as tulsi (holy basil), ginger, black pepper, and cinnamon.  While it's great for health, it should not be consumed more than two or three times a week. 

    Golden Milk

    Warm milk infused with turmeric, honey, and a pinch of cinnamon is not just comforting but also a potent drink to boost immunity naturally. Those following an Indian vegan food diet can substitute milk with almond or soy milk. The golden colour of the milk is a direct result of adding turmeric. 

    Natural Remedies for Immunity: Tried and Tested Tips

    • Steam Inhalation: Steaming with eucalyptus oil or plain water is an effective natural remedy for immunity, especially for clearing nasal passages during a cold.

    • Chyawanprash: This Ayurvedic formulation, made with amla and a mix of herbs, is a popular home remedy for immunity and is widely used in Indian households during winter.

    • Dry Fruits and Nuts: Almonds, walnuts, and dates provide energy and are excellent for building immune strength. Soak almonds overnight and consume them with warm milk for an added boost.

    How to Boost Immunity in Winter: Practical Tips

    With cold weather comes a higher risk of respiratory infections. Following these winter health tips will keep you and your family healthy throughout the season:

    • Eat Seasonal Vegetables: Winter vegetables like spinach, carrots, and radishes are not only nutritious but also rich in antioxidants that strengthen the immune system. And not, this is not just for those with a vegetarian diet, because these vegetables also offer nutritious options for non-vegetarians.

    • Stay Warm: While layering up is essential, drinking warm soups and immunity booster drinks like kadha or ginger tea can keep your body temperature regulated.

    • Use Spices: Spices like cinnamon, cloves, and black pepper are common in Indian households and are excellent immunity-boosting foods. Add them to teas, curries, or even desserts for a flavourful way to stay healthy. 

    • Encourage Hydration: It's common for people to consume less water than usual in winter because of the absence of heat-induced thirst. However, even in winter, staying hydrated is crucial. Offer drinks to boost the immune system, like herbal teas or warm soups.

    • Practice Regular Exercise: Activities like yoga or brisk walking improve circulation and enhance the immune response. If you're living in an area with high air pollution, practice exercising early in the morning or in enclosed spaces with proper purification. 

    • Get Adequate Sleep: A well-rested body is better equipped to fight infections. This is not just a mantra for winter, but is valid all year long. 

    Boost Immunity Naturally This Winter

    Incorporating immunity-boosting foods and natural remedies for immunity into your routine is one of the simplest ways to stay healthy during the colder months. Remember, the path to staying healthy isn’t just about avoiding illness but building resilience through nourishing habits. Even if you want to indulge in street foods, immunity helps you stay strong. Stay warm, stay healthy, and let nature's remedies do the rest!

    blurb

    Fresh juices made from carrots, beetroot, or spinach can provide a concentrated source of vitamins and minerals that support immune health.
    Citrus fruits have high water content, which can help keep you hydrated while providing essential nutrients.
    Vaccinations can significantly reduce your risk of contracting viral infections during the winter months.

    Related Blogs:

    • blogs-thumbnail

      Homemade Eggnog Mix with Indian Spices for a Festive Classic

    • blogs-thumbnail

      Winter Comfort Food Without the Crash: How to Build Energy-Sustaining Plates

    • blogs-thumbnail

      Winter Breakfasts That Don’t Feel Like a Chore: Hearty Ideas Under 10 Minutes

    You may be
    interested
    in

    share-image
    Share
    save-later-image
    Save for later
    High Protein Millet Smoothies
    Create
    heart image
    Elevate Your Smoothie Game With High-Protein Millet Power
    28 May 2024
    share-image
    Share
    save-later-image
    Save for later
    Best Hot Beverages for Winter Season
    Create
    heart image
    Comforting Elixirs for the Winter Season
    17 Jun 2024
    share-image
    Share
    save-later-image
    Save for later
    Tea Culture
    Explore
    heart image
    Explore the Fascinating Journey of India's Tea Culture
    11 Oct 2024
    View All