There’s a definite chill in the air that signals the steady and inevitable approach of winter. This temperature drop, though some of us might find it refreshing after a long, hot Summer, is largely responsible for weakening our immune systems and producing that distinct background hum of sniffling, coughing and nose-blowing in the office!
It’s so important that we wrap up warm and take extra special care of ourselves in the cooler months because, with weakened immune systems, and as people are increasingly gathering indoors, we are suddenly left even more susceptible to colds and viruses.
Immune-Boosting Foods
Along with all the usual tricks like ensuring you’re warm when you go outside, exercising regularly and drinking the daily recommended amount of water, here are 5 immune-boosting foods you can add to your diet to give yourself an extra helping hand this winter…
1. Oranges
This colorful fruit has dominated supermarket shelves and grocery stands for years, and for good reason too! Oranges are packed with vitamin C and, as this is not something produced by the body or stored by it, we need a healthy dose of vitamin C every day.
2. Broccoli
If you think that superfoods are only ever foreign, exotic and expensive, think again! Broccoli should be one of your top vegetable choices when it comes to loading up on your five-a-day; it’s filled with fibre, vitamin C, B6, A3 and potassium.
3. Turmeric
Whilst we’re on the subject of superfoods, let’s talk turmeric. The curcumin in turmeric has powerful antiviral properties and is a go-to healing food in Ayurveda and traditional Chinese medicine. You can buy raw turmeric from your green grocer and simply add a few slices to a cup of hot water with lemon and honey for an immune-boosting “super-drink!”
4. Oysters
Don’t save your oysters for valentine’s day, eat them now! Oysters contain zinc, which activates white blood cells; the same cells that are responsible for defending our bodies from nasties.
5. Yogurt
Let’s be clear first of all that we’re talking about the no-added-sugar type of yogurt that uses “live cultures.” The right kind of yogurt, namely organic and plain (and maybe with added vitamin D if you can find one) contains probiotics which strengthen the gut and stop harmful bacteria entering into the bloodstream. Just add a dollop to your morning bowl of granola, or a breakfast smoothie.
As the nights draw in and your kitchen calls to you, be sure to stock up on some of these mega immune-boosting foods so you can stay strong and healthy all through the chilly winter months. Your taste buds and your body will thank you for it!
Hey Joyfreshers, what the best immune-boosting foods that help you stay healthy during winter.
