4 Sattvic foods to eat for better immunity

What you eat makes a huge difference to your health. Although it's important you maintain a good lifestyle and eat a variety of foods, maintaining a sattvic diet can be one of the ways to make a difference to your health.

Sattvic comes from the word 'Sattva', which signifies pure, energy, clean and strong. Considered to be extremely rich in micronutrients, Sattvic food, derived from yogic philosophy of living encourages clean eating, promotes physical strength, good health as well as prolong life. It focusses on eating foods or practising lifestyle habits which balance our emotions as well as clear out the toxins, keeping you energetic as well. It can also be a way for you to strengthen the body's immunity.

Apart from the foods, a Sattvic diet also focusses on eating habits and art of moderation, which are just as beneficial for a healthy diet as the food you eat. Meat, poultry, or any product which contain traces of egg are a strict no-no in sattvic diet.

Below mentioned are some of the foods which you can consume to boost your immunity and stay safe from diseases during this time.

Considered to be a traditional nuskha, amla, or Indian gooseberry is something which we have always been encouraged to eat and rightfully so. Amla is one of the richest sources of Vitamin C and antioxidants which fight infections in the body and boost your immunity. Have it as a pickle, candy or just in its natural form regularly to see a difference in your health.

Sattvic lifestyle lays special emphasis on including whole sprouted grains like barley, amaranth and quinoa which are high on fibre and pack in a lot of nutrition. A whole grain like barley, in particular, contains immunity-boosting properties, as it supplies helpful nutrients as well as cleanses the body of toxins. Consuming barley water has also been proven to benefit metabolism, promote weight loss as well as balance blood sugar levels.

According to yogic diet, the molecular composition of honey is almost as pure as blood and extremely helpful in treating anaemic problems. It also has disease-fighting properties which keep you protected. Apart from this, honey has anti-inflammatory properties which are helpful when you have an infection in the body. It is extremely vital when you have a bad bout of cough or cold.

Ghee or clarified butter is a part of any Indian diet and there's no real reason to shy away from it. In many households, it's churned freshly at home as well and in fact, one of the healthiest fats you can have. Rich in Vitamins A, B, D and K, ghee also contains good traces of antioxidants, anti-inflammatory agents which fight toxins, strengthens metabolism, as well as keep you fit and fine from the inside. A concoction of ghee, jaggery and mishri (rock sugar) is often used as an Ayurvedic remedy to fight cold and congestion.

Apart from this, another simple addition which you can make to your diet is to make sure you increase your intake of fruits and vegetables such as cauliflower, ash gourd, carrots, spinach, lettuce and broccoli. All of these are loaded in fibre, which takes care of your gut health and ensures you have adequate antioxidants to strengthen the immune system.