Winter is everybody's favourite time of the year. For many, it's the time to bring out stylish jackets, hoodies and boots out of the closet. While others like to sleep for longer hours. But for many of us, it's the winter foods that make us desperately wait for the season. India delicacies like gajar halwa, moong dal halwa, sarso ka saag are relished during this time of the year. But winter is also the time when your immunity is at its worst.  But tcan help boost the immunity of the body and fight against diseases. The body is prone to various diseases in winter the most common being cold, chest congestion, flu, etc. Winter 2019 Workout: Easy Exercises to Do at Home for Fat Loss & Weight Loss (Watch Videos)

During the winters, digestion gets stronger, which in turn boosts the immune system, provided we eat healthy foods. The problem occurs when we give in to our winter hunger pangs and indulge in unhealthy junk food. Instead of binging on fries and burgers, here are six immune-boosting foods to have during winter.

1. Citruses

Citrus fruits like grapefruits, lemons, oranges are rich in Vitamin C. Eating Vitamin C-rich foods is important for avoiding infections such as cold, flu, etc. These type of fruits help in boosting the production of white blood cells.

Orange (Photo Credits: Pixabay)

2. Herbal Tea

Most of us love to sip on a cup of tea during winter, however going for herbal tea would be the best option. Get your immune system boosting antioxidants from green tea, which helps reduce inflammation in the body.

Herbal Tea (Photo Credits: Pixabay)

3. Sweet Potatoes

Sweet potatoes are packed with Vitamin A and beta-carotene. Vitamin A strengthens the immunity systems, while beta-carotene, which is an antioxidant, acts as a precursor to Vitamin A. Sweet potatoes are rich in starch and also contain good carbs, which can be eaten before performing any endurance activity or weight-training exercise during winter.

Sweet Potatoes (Photo Credits: Pixabay)

4.Mushrooms

Mushrooms are packed with Vitamin D, which enhances immune functions. Vitamin D is not produced naturally in the body. Most of us obtain Vitamin D from exposure to sunlight, however, in winter we hardly get any. Eating mushrooms during winter is a good way to supplement your vitamin D needs.

Mushrooms (Photo Credits: Pixabay)

5. Leafy Green Vegetables

In winters, there is no dearth of green leafy vegetables. Spinach and kale not only taste delicious but also contain immune-boosting vitamins A, C and E, as well as folate, antioxidants and fibre.  Try incorporating green leafy vegetables in your diet as much as possible.

Green Leafy Vegetables (Photo Credits: Pixabay)

6. Turmeric Milk

Turmeric milk is loaded with medicinal properties, which can work wonders for your health in numerous ways. It is best to have a glassful before bed in winter as turmeric is rich in curcumin, which can help in controlling inflammation. The antioxidant properties of haldi also help in fighting cell damage.

Turmeric Milk (Photo Credits: Pxhere)

In order to boost your immunity in winters and to stay away from contagious diseases, stay hydrated and eat right. Staying hydrated will help the body produces enough white blood as well as immune-boosting cells Also, add herbs to your food while cooking and include onion, garlic, black pepper, ginger in your diet for added immune health.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Nov 13, 2019 04:00 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).