As the world is going crazy after the vast spread of coronavirus, staying safe is extremely important. Experts say that most winter viruses affect mostly people with weaker immunity. Therefore, and besides recommended precaution measures, you should try to boost your immunity system through what you eat on daily basis.
Furthermore, research show that stress is very harmful to our immune systems. Although stress is quite common from time to time, chronic stress is bad for you. Mainly, because stress releases hormones that can affect the way the body functions over time. For that reason, we have decided to show how you can boost your immunity system, through your daily meals. These are 7 foods that can be a great help to prevent catching the flu or any winter virus, including coronavirus.
Citrus Fruits
Vitamin C is the most recommended and obvious immunity system booster of all time. This component exists in most citrus fruits, and it’s the best you can eat for desert. In fact, vitamin C has the ability of strengthening your immune systems, and fights off germs and bacteria that later turn into the flu. In addition, citrus fruits that are loaded with vitamins help fight infections and inflammations as well, since they increase white cells production in the blood.
There are many different fruits that are rich in vitamin C. Oranges, tangerines, and limes are the most accessible almost all year-round. In addition, drinking a glass of water with lemons first thing in the morning is a great way to detox your body.
Garlic
Afraid of getting sick or catching a cold? Start using garlic in every meal you cook. In fact, it should even be indispensable. I mean, it adds such a tasty flavor to your food, and help you boost your immunity system. According to the National Center for Complementary and Integrative HealthTrusted Source, Garlic’s immune-boosting properties seem to come from a heavy concentration of sulfur-containing compounds, such as allicin.
Furthermore, ancient civilization used garlic to cure infections and prevent viruses that attack the immunity system, long before any medicine was available.
Ginger
Have you ever heard about how spices have been used as an anti-inflammation treatment? Actually, most spices have such properties, but ginger is the most commonly used. just like drinking some ginger tea for a sore throat and feeling alleviated, ginger is also a #1 booster for immunity. Wether you use it as spice for your food, or drink it with warm water before bed, it still does the work.
Scientifically speaking, ginger also includes some powerful debates and cholesterol-lowering properties.
Almonds
Almonds are a great healthy snack, tasty, and protect you from getting sick. What is this not to like about them? The reason behind their strong effect on the body is due to the high concentration of vitamin E in them. However, keep in mind that this type of vitamins is fat-soluble vitamin. In other words, it requires the presence of fat to be absorbed properly. Yet, almonds are also packed with healthy fats, and health experts recommend half a cup serving everyday for a stronger immunity system, and a healthier life in general.
Green Veggies
First, let’s talk about broccoli. Although we know it’s not exactly the most-liked vegetable of them all, but it might just be one of the most beneficial. Broccoli is a high source of minerals and vitamins. In fact, it’s packed with vitamins A, C, and E, as well as many other antioxidants and fiber. The key to keeping the nutritional values intact, try to slow cook it, do not over-cook it or better yet, not cook it at all.
In addition to broccoli, another green veggie is equally helpful for when it comes to health advantages. Spinach, a leafy green, has a high number of antioxidants and beta carotene, which do increase the infection-fighting ability of our immune systems. However, just like broccoli, don’t cook it for too long to ensure the best intake of these vitamins.
Yogurt
Yogurt is definitely a healthy before-bed snack, because it’s low in calories, and high in protein. However, frequent yogurt consumption can be doing you more favors than you think. Although not all yogurt types are valid, since most have lots of added sugar and such, Greek yogurt with some fruit bites is highly recommended. Due to the high vitamin c concentration, it strengthens your immunity and boosts your body’s natural defenses against diseases.
Lentils
The best for last. I cannot count the times I heard people say that they can’t stand lentils, or including them in their meal plans. To me, it came as a shock, because since a little girl, my family insisted on eating lentils at least once a week. Moreover, if you are panicking right now from the coronavirus outbreak, or if you simply suffer each winter with the cold, start eating lentils.
In fact, lentils-based meals will give your body all the zinc it needs, vitamin B and immunity–boosting iron. The latter creates a concentration of lymphocytes, which is a range of infection-fighting white blood cells.
Photos: Pixabay.
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