Air pollution in Delhi and surrounding areas has reached dangerous levels yet again. The thick layer of haze in the air is not only alarming for the people who go out to their workplace, exercise, or do other work, but also for the people who stay indoors by resulting in a host of health problems.
With people already struggling to stay safe from the deadly COVID-19, viral, dengue, and other several diseases, now it’s the time to take precautions to safeguard ourselves from the severe levels of air pollution that can give rise to several serious conditions like asthma, skin problems, sinus infections, mental health problems, some heart diseases, and increase the risk of cancer as well.
Whereas the government is taking initiatives to deal with the problem like shutting down schools/college or implementation of work from home for govt. employees, we could also do something from our end to at least keep ourselves immune from the hazardous effects of high-pollution levels.
For this reason, we would like to introduce you to some superfoods that you can eat to effectively fight off the harmful effects caused by air pollutants.
So, what are you waiting for? Let’s find out some of the many food items which can help us fight pollutants from the inside.
1. Turmeric
For ages, people have been told to drink turmeric milk while they suffer from a cold or cough. All thanks to its anti-inflammatory properties. This therapeutic herb helps improve lung functions due to the presence of an active agent called Curcumin.
It aids in protecting the lungs and reduces lung damage which is common due to the adverse effects of air pollution. Stir turmeric in warm milk and drink regularly at night to combat the toxic effects of air pollution and build a stronger gut, which is essential to fight off any illness or disease.
2. Vitamin C Rich Foods
If you want to build resistance against the side effects of pollution, it is crucial to load up on vitamin C enriched foods. As we all know, vitamin C, is a powerful antioxidant and boosts gut health which simply means that it prepares our body to stay protected and effectively fight many illnesses.
Foods packed with vitamin C like citrus fruits, guava, apple, kale, sprouts, spinach, broccoli, tomatoes, gooseberry, etc. should be a part of your regular diet that will help you to stay less susceptible to allergies including the health effects of pollution, as per a recent study.
3. Nuts and Seeds
As the winter approaches, many of us reach out to certain nuts like almonds, cashews, pistachios, or dates to keep us warm during the cold season. Nuts are the easiest and quickest way to produce heat in the body. Surprisingly, nuts are also helpful to root out toxins and irritants from the system as they are loaded up with vitamins A, B, C, and E.
Other than this, seeds like Sunflower and Flaxseeds are also one of the best sources to reduce the effects of smog. Consume a handful of these nuts and seeds every day to clear out harmful toxins from the body that arises due to air pollution.
4. Jaggery
As per NDTV Food, Jaggery, or gur, has innumerable health benefits including treating breathing problems that are common for people with respiratory diseases or those allergic to dust or thick haze due to pollution. This traditional remedy is also said to improve the hemoglobin levels as it consists of a high level of iron thus helping in getting rid of breathing-related issues caused due to high pollution levels.
Besides being one of the best sweet alternatives, jaggery is great to reduce the symptoms of allergic reactions due to pollution and keeps you protected from other health conditions like indigestion. Keep a chunk alongside your regular meal, mix it with warm turmeric milk/warm water, or eat it whenever you crave sweet food to get the maximum benefits.
5. Ginger and Garlic
One of the most common ingredients found in every household- Ginger and Garlic upholds is amazing for our body during the high pollution levels in the region. The anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant properties help in reducing cough, which is the major concern of people especially people with conditions like asthma or bronchitis.
They both are a major part of most of the food preparations, therefore, you can easily consume them regularly. Begin your day with ginger tea with a chunk of jaggery to give a sweet taste and add garlic to give flavor to the sabzis while reaping out many benefits.
Besides eating these anti-pollution foods, given below are a few measures you should take care of to stay healthy and fit as the pollution level rises:
- Choose public vehicles over private vehicles
- Try to avoid going outdoors
- Wear a mask whenever you step out
- Take steam and gargle regularly
- Keep shut the windows of the house
Final Thoughts
The right dietary choice does not only helps in protecting from infectious diseases but also helps to combat the ill- effects of air pollution. Also, don’t forget to eat a healthy nutritious diet which is either homemade or an authentic organic food & corporate catering service like us that delivers 100% chemical-free and healthy food to your home and workplaces in Delhi/NCR.
We can’t do much to lessen the rising air pollution, but we can surely prepare ourselves to beat the harmful effects and keep us healthier and away from any disease. Make sure to consult the doctor right away to ensure the best health.
