Unfortunately, this past week just about everyone I know was sick, starting to get sick, or overcoming some bout of sickness. It is that time of year where the weather is shifting and bugs start to travel through the air and you feel as though everyone around you is coughing.
The best way to protect yourself from getting sick is to first evaluate if you are feeding your body correctly. A well-balanced diet filled with 5 (+) servings of vegetables a day and between 3-5 servings of fruit, is a fabulous way to protect yourself against sickness. However, there are certain foods you may want to incorporate in your diet that are high in zinc and vitamin C-two natural sources of immune-protection.
Zinc: Zinc is a potent immunostimulant, and its deficiency can result in profound suppression of T-cell function. Zinc can actually interfere with a virus's ability to enter the cells in your body. Some examples of foods with zinc include: Swiss chard, collard greens, both summer squash and winter squash, lamb, raw cremini mushrooms, and calf's liver.
Check out my recipe for sauteed Swiss chard to get some zinc in your tummy today!
Vitamin C: Vitamin C has been a well-known immune supportive vitamin for quite some time and many people take a daily supplement or believe in their morning OJ, but there are plenty of other foods you can include in your diet to boost your immune system. Some foods high in vitamin C include: citrus fruits, broccoli, bell peppers of all colors, tomatoes, kiwi, jicama, mango, Brussels sprouts, and kale.
Check out my recipe for Roasted Brussels Sprouts to add some Vitamin C to your diet today!
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