Here is a list of foods that are nature's security blanket against a host of diseases.  They help boost immunity, aid in faster recovery during illness, prevent nutrition deficiencies besides fighting cancer, diabetes and many more chronic illnesses.

# 1:  Tomato:   Tomatoes are rich in “lycopene” an antioxidant that prevents cancer,  reduces inflammation in the body and keeps the skin healthy. Lycopene is a red carotenoid found mainly in tomatoes, and has been shown to protect the skin from photo-ageing and as an antioxidant it helps 'mop up' cell damaging free radicals, which have a major impact on ageing, eye health, infection and heart health.

 #2:  Omega 3s - are essential fatty acids that are known to boost immunity, lower blood pressure, improve cholesterol levels, prevent heart disease, boost brain health and helps in preventing cancer. Need we say more about Omega 3s? They cannot be produced by the body and must be obtained from your diet. Good sources are flax seeds, walnuts, pumpkin seeds, seafood (salmon, sardines, mackerel & tuna), canola & olive oil and soybean. 

# 4: Fruits and vegetables : Fruits and vegetables are the best superfoods known!  They are super rich in fiber, antioxidants, minerals, and vitamins.  Antioxidants found in the colourful fruits and vegetables prevent and fight many diseases such as allergies, asthma, cancer, inflammation, heart diseases and diabetes. 

# 5:  Green or black tea: A Harvard study found that people who drank 5 cups a day of black tea for 2 weeks had 10 times more virus-fighting interferon in their blood than others who were given some placebo drink.  The nutrients that are responsible for this immune boost include catechins and an amino acid called L-theanine, and these are abundant in both black and green tea 

# 6: Oats and barley– Recent research has confirmed that oats flush out bad cholesterol and regulate blood sugar levels. Besides this benefit, these grains contain beta-glucan, a type of fiber with antimicrobial and antioxidant capabilities and according to a study animals that eat these grains are less likely to contract influenza, herpes, and anthrax. In humans too it boosts immunity, speeds wound healing, and may help antibiotics work better..

# 7: Herbs & Spices - Found in every Indian home and a part of grandmother's home remedies, these are a powerhouse of disease fighting antioxidants. Jeera ,  garlic, ginger and pepper boost metabolism and have a stimulating effect on the nervous system. Cinnamon can lower blood sugar & triglycerides and turmeric contains curcumin which inhibits the growth of cancer cells. Herbs like oregano, thyme, rosemary are also extremely beneficial, not to forget our very own tulsi, mint, coriander and curry leaves.

#8:  Curds and yoghurt:  Probiotics, or the "live active cultures" found in yogurt and curd, are healthy bacteria that keep the gut and intestinal tract free of disease-causing germs. A study from the University of Vienna in Austria found that a  200 ml of curds or yoghurt was an effective immunity