While the global race for an effective vaccine against Coronavirus is at full-throttle, experts unanimously agree that a strong immune system helps our body to keep the virus at bay. Shahnaz Husain, internationally famed beauty expert and pioneer of the Herbal Beauty care movement, shares tips on how to build immunity through Ayurvedic diet.

 In these times of Coronavirus pandemic, it has become imperative that we strengthen our immunity and prevent the infection. Despite being an ancient system, Ayurveda provides the means to build up immunity. As per the holistic system, good health is the total well-being of the body, the mind and the soul.

 The ancient sages of India placed high value on raw, natural foods, fresh fruits and vegetable juices. In fact, the detoxification of the body through raw foods and juices was considered to be the first step in curing disease, building up immunity and achieving good health. When we talk of natural foods, we include those that can be eaten raw, those that are naturally derived and those that are unrefined and unprocessed.  Not only do they detoxify the system by promoting the elimination of wastes, but also bring about a sense of well being and vitality.  This is because they ensure that the body receives essential nutrients and help in achieving the desired acid-alkaline and sodium-potassium balances.

 Ayurveda advocates a diet that is high in fresh fruits and vegetables, unprocessed cereals, sprouted grains, nuts, seeds, yogurt, can make one look and feel much better.  The vitamins, minerals and trace elements found in natural foods are extremely essential to the immune system, protecting the body from disease, degeneration and premature aging. The diet should provide enough bulk to keep the digestive tract cleansed of toxins and wastes. Constipation and accumulation of toxins and wastes reflect on the skin, in terms of congestion, dull skin, blackheads and eruptions. The diet should also be low in fats, to prevent clogging up of arteries and veins. A low fat diet also helps to control weight gain. The diet should be high in minerals, which provide energy and vitality and also help skin and hair. Keep to a low salt diet. Excess salt leads to retention of fluid in the body and slows down circulation. Sometimes, it can make the face and area around eyes look puffy. For congested skin, a low salt diet is advocated.

 Fresh, organic foods are recommended by Ayurveda, so that the body is supplied with nutrients. They not only contribute to good health, but also give the skin a radiant glow. The general feeling of well being and vitality actually improves the mental outlook, helps the body to cope with stress, boosts self confidence and adds a zest to life.

 Herbal Teas, made of herbs and spices, have been an integral part of Ayurveda, thanks to their many benefits, like aiding digestion, warming the body, calming the nerves, helping weight loss and so on. Among the spices used in preparation of Ayurvedic teas include cinnamon, clove, cumin seeds, black pepper, cardamom, fennel (saunf) and nutmeg (jaiphal). Spices are actually medicinal herbs and are used in foods to alter the qualities of food items, reducing their negative effects and aiding digestion.

In Ayurveda, ginger is known as “a universal remedy” because it has so many benefits. Ginger boiled in water can be had as ginger tea. Ginger tea is advised after meals for digestion and is used in coughs and colds. It has anti-inflammatory properties too and keeps the skin clear of acne and other blemishes. In winter, spices can be added to tea. Among these are cardamom, cinnamon, ginger or lemon grass. You can also add Ginger, Cardamon (elaichi), Cinnamon (dalchini) or pepper to keep the body warm.

Ayurveda recommends us to be in harmony with the nature. Whenever we have gone away from nature, we have suffered, in terms of losing health and beauty and even in destruction to the world we live in. I firmly believe that India has a great deal to offer to the rest of the world, by way of our great tradition of herbal healing. Today, the entire world is looking at nature with enlightened eyes and at holistic systems like Ayurveda.