We’re deep in the heart of cold and flu season, when all the nasty little germs and viruses come out to play. Whilst there’s no guaranteed way of dodging it 100%, eating healthy foods can certainly strengthen our immune system, making it harder for the little critters to take hold. Here are some of the best foods to eat to keep the coughs, sneezes and sniffles away.
1 Green leaves
Let’s be honest, they don’t look particularly glamourous. But leafy greens like kale, spinach and Swiss chard are the superheroes of the food world. Not only are they great for heart and brain health, but they’re also packed with vitamins C and K and are the backbone of a healthy immune system. Try and get a couple of helpings a day by adding it to smoothies, soups, omelettes, and pasta dishes.
2 Citrus fruits
If you’re looking for a big hit of vitamin C, citrus fruits will do the trick. Oranges, grapefruits, clementines, limes, lemons… Take your pick. They all do their bit to produce disease-fighting white blood cells. Dig the blender out from the cupboard and make a super-healthy fruit smoothie. It’s a game changer. (And don’t forget, we have Free Fruit Wednesdays right here at DeskLodge to give you a boost!)
3 Berries
Berries like blueberries, strawberries and raspberries are high antioxidants, vitamin C, and fibre. As a guide, try to eat about two handfuls a week. Although they’re yummy on their own, you can mix it up a bit by popping them on your cereal or adding them to our old friend The Smoothie.
4 Broccoli
Full of vitamins A, C and E, high in fibre, and antioxidants… Is there nothing broccoli can’t do? It’s one of the healthiest vegetables you can eat. The secret to getting as much goodness out of it? Cook it as little as possible. Steaming or microwaving seems to keep a lot of the goodness in the food. Failing that, try it raw for maximum nutrients.
5 Yoghurt
Not just any yoghurt, however. Go for the yoghurt that has live and active cultures, like Greek yoghurt. And stick to plain yoghurt, as flavoured ones are often full of sugar. Yoghurt is full to the brim with vitamin D, and the live cultures can stimulate your immune system. You can pimp it up by blobbing some on your cereal and sprinkling berries on top.
All good stuff - and we didn’t even touch on all the other immunity-strengthening foods like almonds, sunflower seeds, turmeric, ginger, and chicken soup. So start doing what you can to avoid the lurgy this winter season.
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