8 Super foods for stronger immunity

Poor nutrition often leads to increased infections. How your body interacts with the foreign invaders depends on your immune system. A healthy diet with essential minerals, vitamins and antioxidants goes a long way in building and maintaining your immunity. Moreover, our immunity is at its lowest during seasonal change and therefore, this is the best time to load up on immunity-boosting foods. Sonia Narang, nutrition expert, Oriflame India, lists out some super foods that you must include in your diet to keep away the winter woes.

1. Maca root - Ashwagandha root is an ancient herb. It is the ginseng of ayurvedic medicine, the traditional medicine of India and is considered an adaptogen -- a term used to describe herbs that improve physical energy and athletic ability, increase immunity and help fight the infections and increase sexual capacity and fertility.

2. Turmeric - It has a global reputation forboosting immunity. It acts as an anti-bacterial, anti-fungal and anti-viral agent and helps in boosting the overall functioning of our immune system. It can be taken in warm milk for its best benefits.

3. Chia seeds - These powerful seeds are an amazing source of protein, omega 3 fatty acids and important minerals. It is best taken when soaked in water overnight.

4. Carrots - This root vegetable contains high amounts of beta carotene which the body converts into Vitamin A. Vitamin Ahelps to protect against infection and reduces the risk and duration of respiratory illnesses by keeping our lungs healthy. It is an excellent food to protect the skin from ageing.

5. Garlic- It has been used for thousands of years in the treatment of illness and disease. Its compound called allicin has potent medicinal properties which helps combat sickness, cold and cough.

6. Fennel - This licorice-tasting winter vegetable offers more than just a unique tang. Fennel is low in calories yet high in phytonutrient anethole, which may help boost the immune response.

7. Beetroot - It is packed with beneficial phytochemicals and antioxidants which protect the immune system by fighting off destructive free radicals.

8. Dark Chocolate - Cocoa-based dark chocolate is one of the best natural sources of antioxidants, iron, magnesium and zinc. Zinc, an important trace mineral, is important for immune function.