After a harsh and cold winter, it is time to welcome the spring season with open arms. The biting cold weather gives way to bright sunshine and brings with it a whole new gamut of events, happenings and things to explore. During this weather transition, it is important to maintain a healthy immune system as the body is susceptible to infections. We must make sure to boost immunity in order to stay disease-free and enjoy this season to the maximum! Luckily, there are so many home remedies and concoctions for immunity that we can add to our diet during this period of season change. Haldi doodh, for instance, is an excellent option for immunity.
Here Are 5 Milk-Based Drinks To Boost Immunity:
1. Haldi Doodh
Known to keep you warm and healthy, haldi doodh is the traditional home remedy for immunity. Turmeric has a compound called 'curcumin' which is anti-fungal, antiseptic and anti-inflammatory in nature. It is also loaded with antioxidants that can further lower the risk of infections and keep diseases at bay. Thus, haldi doodh may prove to be an excellent drink for immunity during season change.
How To Make: Bring milk to a boil and then take it off the heat. Add a pinch of turmeric and black pepper, and mix. You can also add cinnamon powder or sugar, honey or any other sweetener if desired. Mix it well and consume it fresh!
Click here for the full recipe for haldi doodh.
2. Kesar Milk
Saffron or kesar is not just a prized possession because it is a rare spice. It also packs a punch in terms of health and nutrition. Kesar is a stimulant tonic and is extremely effective in treating cold, fever and infections. Adding it to hot milk and consuming it as a drink may prove to be excellent in keeping immune health in good shape.
How To Make: Put milk in a pan and bring it to a boil. Once it simmers, add kesar strands, sugar (optional) and green cardamom pods. Mix till everything dissolves and serve hot!
Click here for the full recipe of kesar doodh.
(Also Read: Make Ginger-Tulsi Herbal Tea For Healthy Immunity This Monsoon)
Kesar doodh is an excellent drink for winter immunity. Photo: iStock
3. Anjeer Milk
Anjeer or fig is a nutritional powerhouse, enriched with fibre, potassium and more. But did you know anjeer also offers protection to the body against diseases? Anjeer is loaded with antioxidants that neutralise free radicals in the body. Studies show that fig stimulates the immune system and works against bacterial and fungal agents. So, consuming fig in the form of healthy and warming anjeer milk can be one of the greatest ways of boosting immunity.
How To Make: Soak figs overnight in water and make a smooth paste of them, the next morning. Meanwhile, bring milk to a boil and add the fig paste and a strand or two of saffron. Mix well and drink it warm!
Click here for the full recipe for anjeer milk.
4. Coconut Milk
Not many people are aware that coconut milk can be an excellent remedy for boosting immunity. Coconut milk contains lauric acid that is known to keep immune health in good shape. It also has anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties. This vegan-friendly milk is enriched with the goodness of ginger, honey and a pinch of pepper to further enhance its immune-boosting abilities.
How To Make: Take the plant-based milk in a blender. Add ginger juice, a pinch of pepper and honey to it. Blend it well, pour it in a glass and enjoy!
Click here for the full recipe for coconut milk.
(Also Read: How To Boost Immunity? Food Habits That May Help Improve Immunity Naturally)
Coconut milk is a vegan recipe that can boost immunity too. Photo: iStock
5. Dry Fruit Milk
It is a fact well-known that dry fruits keep us warm and healthy during the winter season. But how about making dry fruit milk for changing weather? Dry fruits are nutrient-dense sources of a variety of vitamins, minerals and fibre and also provide protection against diseases. Almonds, walnuts, figs, dates and more can be used for this immunity-boosting milk.
How To Make: Soak dates, almonds and walnuts overnight and puree in a blender the next morning. Now, take a pinch of cinnamon and cardamom powder in a glass and add the dry fruit mixture to it. Top up with hot milk and enjoy.
Click here for the full recipe for dry fruit milk.
About Aditi AhujaAditi loves talking to and meeting like-minded foodies (especially the kind who like veg momos). Plus points if you get her bad jokes and sitcom references, or if you recommend a new place to eat at.