Is Your Diet Making You Sick? Foods to Boost Immunity

Are you familiar with the phrase you are what you eat? While the full meaning of that saying probably goes over your head, the simple fact that what you consume daily affects how you feel, think, and act shouldn’t be surprising. Because of this, it’s important to pay close attention to what you put into your body as well as to avoid eating certain types of foods if your goal is to stay healthy and fend off illness in the future. To learn more about which foods can help boost your immunity and reduce your risk of being sick, read on!

Why Does Vitamin C Help Boost Immune System

Vitamin C is an important antioxidant. It helps keep blood vessels healthy and aids iron absorption from plant-based foods like fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. When our diet doesn’t include enough iron, we can become tired because our bodies have a hard time getting enough oxygen. And while vitamin C is found in most fruits and vegetables, citrus fruits like oranges contain higher amounts of it. Citrus fruits are also high in vitamin A, which is another nutrient that boosts immunity. They are also low on calories but provide a good amount of fibre and water—both nutrients that help us feel full faster so we don’t overeat. Studies show that people who eat more fibre tend to weigh less than those who don’t. The best part about eating citrus fruit is they taste great! They are sweet but not too sweet so you won't feel guilty for indulging in them. Citrus fruit makes for a great snack food because they are easy to carry around with you wherever you go and they don't spoil quickly so you won't need to worry about having leftovers sitting around your kitchen spoiling either!

Vitamin A to Improve Eyesight

Vitamin A plays a major role in maintaining eye health and vision. To protect your eyes, try eating foods rich in vitamin A, like sweet potatoes and spinach. Vitamin A-rich foods may also help prevent macular degeneration, a serious eye disease that can cause blindness. Antioxidants also play an important role in vision health by keeping eyes healthy and preventing damage from free radicals.

Fatty Acids Fight Inflammation

Oils, nuts and fatty fish are all high in a group of nutrients called omega-3 fatty acids. The body converts omega-3s into anti-inflammatory compounds known as eicosanoids, which play an important role in decreasing inflammation throughout your body. Inflammation is believed to be a major player in chronic diseases like cancer, heart disease and Alzheimer’s; as such, avoiding it is key to staying healthy.

Zinc Relieves Cold Symptoms

Zinc is great for relieving cold symptoms. It’s been shown to shorten the duration and reduce the severity of colds by as much as 50 per cent, according to a study published in The Lancet. Research indicates that zinc lozenges are most effective at treating a sore throat, cough, runny nose and fever associated with a cold or flu virus.

Ginger - More than Just an Afternoon Snack

Ginger is one of those Your Diet Making You Sick? Foods to Boost Immunity superfoods that you’ve likely heard about before, but not necessarily as a natural remedy for fighting common illnesses. This popular root has been consumed for centuries, and it’s more well-known for its use in cooking than anything else—but that doesn’t mean it can’t make a huge difference in your health. If you feel like your immune system needs a boost, consider adding ginger to your diet. While ginger is most commonly used to treat nausea or motion sickness, many other benefits come with eating it regularly. For example, studies have shown that consuming ginger can help reduce pain associated with arthritis by inhibiting inflammatory enzymes and reducing joint swelling. It may also help fight cancer cells because of its anti-inflammatory properties. The best part? It’s extremely easy to add to your diet! Try adding fresh ginger slices or powder into smoothies or oatmeal in place of sugar or cinnamon. Or simply chew on raw slices when you feel under the weather!

6 Recipes Full of Essential Antioxidants and Vitamins

Vitamin C and antioxidants are naturally-occurring compounds in a variety of fruits and vegetables. They’re beneficial for boosting immunity because they fight free radicals that can damage our bodies, reduce our energy levels, and accelerate signs of aging. Fortunately, some fruits are brimming with an abundance of these nutrients. Here are six antioxidant-rich recipes to try today