Harmattan is one of the seasons in Nigeria when the weather tends to appear harsh to our hair, skin and health. In fact, it basically aggravates cold as well as causes catarrh, cracking of lips or breaking of lips, sole of the feet, and a lot more.
Also, the throat gets sore; sneezing is frequent, there is sputum in the saliva while sometimes the eyes become wet or ruddy, all due to weakened immune systems.
However, scientists have identified natural foods and herbs that boost the immune system and prevent cold-related ailments. Several local herbs, researchers have shown to have antibacterial and antiviral properties and as such can provide relief and prevent viral infections.
Garlic
Garlic may help prevent the winter sniffles. Researchers in United Kingdom gave 146 people either a placebo or a garlic extract for 12 weeks. They found that garlic takers were two-thirds less likely to catch a cold, suggesting that people who take a garlic supplement each day are far less likely to fall victim to the common cold than those who do not.
Nigerian researchers have also demonstrated that local species can be successfully used to beat the cold virus.
However, to maximise the health benefits, garlic needs to be crushed at room temperature and allowed to sit for about 15 minutes. That triggers an enzyme reaction that boosts the healthy compounds in garlic.
Tea
Tea boosts the body’s defences against infection being rich in a substance that might be turned into a drug to protect against infection.
Researchers found in laboratory experiments a component in tea, L-theanine, an amino acid, that primes the immune system to attack invading bacteria, viruses and fungi. The L-theanine is abundant in both black and green tea.
In the study in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, people who drank five cups a day of black tea for two weeks had 10 times more virus-fighting interferon in their blood than others who drank a placebo hot drink.
Fermented food
Probiotics, or the “live active cultures” found in fermented food products like yoghurt, pap, kunun zaki and burukutu are healthy bacteria that keep the gut and intestinal tract free of disease-causing germs.
In a study at the University of Vienna in Austria, researchers found that a daily seven-ounce dose of yoghurt was just as effective in boosting immunity as popping pills of probiotics.
In fact, Nigerian researchers in a study published in African Journal of Biotechnology said the potential of Lactobacillus plantarum isolated from ogi slurry to modulate host immunity is a very promising area of research.
Ginger
Ginger tea is commonly taken against coughs, colds and flu. “Gingerol” is one of the oleoresin compounds found in gin
ger. Hot ginger teas have been shown to be one of the ways to enjoy the benefits of ginger and possibly relieve cold symptoms. The steaming effect is part of the reason it can clear congestion and soothe the linings of a stuffy nose.
Citrus fruits
Citric fruits like oranges, tangerines and grapefruits are rich in antioxidants that keep the body from all antibodies and increase resistance against illnesses.
Such fruits might not cure cold completely, but the soft white layer of skin found on citrus fruits like oranges contain flavonoids that can help boost the immune system.
Spinach
Spinach is rich in vitamin C. It also contains numerous antioxidants and beta carotene, which may increase the infection-fighting capability of the immune systems. Similar to broccoli, spinach is best cooked as little as possible so that its nutrients are retained.
Ginseng
Ginseng is one of the most well-known and widely used herbal remedies in the world. Research has revealed that ginseng can also improve the immune system and prevent certain infections as well as decrease the duration of the common cold.
Pigeon pea
Commonly called Fiofio (Igbo), Aduwa (Hausa) and Otili (Yoruba) in Nigeria, pigeon pea is a rich source of mineral nutrients and proteins such as methionine, lysine and tryptophan.
This source of Vitamin C helps to promote the white blood cells production and acts as an antioxidant that promotes overall wellness and strong immunity.
In fact, a 2016 study reported in the Journal of Animal Research that pigeon pea leaves powder caused a significant increase in the immune status of broiler birds under laboratory conditions.
Moringa
Moringa Oleifera is a treasure house of all essential nutrients that are needed to make immune system much more resistant and healthier. Vitamins and minerals are known to be very effective to protect from infections and other common health problems.
Moringa contains four times more vitamin A than carrots; seven times more vitamin C than oranges and its consumption can fulfil the recommended intake of vitamin E.