Physicians commonly recommend that we consume manufactured vitamins and minerals to give our bodies the proper balance they need and to help fight germs. The reason they are so often necessary is that we do not receive enough in the foods we eat. There are some key ingredients that we can incorporate into our meals that will help us have a distinct advantage in boosting immunity and improving our quality of life!
Whole foods are the answer to building your immunity naturally. Whole foods contain many of the vitamins and proteins that strengthen our bodies to fight germs, bacteria and viruses that cause common illnesses. Vitamins A, B, C, and E should be the top of the list when preparing meals or even choosing snacks. These are our bodies’ defensive warriors! Consider some of the following as simple recipes or to add to some mealtime favorites:
Yogurt with Berries and Oats
Keeping our gut (stomach lining) healthy is a key component to our overall health. If we start the day with some probiotics, we strengthen our body’s natural ability to resist anything harmful to our digestive system. A quick and immune-boosting breakfast can be as simple as mixing a cup of non-fat Greek yogurt with our favorite berries and some oats.
When choosing fruits and vegetables, bright color is always the wisest choice. Color is evidence of significant amounts of flavanol, a unique warrior against colds and flu. This very simple breakfast packs a powerful punch of vitamin C and antioxidants. Not to mention, it’s delicious!
Chicken Vegetable Soup
This classic “comfort food” is not an old wives’ tale. The common ingredients in chicken soup contain great boosts of vitamins A, C, E, and K, plus antioxidants that fight viruses and respiratory infections. Start with bone broth and combine onions, garlic, carrots, celery, parsnips…and of course de-boned chicken. Add some chickpeas for a boost of protein and some sprigs of kale or spinach for an additional shot of antioxidants.
Stir-Fry Vegetables
Carrots, broccoli, brightly colored bell peppers, green onions, cabbage, spinach, beets…. the list is endless for veggies you can use! No matter the main course, it’s always wise to have an assortment of vegetables in our biggest meal, whether it be lunch or dinner. Every one of them serves to boost the natural immunity our bodies were designed to have, plus many of these can help fight inflammation as well. Season with ginger, garlic, pepper, turmeric…each of these is also great in helping the fight against disease!
Overall, in the battle against germs and illnesses, it’s important to remember that fresh is best. Whole foods contain the vitamins and antioxidants nature provides for our bodies to function in optimal health.
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