Immune Boosting Foods
Keeping our immune system strong is crucial! Here are some simple and easy go-to snacks and foods that we can incorporate into our day to keep us strong and healthy!
Citrus.
Citrus fruits are packed with vitamin C which is thought to increase the production of white blood cells. These are key to fighting infections. In fact, just 1 medium orange has all the Vitamin C your body needs in a day!
How to eat it:
Fresh squeezed juice!
Add citrus slices to your salads for a tangy twist
Add slices of lemon, lime or orange to your water
Use fresh squeezed juice to make a frozen popsicle!
Ginger.
Due to its strong anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, ginger can boost immune health. It contains tons of vitamins, such as magnesium, iron, zinc, and calcium. Ginger helps kill cold viruses and has been said to combat chills and fever.
How to eat it:
Add ginger to your favourite savoury soups
Throw in ginger to marinades for meats.
Sprinkle ginger to hot chocolate for an unexpected kick!
Grated ginger makes a lovely addition to baked goods
Yogurt.
Yogurt is rich in probiotics, which boost immune function and may even help reduce both the length and severity of colds. It helps your guy flourish and can aid in proper digestion, detoxification, and immune function. It’s also a great source of Vitamin D that can regulate your immune system and boost your body’s natural defenses against diseases.
How to eat it:
Create a yogurt parfait with your favourite toppings.
Mix yogurt, fruit juice, and a bit of honey. Pour into molds and freeze to make yogurt pops.
Enjoy cucumber salad with yogurt dill dressing.
Make coleslaw with yogurt instead of mayonnaise.
Tea.
Teas are a great way to help improve your immune system and battle common symptoms wince they have different properties that help with things like a sore throat, upset stomach, and congestion. Plus, many teas help you relax and get to sleep, which is a key component to feeling better. Some great immune-boosting teas include green tea, ginger tea, honey lemon, and mint!
How to eat it:
Add powdered tea to softened butter to make a savoury spread.
Cook grains and noodles in tea instead of stock.
Use powdered tea as a rub to infuse meats with unexpected flavour.
Add powdered tea to shortbread dough to make tea cookies.
Almonds.
Almonds are high in vitamin E which acts as an antioxidant in your body and helps immune system function. It works as a “big brother” to other vitamins, protecting them from oxidation and allowing them to do their work.
How to eat it:
Make your own fun homemade trail mix
Throw almonds or almond butter into your smoothies!
Toast whole raw almonds with herbs and spices for a tasty treat