Diwali, the festival of lights is long gone. The exchange of gifts, lighting the diyas, uploading our Instagram picture in the Diwali outfit and most importantly, munching on our favorite delicacies-everything was done in the best possible way. And, guess what, we’ve got a gift in return. Unlike other gifts, this one can prove to be detrimental for your health and skin. Yes, you’re going in the right direction. We’re talking about smog (smoke+fog), which has engulfed the Delhi atmosphere (all thanks to the crackers that were burnt on the Diwali night). This smog has its own harmful effects which are hazardous to all forms of life.
Your mom and every news channel has been suggesting you carry a mask along but we’ll tell you which food items, nutrients, and vitamins you can consume to fight the smog of the capital city. Let's have a look at the list:
1. Honey
One of the oldest sweeteners known, honey has anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties and can also prevent cancer and heart diseases. Apart from this, honey has several health and skin benefits as well. Have honey in the following ways and increase your immunity against smog:
a) Add honey to ginger juice and drink thrice a day. This will soothe irritation and cure breathing problems, cough, cold and infections.
b) Honey, when consumed with jaggery strengthens immunity and provides protection from air pollution and other diseases.
c) To clear the accumulated cough from you chest, have crushed black pepper with honey.
2. Oranges
According to the U.S. Food and Nutrition Board of the Institute of Medicine, the daily minimum intake of Vitamin C in an adult man should be more than 90 milligrams, while in an adult woman it should be more than 75 milligrams. Load up on foods and fruits rich in Vitamin C like amla (Indian gooseberry), guava, drumsticks, parsley, coriander leaves, oranges and lemon.
Vitamin C is a very effective anti-oxidant and increases energy in the body. It also helps in the regeneration of Vitamin E.
3. Almonds
Almonds, plant-based cooking oils (sunflower oil, peanut, canola and olive oil), salmon, chilli powder, basil and cloves are all rich sources of Vitamin E. Vitamin E acts as a natural anti-ageing nutrient and provides protection from UV rays which cause skin cancer.
4. Spinach
Spinach, methi (fenugreek), lettuce, radish and carrots are rich sources of Beta Carotene. Anti-oxidants present in Beta Carotene detoxes the body of all the pollutants.
5. Walnuts
Gulp on nuts like walnuts, chia seeds, flax seeds, mustard seeds, rajma and kala chana which are a rich source of Omega-3 fats. Omega-3 fats have numerous health benefits. It is known to have reduced coronary heart diseases, asthmatic attacks, and pneumonia.
6. Tulsi
Ayurveda or ancient medical science is trusted in India for more than 1000 years. It's not only effective but can also prove to be a cheaper source of treating a numerous ailments. Here are some common ayurvedic solutions that can cure respiratory diseases.
a) Tulsi- It is grown in almost every Hindu household in India. It's rich in anti-oxidants and mitigates fever, headache, cold, flu, high blood pressure, cures infections and allergies. Tulsi will prove to be an all-rounder in curing almost every injurious effect of smog.
b) Jaggery- Jaggery with onion juice is effective in providing relief from cough. Jaggery, turmeric and butter together relief the symptoms of asthma. Haritaki along with jaggery cures phlegm.
c) Turmeric- An age-old antiseptic and anti-oxidant, turmeric protects the lungs from the harmful effects of pollutants. Having turmeric with ghee can cure cough and reduce pain during an asthmatic attack.
Try these healthy recipes made using Tulsi.
Apart from this, we advice you to drink a lot of water that'll detox all the toxins present in the body and also provide a clear and healthy skin. Have a nutritious and balanced diet and take good care of yourself from this thick layer of smog.