Calcium interfere with the absorption of iron in the body. Food rich in calcium and food rich in iron should not be eaten together.

Tea and coffee inhibit iron absorption. Avoid tea and coffee along with meal or immediately after food.

Eggs too hinder iron absorption. It is better to eat it as a standalone snack.

Vitamin C helps the body absorb iron. Include Vitamin C rich food along with food rich in iron to get your hemoglobin rates up.

A diet rich in iron, folic acid and Vitamin B12 helps overcome iron deficiency.

Foods to incorporate into diet:

• Meat contains Heme iron. Its absorption can be enhanced by cooking with leafy green vegetables.
• All types of beans are a good source of iron.
• Leafy green vegetables like spinach, mint, radish leaves, coriander are rich sources of non-Heme iron.
• Dried fruits like dates, raisins, apricot and peaches are rich in iron and Vitamin C. Vitamin C helps the body absorb iron.
• Dark honey with milk enhances hemoglobin level in blood.
• Juices of beetroot and pomegranate along with a few drops of lemon is an excellent tonic for anemia.

Follow a healthy diet and say goodbye to anemia.

Lemon contains the benefits of Vitamin C and is good for the stomach and digestive system. Lemon and honey soothes cold and flu. It relaxes the mind and body and helps expel toxins from the body. It is also good for weight loss as both ingredients increases the body’s metabolism.

All you need :

Juice of half a lemon

Organic Honey 2 tsp

Make your regular black tea and add the above ingredients and enjoy the refreshing drink loaded with health benefits.

Preparation time : 20 minutes

Serves : 2

Ingredients :

• 8 baby potatoes
• 2 eggs
• 125g asparagus
• 185g canned tuna, drained and flaked into large chunks
• black olives, halved (small handful)
• lettuce leaves torn into chunks
• crusty bread

For Dressing:

• 1 shallot, finely chopped
• 1 tsp mustard powder
• 2 tbs white wine vinegar
• 1 tbs extra virgin olive oil
• Pinch of salt and sugar

Method of preparation :

1. Boil the potatoes until they are tender. Drain and cool under cold running water. Set aside to cool further.
2. Boil the asparagus for 2 minutes and set aside to drain.
3. Boil the eggs. Once cool enough to handle peel the eggs and cut into halves.
4. Whisk the dressing ingredients with 1 tbs of water.
5. Put the potatoes, tuna, asparagus, olives and lettuces into a bowl and drizzle the dressing. Toss well to coat everything.
6. Add the eggs and serve with crusty bread.

According to health experts, you need not even look that far for help. Your kitchen pantry is filled with herbs, spices and ingredients that may help fortify you from within.

As much as we loved getting drenched in the rain, we are also well aware of the consequences that are on board. Monsoons are often associated with a range of seasonal infections. Our immunity tends to take a dip and makes us more susceptible towards germs. The least you can do at this point is to supplement your diet with all things healing and stay away from contaminated food. Do not let your food sit out in the open for too long in the moisture. For bacteria, this is the best time to breed and multiply. Eat and drink a little more wisely. According to health experts, you need not even look that far for help. Your kitchen pantry is filled with herbs, spices and ingredients that may help fortify you from within. For instance, this honey-lemon-ginger tea could ease congestion, inflammation and keep you warm and cosy. 

Here’s How This Tea Could Be Helpful:

1. Honey: Honey is used in many concoctions to manage cold and cough traditionally. According to the book, ‘Healing Foods’ by DK Publication House, honey could do wonders as a cough repressant. “Types of honey shown to work well for coughs include buckwheat, eucalyptus, citrus, or labiatae (mint family) varieties,” the book notes.
2. Lemon: Lemon is packed vitamin C and antioxidants that helps fight free radical activity and foster immunity. 
3. Ginger: Ginger is teeming with anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. Gingerol has analgesic, sedative, antipyretic and antibacterial effects, another component zingerone is an antioxidant, writes the book, ‘Healing Foods’.

^{For bacteria, this is the best time to breed and multiply}

Here’s How You Can Make Honey-Lemon And Ginger Tea:

Ingredients:
1 teaspoon honey 
1 teaspoon shredded ginger (finely chopped)
1 teaspoon lemon
2 cups of water

Recipe: How To Make Honey-Lemon-Ginger Tea for Immunity
1. In a pan, heat 2 cups of water.
2. As it begins to boil add ginger. Let it steep for 2-3 minutes.
3. After you have steeped it well, add lemon and honey and stir well. According to experts, you should not cook honey as it may deprave it of its healing properties.
4. Strain the tea and consume lukewarm. 
Drink this tea early in the morning; you can also consume this tea two-three times a day. But makes sure you also monitor your diet and lifestyle closely. Do not eat out too much and make sure you are well covered when you step out to prevent yourself from mosquito bites. 

Have a healthy and happy monsoon!