The idea of Food as Medicine has been around for centuries.
What we eat can be the reason behind many chronic diseases and debilitating conditions. By eating a healthier diet with attention to the nutritional and medicinal properties of the food we consume can help prevent illness and if ill, help us to regain our health.
Immune Boosting Foods
Citrus: Vitamin C is said to boost the production of white blood cells which are key to fighting infection. Lemons and limes, in particular, are high in Vitamin C, are antiviral, antifungal and high in potassium, which is crucial to nervous system health.
Red Bell Peppers: also high in Vitamins C and a great source for beta carotene good for eyes and skin.
Broccoli: A supercharged veggie. packed vitamins A, C, and E, as well as many other antioxidants and fiber.
Garlic: Said to help regulate Blood pressure and assist in slowing down the hardening of the arteries. they contain Allicin which is a sulfur-containing compound sad to be an immune booster.
Ginger: helps decrease inflammation, great for nausea and good for lowering cholesterol
Spinach: Rich in vitamin C. It’s also packed with numerous antioxidants and beta carotene, which may increase the infection-fighting ability of our immune systems. Similar to broccoli, spinach is healthiest when it’s cooked as little as possible. However, light cooking enhances its vitamin A and allows other nutrients to be released from oxalic acid.
Almonds: Nuts, such as almonds, full of vitamins and healthy fats. A half-cup serving, which is about 46 whole, shelled almonds, provides nearly 100 percent of the recommended daily amount of vitamin E.
Sunflower Seeds: Full of nutrients, including phosphorous, magnesium, and vitamin B-6. Also high in vitamin E, a powerful antioxidant. Vitamin E is important in regulating and maintaining immune system function. Other foods with high amounts of vitamin E include avocados and dark leafy greens.
Yogurt: Eat those with “live and active. The cultures may stimulate your immune system to help fight diseases. Be wary of the high sugar content in many. Great source of vitamin D, which helps regulate the immune system and is thought to boost our body’s natural defenses against diseases.
Green Tea: is a great source of vitamin D, Vitamin D helps regulate the immune system and is thought to boost our body’s natural defenses against diseases, or EGCG, another powerful antioxidant
Turmeric: is an anti-inflammatory, antioxidant. improves brain function, helps with heart disease, plus many other benefits. It is said: ‘Turmeric may be the most effective nutritional supplement in existence’
Kombucha: is made by fermenting yeast, tea, and sugar creating a slightly alcoholic vinegar,ginger-like flavor. It is said to have immune-enhancing, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties.
Pomegranate: extracts have antiviral properties; In addition to fighting viruses and bacteria, there is evidence that pomegranate extracts promote the growth of beneficial gut flora that boosts the immune system including Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus.
Golden Berries aka Gooseberries: are superfoods. Not only are they brimming with high amounts of Vitamin C and said to have anti-cancer properties, balancing women’s hormones (most superfood berries are).
Shitake Mushrooms: are used for boosting the immune system, lowering blood cholesterol levels, hardening of the arteries, diabetes, eczema, colds, and flu, treating prostate or breast cancer, and as an anti-aging agent.
Eat Well, Be Well
