Benefits of Vitamin C
Vitamin C is a well-known immune booster. It helps to increase the production of white blood cells, which are the body’s first line of defense against infection. You can find Vitamin C in:- citrus fruits
- bell peppers
- broccoli
- Brussels sprouts
In addition to these foods, there is one source of vitamin C that you might not have thought of…
Ginger
Ginger is a tasty and versatile spice that can do more than just add flavor to your food. In eastern cultures, ginger is a staple in the kitchen, but in the West it is often underutilized. Wherever you are, you may not know that ginger has some powerful health benefits, including boosting your immune system.
Ginger contains a compound called gingerol, which has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. These properties help to fight off infection and boost immunity. An easy way to introduce ginger into your diet is by boiling fresh ginger in water to make a refreshing tea. Drink this a few times a week to help boost your immune system and fight off infection.
Iron
Iron is an important mineral for maintaining a strong and healthy immune system. Like Vitamin C, it helps the body to produce white blood cells. If you don’t get enough iron in your diet, you may be at risk for developing iron deficiency anemia. This condition can lead to fatigue, weakness, and an increased susceptibility to infection. Be sure to include iron-rich foods in your diet:- red meat
- poultry
- beans
- dark leafy greens
Iron supplements are a common way in which people add iron to their diet.
Turmeric
Turmeric is a spice that not only is high in iron, but it also has many other health benefits. Turmeric contains a compound called curcumin, which has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. These properties help to fight off infection and boost immunity. You can add turmeric, you can also make a turmeric tea by boiling fresh turmeric in water. Drink this tea a few times a day for an easy and convenient way to help boost your immune system.
Pomegranates for Cold and Flu… Who Knew?
The pomegranate is a type of fruit native to the Middle East and has been used medicinally for centuries. The fruit, juice, and seeds of the pomegranate are all high in antioxidants and other nutrients that can boost your immune system. Studies have shown that pomegranate juice can help to reduce the severity and duration of colds and flu. In addition, pomegranates contain compounds that can help to fight inflammation throughout the body. As a result, eating pomegranates on a regular basis can help you avoid getting sick. If you do get sick, pomegranates can help to reduce the severity of your symptoms and speed up your recovery.
Other Immunity Boosting Nutrients
Zinc
Zinc is an essential mineral that plays a vital role in maintaining our health. It helps to boost the immune system, keeping us healthy and preventing us from getting sick. Studies have shown that zinc can help to reduce the severity and duration of colds and other respiratory infections. It does this by interfering with the replication of viruses, making it more difficult for them to spread. Zinc is also important for wound healing, cell growth, and the production of enzymes and hormones. It can be found in foods such as oysters, beef, pork, chicken, nuts, seeds, and beans. If you are not getting enough zinc through your diet, you may need to take a supplement. Zinc is important for maintaining our health and preventing illness, so make sure to include it in your diet or supplement regimen.
Vitamin D
Vitamin D is a nutrient that helps the body absorb calcium and phosphorus, which are essential for strong bones and teeth. Vitamin D also plays an important role in the immune system, helping to protect the body from colds and flu. In fact, studies have shown that people who take vitamin D supplements are less likely to get sick with colds and flu. Vitamin D is found in certain foods, such as fatty fish, eggs, and milk. However, the best source of vitamin D is sunlight. Just a few minutes of exposure to sunlight each day can help the body produce enough vitamin D to stay healthy.The next time you feel a cold or the flu coming on, don’t hesitate to take some of these natural supplements. Not only will they help your body fight off the infection, but they’ll also help keep you healthy all season long. Be sure to talk to your doctor or a registered dietitian to find out which supplements are right for you.