BEST ANTIVIRAL Foods & Ingredients to Start Eating Now

Now, more than ever, it’s crucial that we are making our health a priority. During a global pandemic, protecting our bodies and strengthening our defenses is the ultimate goal. Get lots of rest, eat nutrient rich foods high in polyphenols and vitamin C among other things, staying hydrated, it’s all fair game. But since this pandemic is a virus, it’s important to eat antivirals right now.

So many foods are antimicrobial, and that’s fantastic. However, that only protects us against harmful bacteria, and can even wreak havoc on the good bacteria in our bodies. Antiviral foods do exist though, and they are delicious. Here are a few of our favorites.

Mushrooms

Mushrooms have just recently, in the past decade or so, been getting the powerfully medicinal recognition they deserve. Not only can they help with longevity, cognitive function, disease prevention, gut health, energy levels, and beauty, but they are also actively antiviral, namely maitake and shiitake mushrooms due to their high levels of beta glucans.

Garlic

This fragrant allium has both antibacterial and antiviral properties. However, to reap the antiviral benefits, it must be eaten raw. If this sounds scary to you, or like it will burn your nose hairs right off, don’t freak out! You don’t have to eat it by itself. Blend a few cloves into a fresh green goddess dressing using tahini, olive oil, some activated nuts of choice, a little citrus like lemon or lime, and a handful of your favorite green herbs. It will be potent, but it will also be delicious.

Turmeric

Turmeric is best known for its anti-inflammatory compound known as curcumin, but this compound does so much more. This study from Frontiers in Microbiology shows both early-inhibitor and gene-expression-inhibitor action on 13 different major viruses, meaning it stops them in their tracks or stops them from multiplying and causing the damage they are known for. It’s also a growth inhibitor for harmful bacteria. It has a mild taste and a beautiful golden hue, and can be added to both savory and sweet dishes, or a simple and creamy turmeric golden latte!

Coconut Oil

A great sub for butter, shortening, or vegetable oil in cooking and baking just got better. Researchers are working to prove that coconut oil could be a potential treatment for Covid-19 patients. Coconut oil contains both lauric acid and monolaurin, both of which exhibit antiviral activity. While the study in using coconut oil specifically for CV19 needs a bit more time, it’s a no risk endeavor to start adding more coconut oil to your smoothies, hot drinks, and baked goods, or throwing it in the pan to kick off your stir fry.

Licorice

Studies show that licorice contains more than 20 triterpenoids and nearly 300 flavonoids, 2 of which have powerful antiviral effects. They work to weaken virus efforts by inhibiting gene expression and replication, “reducing adhesion force and stress, and reducing binding to DNA.” Sip on licorice tea, or add it to your favorite tea blend for a super mild but distinctive sweetness that is delicious and guilt free. Licorice is also great for your skin, too!

Olive Leaf

Olive leaf has been shown time and time again to exhibit antiviral properties. The hero compound in it is called oleuropein (say that ten times fast) and it’s a pretty kickass ally to have in your tea cupboard. It’s also great to boost energy and thinking power, and soothe overworked adrenals. It’s a mild, refreshing taste, and super easy to include in your rotation of wellness tonics to keep yourself protected.