Foods to Boost Your Immune System
All healthy foods are beneficial to your wellbeing, but there are some that bring more to the table than others. During the winter, our focus should be on supplying our body with antioxidants, probiotics, and vitamin-rich foods to help us fight off the viruses and bacteria.
In case you’re not sure where to start, make sure to check out the list below and have a flu-free year!
Yogurt
Not only is it healthy, but it is also great for your health. 1 cup of yogurt has up to 49% of your recommended daily amount of calcium. It also contains a third of your phosphorous, a tenth of needed magnesium as well as almost 20% of your daily needed potassium. With around 6 grams of protein per 100 grams, it helps fuel your muscles and keeps you full for longer.
Pickles
The choice of the many, crunchy pickles are a historical favorite especially in winter. Filled with probiotics, they’re a savior for your gut health. Some bacteria found in probiotics help digest food, destroy disease-causing cells, or produce vitamins. Many of the microorganisms in probiotic products are the same as or similar to microorganisms that naturally live in our bodies. The fermentation process in the making of pickles is when healthy bacteria are produced.
Peanut butter
Not only is it heavenly tasty, but peanut butter is also extremely good for your health. Filled with vitamin E and antioxidants, it can be your savior to keep your immune system boosted. It also contains high levels of protein and healthy fats which makes it a perfect snack. Spread it on toast or mix some into your porridge for a delicious and healthy meal with proven benefits.
Chocolate
Yes, you read this right, chocolate may be one of the best foods for keeping your immunity high. Well, not exactly chocolate, but the cocoa in it. Filled with flavonoids, powerful antioxidants, it is known to reduce inflammation and protect our cells from antioxidative stress. Not only is it good for your immune system, but also for your brain. According to research led by Lee Berk, associate dean of research affairs in the School of Allied Health Professions at Loma Linda in California, eating 48 grams of dark chocolate (70% cocoa, 30% organic cane sugar) resulted in better memory and sensory processing.
Pumpkin
Pumpkin contains admirable levels of vitamins that have been proven to help build up immunity. It’s full of beta-carotene, a famous orange component that our body transforms into vitamin A. Lack of vitamin A in your body can increase your chances of catching an infection or delay your recovery when you already have it. Although not as healthy when mixed with coffee and syrup in our favorite Pumpkin Spice Latte, pumpkins are a saviour!
Apart from sticking to a healthy and nutritious diet, the key to maintaining a strong immune system is to create daily healthy habits. With Ivy or the other Bellabeat trackers and Bellabeat Coach learn to take care of your immunity and make lifestyle changes that will keep you strong and healthy.
The FemTech Revolution has republished this blog with permission and minor edits from the Bellabeat Journal.