February 9, 2017
The winter months in Canada are notorious with the flu season.
With emergency rooms overflowing around the country it’s incredible to think by adding a few immune boosting foods to your meals you could perhaps prevent a trip to the emergency room. Below are a few powerful foods that can help keep you and your family healthy this winter.
Garlic Breath?
Garlic has many amazing benefits. It has been known to have cancer fighting properties, protect from cardiovascular disease, and have anti- inflammatory and antiviral properties. To top it off, it is a great immune system support and has been used for years for its medicinal properties in preventing flu and common colds. To get the maximum benefit from garlic you will want to eat it raw and crushed/chopped to preserve the allicin (medicinal component). Can’t handle the strong garlic breath? Consider taking garlic supplements instead.
What’s Sweeter than Sweet Potatoes?
Sweet potatoes are a diverse food that can be incorporated into any meal. It can be a part of breakfast as a hash, or try it out at dinner as a mash! Sweet potatoes contain a high amount of vitamin A which supports our immune function. Vitamin A supports the overall immune system by optimizing the functioning of the white blood cells and inhibits the activity of some viruses. Incorporate the amazing sweet potato into your next meal to help fend off the winter viruses. One medium sweet potato contains 438% of DV (DV= Daily Value).
Powerful Peppers
Bell peppers are available year round and a common ingredient in many delicious salads. Try to buy organic peppers when possible as they tend to contain high levels of pesticides. Bell Peppers contain high amounts of vitamin C which is used in the prevention and treatment of the common cold and flu. For maximum vitamin C consumption try to eat the peppers in raw form- perhaps as a healthy snack with hummus. Remember C is for common colds!
Practical Pumpkin Seeds
Pumpkin seeds are a great addition to salads, or as a healthy snack. Pumpkin seeds contain the mineral zinc which is helpful in reducing the incidence and severity of colds and other infections. Simply, incorporating these powerful seeds into your healthy lifestyle can have benefits during cold and flu season.
It can always be a challenge to stay healthy during the colder months as the flu bugs are rampant. Keep these few important nutrient containing foods on your grocery list as your first line of defence this winter!
