Immune boosting foods to add into your diet
We’re all looking for ways to be healthier at the moment, but it can be hard. There’s so many different options which is overwhelming at times, to say the least. These foods are great to include in your diet as they’re rich in vitamins and minerals which are great for your body and help to support a healthy immune system. Best of all? You can find most of them in our delicious dips!
Button Mushrooms
These mini mushrooms give you a mineral called selenium and are rich in B vitamins which can help you in several ways. If you're low on selenium, you may be more likely to get a more severe flu!
Spinach
You'll find lots of nutrients in this so called “super food,” one of which is folate. This helps your body make new cells and repair DNA. Spinach also has lots of fibre and antioxidants such as Vitamin C. What a powerhouse! Eat it raw or lightly cooked to get the biggest benefit.
Orange Vegetables
Things like carrots, sweet potato and butternut squash all contain beta-carotene, which your body turns into Vitamin A. This supports our eyesight, regulates our immune system and keeps our skin healthy, even improving the aging process.
Broccoli
Easy to find in the supermarket, you'll get plenty of nutrients for a happy body. It both contains Vitamin A and C, and the antioxidant glutathione, which has many important functions including making DNA and supporting immune function.
Garlic
This kitchen staple does more than add flavour to food. Raw garlic has the ability to fight bacteria, viruses and fungi. To get the benefits, you have to use the real stuff, though, not garlic powder.
Ginger
Ginger is a go-to food when people begin to feel ill. It may help decrease inflammation, which can help reduce a sore throat and other inflammatory issues. It’s also been found to help decrease nausea.
Chickpeas
Chickpeas are an amazing source of plant-based protein, packing in almost 20g of it per 100g serving! Protein is important in maintaining a healthy immune system, while also being used to build and repair muscle, healthy skin and nails. As if we need another excuse to add more of these into our diet…
Banana’s
This fabulous fruit is rich in Vitamin B6, fibre, manganese and Vitamin C. Vitamin B6 helps metabolise carbohydrates and fats, turning them into energy to help keep us active for all the home workout’s we’re doing at the moment. Manganese is also good for your skin. Talk about being multi-talented!
Something to note is that while these are amazing, it is important to eat a variety of foods including fruit, vegetables, wholegrains, legumes, nuts and seeds, and keeping up some daily exercise!
By our lovely virtual intern, Lauren Baker.
