Holistic health is something that has come back into the spotlight in recent years and with it, dishes that exude beneficial properties. Around the world, many countries have their own ideas of what's beneficial to the human body and, specifically, beneficial to a person's immune system. It's common knowledge that fruits and vegetables are helpful to the human body with a myriad of nutrients and vitamins, but what about entire dishes? Gone are the days when V8 was once the cure-all to needing an influx of nutrients quickly but now, many countries are revealing their secrets when it comes to coveted dishes that do the same.

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Health benefits come in surprising forms and it's time to take a trip around the globe to find the most immune-boosting of these dishes. It's a wild ride but one that's filled with healthy foods you won't even realize are healthy, because you'll be too busy enjoying how absolutely delicious they are. Ready for the good stuff?

Spain: Gazpacho

gazpacho
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With the number of vegetables that go into making gazpacho, it should be considered a superfood by now. In Spain, this is considered an 'ultimate immune booster' and contains a blend of tomatoes, garlic, peppers, cucumbers, sherry vinegar, and extra virgin olive oil that, when blended and seasoned, make up one of the best cold soups you're likely to have ever tried in your life. Gazpacho is highly regarded as a summer soup in Spain and uses seasonal vegetables to create a dish that's fresh, bold, and bright.

Lebanon: Hummus And Its Ingredients

hummus
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Specifically, mint, garlic, olive oil, and chickpeas. While mint is the only thing that's not usually included in hummus, everything else is, making it another superfood snack. Hummus is traditionally served as a small plate or tapas; a pre-meal before the actual meal. It's a light side and a great dip for pita, crackers, or vegetables, and it's full of good vitamins thanks to the chickpeas that help to create it. Mint would traditionally be used in dishes such as tabouleh or in tea to make mint tea, both of which are healthy and provide immune-boosting (and comforting) properties.

Ukraine: Sauerkraut

sauerkraut

It has actually been proven that sauerkraut, which is fermented cabbage, is great for overall gut health. While this dish isn't commonly eaten on its own in other parts of the world, it's served as a side in places such as Ukraine and Russia. Any way you slice it, sauerkraut is full of beneficial ingredients that help aid in digestion and are surprisingly healthy despite the fact that its smell and flavor are somewhat of an acquired flavor, similar to the way kimchi is.

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South Africa: Rooibos

rooibos tea with orange
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Rooibos is getting increasingly popular especially for those looking to incorporate more immune-boosting teas and herbs into their diets. Rooibos, specifically, is full of antioxidants, making it a great alternative to other tea varieties. It's also caffeine-free as it is an herbal tea, and it's known to have benefits that include lowering blood pressure and aiding with diabetes.

Bosnia: Fermented Foods

fermented vegetables
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It's a common practice for families in Bosnia to ferment their own foods, especially cabbage. The health benefits of this include a boost in vitamin C, magnesium, calcium, sulfur, iron, and phosphorus. Similar to sauerkraut, fermented cabbage is said to aid in digestive health and has been used as a treatment for inflammation. It's said that fermented cabbage can also be a helpful food for those with anemia as well. The belief that fermented vegetables are beneficial is so strong that some Bosnians even drink the fermentation liquid that's leftover, believing that it helps with coughing and can be used as a cleansing agent for the body.

Portugal: Olive Oil And Fish

olive oil on fish
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Portugal is very seafood-oriented as the country has easy access to the sea and, with it, fresh fish. Therefore, fish is an important part of the food culture in this country and it's commonly known that fish itself is high in omega-3s and is much healthier than other proteins. Olive oil is another huge staple in Portugal's cuisine which also makes sense since the entire region follows a Mediterranean diet. Some regions of Portugal also make their own olive oil so it's not only healthy but also locally-sourced and grown.

India: Turmeric

turmeric root and powder
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Turmeric is said to be somewhat of a miracle spice and if it wasn't evident by the rise of turmeric milk, it should be evident by the fact that it's now incorporated in drinks such as coffees and teas. Turmeric is believed to be helpful for the body both inside and out, as a healing agent for exterior injuries and as a digestive aid for internal issues.

Next: Is Kimchi Good For You? How Can You Use It? These Questions And More, Answered