Cold weather means cold and flu season. Tune up your immune system and ward off illness with the food fighters.
Chicken Soup
There’s a reason mom’s chicken soup is good for what ails you. Chicken soup is soothing and contains an ingredient called carnosine. Carnosine, a protein building block, is important for your muscles and organs. Nutrient rich foods like chicken soup support optimal body function and can boost your immune system.
Garlic
Garlic adds great flavor to most savory dishes. This member of the allium or onion family fights bacteria and supports the blood and heart. Try some garlic in your chicken soup for extra immune boosting punch.
Ginger
Ginger offers tons of benefits. It is an anti-inflammatory and eases nausea and muscle soreness. Ginger may also lower cholesterol and ease indigestion. Surprise, it can also help strengthen your immune system. Use ginger in soup, tea or stir-fry dishes.
Broccoli
Loaded with vitamins A and C, as well as antioxidants, broccoli is a tasty way to treat your immune system well. Enjoy steamed or roasted, in pasta or alongside lean meats.
Spinach
Like broccoli, spinach is a nutritional powerhouse. It’s also very versatile. You can enjoy spinach with every meal. Toss a few leaves in your breakfast omelet. Add spinach to your salad or sub for lettuce on your sandwich. Steam for dinner or enjoy in lasagna or alongside your favorite protein.
Pomegranate Juice
Refreshing and full of antioxidants, pomegranate juice boosts the immune system. Enjoy over ice with a squeeze of lime for more flu fighting power.
Citrus foods
Choose lemon, lime and grapefruit for a refreshing dose of vitamin C to stave off cold and flu germs.
Green tea
Enjoy hot or cold. Green tea has health enhancing antioxidants that protect you against illness.
Yogurt
Choose yogurt with low-sugar content and live-active cultures. Coupled with the vitamin D in this creamy treat, you’ve got a virus fighting duo that may save you from the sniffles.
What else helps boost the immune system? In addition to healthy food choices, get adequate rest, maintain a healthy weight, manage stress and of course, wash your hands thoroughly throughout the day. To your good health!
