Foods that Boost Immune System Health
Our bodies are complex mechanisms that require the right fuel to fight invading germs and bacteria. Nature provides us with all that we need to help boost our immune system and comes in some surprising forms, from veggies to fruits, nuts, and natural spices. Combining these foods in tasty smoothies, salads, and other raw food servings enhances our ability to fight the nasty viruses that spread their influence every flu and cold season. With Covid, it is even more essential to keep ourselves in the best condition possible and listen to what our bodies tell us.
Immune-Boosting Foods
Locally purchased whole foods give us immune-boosting elements required for maintaining good everyday health, from vitamins to mineral and fiber.
Eat the Rainbow
A saying used more frequently by health care professionals is ‘eat the rainbow,’ and sorting foods into color groups to ensure a cross-section of vegetables and fruits make their way into our daily diet is recommended. Plants contain pigments, also called phytonutrients, that determine their color, and plants within a specific color shade indicate a higher level of particular nutrients and corresponding health benefits.
By mixing up your daily intake with fresh fruit and vegetables of different colors, you increase your intake of nutrients that will cover a broader spectrum of health-boosting benefits, including vitamins, minerals, and phytonutrients.
An Overview of Food Color
Red foods help maintain heart health, with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, and contain lycopene, folate, potassium, vitamins C and K1. Dark red foods contain additional nutrients and include beetroot.
Yellow and orange food groups are great for the skin and can reduce the risk of some cancers. They provide anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, eye health, and heart health benefits. Known phytonutrients are carotenoids, including beta carotene, fiber, folate, potassium, and vitamin C.
Green vegetables and fruits are a biggie and include many choices for optimum health benefits, such as antioxidants and anti-inflammatories. They also have foods that many of us hated as children but learned to love as adults, like spinach, kale, and Brussel sprouts. Green herbs and leafy greens offer chlorophyll and carotenoids.
Purple to blue-ranging foods contain vitamin B6, C, and manganese, important for assisting the body with bone, tissue, and sex hormone health. Improving brain function, lower risks of neurological issues, and even lower risk of type two diabetes are other benefits.
White and brown coloration help with immunity and disease-fighting vitamins and minerals. They contain flavanols and Allicin, found in garlic.
More Edible Immune Boosters
Many other foods, including nuts like almonds, walnuts, and seeds, like chia, enhance the body’s immune system. Commonly used spices like ginger, cinnamon, cardamom, and turmeric are among several that share the limelight due to their significant health-boosting elements.
With all the choices, it shouldn’t be difficult to maintain a healthy daily food plan using a combination of colors combined with tasty spices.
Dairy products can be tricky for some. However, there are alternatives in the market today to ensure that you are getting their benefits in a form that is kind to sensitive systems.
Sankofa Health is here to assist with any concerns and questions about your daily requirements and will work with you to develop a balanced nutritional diet based on your needs.