Ensure you stay healthy and strong during the winter season with these 10 powerful superfoods that will boost your immune system.
Mustard Greens
These peppery-tasting greens come from the mustard plant, and boast disease-fighting properties due to being rich in vitamins and antioxidants. Give your body a layer of protection against oxidative stress with these leafy vegetables, which also contain valuable vitamin C essential for a strong immune system.
Nuts
Not just great for munchies, nuts provide a variety of vitamins and minerals with beneficial links to your immune system, cholesterol levels, mind and heart health. Almonds regulate dopamine hormones in the brain, and can sharpen your memory, while cashews are natural antidepressants. Chestnuts can prevent respiratory ailments from taking hold, walnuts can boost your metabolism, and pistachios and peanuts can keep blood sugar levels in check.
Cruciferous Vegetables
Nutrient-rich cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli, cauliflower, bok choy and arugula are packed with fibre, vitamins and cancer-fighting compounds that will prolong your health. Alongside vitamin C, vitamin K is a powerful nutrient that promotes bone growth and proper blood clotting, while vitamin B9 is important for forming red blood cells and is especially vital for prenatal care.
Dates
The fruit of the date palm tree, dates, are loaded with fibre and antioxidants which can support brain health and prevent disease. Fibre is beneficial in preventing constipation, controlling blood sugar, and antioxidants such as flavonoids, carotenoids, and phenolic acid lower your chances of suffering from life-altering diseases. This natural sweetener is easy to add to your diet, and is both nutritious and delicious.
Sweet Potatoes
Sweet potatoes are highly nutritious root vegetables that boost gut health, support healthy vision, enhance brain function and protect your immune system. Vitamin A is critical to gut health and a healthy immune system, as your gut is where your body is exposed to the most disease-causing pathogens. Sweet potatoes can be enjoyed with or without the skin, and can be baked, boiled, roasted, fried, steamed or pan-cooked.
Amla Juice
These Indian gooseberries work wonders in promoting immune function, are a rich source of vitamin C, and can shorten the duration of a common cold. Moreover, studies have shown that amla juice can improve liver function, and possesses powerful anti-inflammatory and anti-diarrheal properties that can reduce cramps and pains. The benefits don’t stop there, as amla juice also enhances hair growth and kidney health.
Green Tea
Sip your way to better immunity with hot cups of green tea. This delightful winter warmer contains plant-based antioxidant compounds which can prevent cell damage and disease, improve cognitive function and help you live longer altogether. 1-3 cups a day may just keep the doctor away.
