12 Foods That Fight Delhi's Air Pollution From the Inside

8. Garlic: Circulation and Immune-Supporting Ally

Garlic brings more than flavor to curries—its organosulfur compounds, like allicin, have modest antimicrobial and circulation-supporting effects that can be helpful when pollution stresses the lungs. Better circulation supports oxygen delivery, and garlic’s compounds may help the body process some pollutants more efficiently. Use garlic liberally in everyday cooking: temper it in tadkas, add chopped garlic to vegetable stir-fries, or mix raw crushed garlic into chutneys for a stronger dose. People often find raw garlic harsh, so try it in small amounts combined with lemon and honey if you want extra potency. Garlic complements other anti-pollution foods like turmeric and ginger and fits naturally into Indian cooking rhythms. If you’re on blood thinners or have a bleeding disorder, check with your clinician before taking high amounts or supplements.