With the latest pandemic of the Swine Flu, it is probably worth considering whether you are eating healthy enough to sustain your health right now. Food and healthy lifestyle choices boost your immune system, and that can prevent you from coming down with colds and flu. The key is to eat healthly before you get too sick!
Here are some tips:
Rely on Real Food, Not Vitamins: Foods are better than dietary supplements for the prevention of colds and flu because you get the whole nutritional package Eat More Fruits and Vegetables: Everyone needs at least five servings of fruits and vegetables every day to get adequate vitamins, minerals, fiber and antioxidants -- all things we need for a healthy immune system.
Balance diet: Good nutrition is still important if you catch a cold or influenza. Focus on getting three meals per day, and don’t forget to keep eating lots of fruits and vegetables.
Food to boost your immune system + more:
Cruciferous vegetables protect the body from nasty free radicals which cause everything harmful, from a wrinkle to cancer. Cruciferous vegies include cabbage, cauliflower, broccoli, Brussel sprouts.
Orange and yellow vegetables and fruit contain carotenoids and loads of vitamin A, which dramatically improve the immune system, and protect the eyes and skin. Try paw paw, apricot, pineapple, rockmelon, pumpkin, carrot and oranges.
Green leafy vegetables are packed with folate and photochemicals. They are one of the most nutrient dense, yet low calorie foods we have, are packed with minerals such as iron and vitamins such as vitamin K.
Dark coloured berries have been shown to massively improve the immune system. Like dark coloured green leafy vegies, berries have a positive effect on inflammatory diseases. Try Goji berries, blueberries, strawberries, raspberries, and cranberries.
Oats are the best head start you can give your body every day! They can help lower cholesterol, control blood sugar levels. They are low GI, rich in soluble fibre and beta glucan.
