Superfoods to boost your immunity
How often do we only think to give our immune system the attention it deserves once we feel a cough or sore throat coming on? Caring for our immunity doesn’t have to be hard – there’s an abundance of delicious foods out there that can help keep you fighting fit. Nourish your body and your immune system with these super foods, naturally rich in immune boosting vitamins and minerals.
Citrus
Not only are they bright and flavoursome, but citrus fruits are positively bursting with antioxidants and vitamin C, which is necessary for many lots of our bodily functions and proper functioning of the immune system*. Try adding a squeeze of any of these fruits to a meal or juicing them to kickstart your day the right way - grapefruit, oranges, lemons, tamarillos, cumquats and tangerines. Delicious!
Red capsicum
Containing less sugar and higher levels of vitamin C than citrus^, red capsicum also contains beta carotene - which the body converts to vitamin A to help keep eyes and skin healthy. Perfect sliced up as a snack with hummus, or a tasty addition to a stir fry!
Garlic
Lovers of GB (aka garlic bread), this one’s for you! Not only is it delicious to flavour food with (and ward off vampires for the superstitious among us), but garlic contains ‘allicin’, a compound believed to fight infections and help keep colds and flu viruses at bay#.
Turmeric
Famous for its bright yellow colour in curries, this traditional spice contains the compound ‘curcumin’ believed to provide antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects that may assist with osteoarthritis>>.
Ginger
Believed to contain strong antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, this delicious addition to fresh juices, teas or even baking can help boost immune function.2
Dark chocolate
That’s right, this is one treat you shouldn’t deprive yourself of! When eaten in moderation, dark chocolate contains an antioxidant called ‘theobromine’ that can help protect the body’s cells and help reduce blood pressure. Theobromine is also believed to help with asthma or other respiratory tract conditions1. Perfect excuse to add a little dark chocolate indulgence to your grocery list.
Oily fish
Salmon, tuna, anchovies and mackerel are all a great source of protein, vitamin D and rich in omega-3 fatty acids - a special type of fat which can help reduce the effects of rheumatoid arthritis and improve heart health2. Grilled, barbequed or smoked – fish ticks the healthy and delicious boxes as a mid-week treat for dinner!
Spinach
We have to agree with Popeye the Sailor on this - spinach is one food packed full of power! Full of essential nutrients and antioxidants to boost the immune system, this leafy green superfood includes flavonoids, carotenoids, vitamin C and vitamin E.2 Best of all, it’s super versatile. Spinach is an easy addition to salad, pasta dishes, sandwiches or blended up in your breakfast smoothie!
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