Keep your body energized and healthy by eating these key superfoods for immune system health. These seven foods are packed with vitamins and nutrients that will help your body fend off germs during cold and flu season so you can perform at your best.
What are superfoods?
Superfoods are foods that have a particularly high amount of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Their high concentration of nutrients makes them great for your health.
7 Superfoods That Boost Your Immune SystemÂ
1. GARLIC
Garlic not only gives your meal some extra flavor, it is also one of the best superfoods to boost your immune system in preparation for cold and flu seasons. Studies have shown that regular consumption of garlic extract can have a positive effect on blood pressure and high cholesterol levels. Plus, garlic is full of antioxidants, which strengthen your body’s natural defenses.(1) That makes it worth putting up with the bad breath, doesn’t it?
2. GINGER
The spicy, aromatic ginger root is used to add some kick to drinks, teas, soups, and Asian dishes, and it’s also a real superfood. Ginger reduces inflammation and relieves pain.(2) Plus, it also helps reduce nausea.(3)
Tip:
Eat some ginger after having a meal with a lot of garlic – it helps get rid of garlic breath!
3. GOJI BERRIES
Goji berries or wolfberries contain vitamin C, B vitamins, essential fatty acids, amino acids, plus minerals and trace elements. Mix them into your breakfast smoothie or sprinkle a handful of goji berries over your muesli for that extra boost to your immune system.
4. Chia Seeds
Chia seeds originally come from Mexico, where they were regularly used by the Aztecs and Mayas. Nowadays, they have found their way into our cooking. There are lots of reasons to eat chia seeds: they are rich in omega-3 fatty acids(4)Â (100 g contain as much as 1kg of salmon) and they provide twice as much vegetable protein as other seeds.
In liquid, chia seeds can expand to 10 times their original size within minutes, which is why they are often used to make pudding. But they also taste great sprinkled over salad or mixed in yogurt.
5. Matcha
Matcha is ground green tea and popular as more than just a coffee substitute. The high content of free radical scavengers(5), vitamins, minerals, and trace elements make matcha a powerful way to fight a cold or flu. The most popular way to serve the powder is in the form of a matcha latte. The green powder is also a great addition to baked goods.
Good to know
When you buy matcha powder, make sure that it is free of sugar and additives. Of course, organic quality would be even better. The best way to store it is packaged in the refrigerator.
6. KALE
This common winter vegetable is a regular ingredient in superfood dishes. The high antioxidant(6) content strengthens your immune system and protects your body from diseases like Alzheimer’s and arteriosclerosis. You can add raw kale to your salad, prepare a healthy snack of kale leaf chips or mix it together with apple, kiwi, avocado, and ginger to make a green smoothie.
7. BLUEBERRIES
Another fantastic superfood for overall immune system health is blueberries. They are loaded with vitamin C and potassium as well as other important vitamins. Be sure to eat them during the cold season – in smoothies, baked oatmeal, or just as a snack. These purplish berries are anti-inflammatory vitamin bombs that protect against disease. The flavonoids they contain give them their color.
Conclusion:
These seven superfoods cannot protect you from illness, but they can help you strengthen your immune system and keep you healthy. Remember, what you eat is only a small part of maintaining a healthy lifestyle. You also need to engage in regular exercise!
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