Improving immunity in the Eastern style - spices : Recommended by a nutritionist

Improving immunity in the Eastern style: Recommended by a nutritionist

 

Strengthening immunity, especially in the light of the events of the coronavirus pandemic, is currently a global issue. Experts recommend a variety of natural substances and products. It is a joke that ginger is the currency of our time. But will the spices that have appeared in Europe from the east be useful to us living in northern latitudes?

 

Delicious Prevention

Most of the useful foods and spices that are popular today as effective means of strengthening immunity, including the sales leader ginger, are quite exotic and come mainly from Eastern and Asian countries. Their history is centuries old. The useful properties of spices and herbs were noticed by ancient healers. They found that spices promote better food absorption, kill bacteria and inhibit the body's aging processes. But one important nuance is that the spice will only benefit with moderate use.

 

Interestingly, nature has generously enriched them with vitamins, minerals, essential oils, alkaloids, which are confirmed by scientific studies.

 

Doctors have concluded that spices have healing properties, they have a healing effect on our body, as well as increased immunity. They mobilize the body's defenses, prevent and treat many diseases. Medicinal spices and herbs are especially valuable in the treatment and prevention of colds, and their popularity is growing at a time when the body is struggling - in spring, autumn and during an epidemic of viral diseases.

 

Eat less, but with spices!

"Now, during quarantine and self-isolation, people have started cooking more at home, and that's good," says Lolita Neimane, a nutritionist and head of the Latvian Association of Nutrition and Diet Specialists. Of course, there is no universal diet that would save us all and strengthen immunity. But we can talk about the benefits of a healthy diet. And here the main principle is to eat as many vegetables, fruits and herbs as possible.

It is also recommended that the prepared food is not too greasy and salty. One should not be interested in all kinds of semi-finished products, which often use different flavor enhancers. "

According to the nutritionist, despite the fact that we live in northern latitudes, it is very useful to use dishes and spices from Eastern and Asian cuisines. Products such as turmeric, ginger, cinnamon, chili peppers have been very relevant for a long time, and not only today. Nutritionists recommend eating more of these different spices. For example, there are very good reviews about shiitake mushrooms, which, according to the media, even help against cancer.

It is very good if we can use the best of the so-called exotic cuisine and add our own dishes to it. It is useful to eat more fish and seafood, less pork and beef. But, I repeat, there is no superfood and super recipes that will help everyone equally. "

 

The nutritionist reminds that spending a lot of time in the apartment, people move less, so it is necessary to eat less. The lower the energy consumption, the fewer calories the body needs.

 

Oriental "gold" on the shelf

We look at the shelf with spices and find those that, according to expert recommendations, will help us in the spring to prevent colds and strengthen immunity.

 

Ginger

The spring sales record holder is ginger. Ginger root contains a large number of different biologically active substances - vitamins (C, B1, B2, carotene), mineral salts (calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, iron, sodium, potassium, zinc, aluminum, manganese, as well as germanium and silicon), fat, amino acids (including essential ones). The pleasant and spicy aroma is created by the essential oil, but the burning taste is due to the presence of ginger.

 

In addition to the aroma and taste, ginger also has a number of very valuable healing properties, including anti-inflammatory, expectorant, bactericidal, antiperspirant and antipyretic effects. It is used to treat colds and flu. Ginger is an ingredient in various teas and warming drinks.

 

Cloves

Cloves are rich in carotene and B vitamins, as well as ascorbic acid, magnesium, iron, potassium, phosphorus, selenium and zinc. In addition, cloves contain valuable fiber, which is necessary for the normal functioning of the gastrointestinal tract. But it is in the stomach and intestines that the cells of the immune system live. The tannins, which are found in abundance in clove inflorescences, perfectly tone and help strengthen immunity.

 

Rice and shiitake mushrooms

 Chinese and Japanese cuisine - mushrooms and shiitake - are considered to be products of longevity and eternal youth. In terms of properties, they resemble aloe and ginseng, but even more effective variation.

The health contribution of mushrooms is due to the richness of biologically active ingredients such as terpenoids and steroids. These compounds have immune modulatory, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that help the human body in many different diseases. One of the most valuable substances is beta-D-glucan polysaccharide, which causes the proliferation of macrophages and lymphocytes. These two types of cells stimulate the immune system.

Shiitake mushroom gained its popularity in Southeast Asia more than two thousand years ago. In its historical homeland, it was called "imperial" because it was an integral part of the menu of Chinese and Japanese rulers. For centuries, people have used medicinal mushrooms to boost the immune response. Shiitake contains lentulin and other beta-glycans that stimulate and support the body's defense mechanisms.

Reich and shiitake mushroom extracts in combination with royal jelly and colostrum are especially useful. Peruvian milk, one of the most valuable beekeeping products, contains more than 400 active ingredients, including the most valuable vitamins, essential amino acids, proteins, enzymes, hormones and other ingredients. Colostrum, in turn, is the milk of pets that they give in the first days after calving. This product contains all the necessary substances that help strengthen the immune system and are designed to adapt the body more quickly to changes in living conditions.

Liquids are best absorbed. For example, "immune shot" - a unique cocktail that contains the most important substances to strengthen immunity. They are easy to use - just open and drink once a day!

 Turmeric

This is the root of a perennial tropical plant related to ginger. Turmeric warms the body, stimulates the immune system, helps increase the body's resistance to various infections. The antiseptic, healing and analgesic properties of turmeric can reduce sore throat and remove mucus, as well as disinfect the inflamed mucous membrane. The spice lowers cholesterol and normalizes blood sugar. It not only cleanses and improves blood circulation, but also stimulates the formation of red blood cells.