Organics each day keep the flu at bay!
Although eating organic produce has numerous benefits, one of the main reasons to eat organic is that the produce often has a higher nutrient content and less harmful chemicals and toxins, both of which aid in boosting the immune system.
Immune Boosting Foods
Alongside organic eating, here are some diet and lifestyle choices that you can make in order to keep your immune system strong and healthy.
Energy and Nutrients
The immune system is a massive consumer of energy and nutrients and will be quickly affected when your body isn’t getting adequate supply. Eating organic is a great way to boost your nutrient intake per calorie. Some of the most essential nutrients to support immune function are:
- Vitamin C (which is abundant in red capsicum, broccoli and citrus fruit)
- Vitamin E (found in most nuts and seeds)
- Zinc (found in meat, legumes, whole grains, nuts, eggs and dairy)
- Vitamin A (found in organ meats, oily fish, pumpkin and carrot)
- and Vitamin D (found of course in the sun, and in smaller amounts in mushrooms).
Exercise
Exercise stimulates immunity by boosting circulation and lymph drainage, which produces immune-boosting white blood cells. Excessive exercise, however, is associated with a decrease in immune function, so be careful not to overdo it!
Sleep
Sleep is a very important component of immunity. A lack of sleep has been shown to reduce the number and activity of immune cells which can lead to an increased risk of illness. If you're needing a little help with winding down at night, chamomile, lavender, valerian and lemon balm are all wonderful choices.
Pre and Probiotics
Some great natural sources of prebiotics include garlic, onions, asparagus, bananas (the less ripe the better), apples and oats. Some great probiotic options are yoghurt, sauerkraut, kimchi, miso and kombucha. Recent research has also shown that the good bacteria in dirt found on organic vegetables has a positive effect on immune function.
Making the determined choice to look after your body when we all lead such busy lives can be difficult, but worthwhile. What are some of your immune boosting tips? Please let us know on Facebook and social media.
Keep your immune system strong with our new box of certified organic produce especially chosen for their flu, virus and cold fighting properties!
This box will be staying on the list for winter, along with being there for the usual sniffles and coughs picked up at work, school or just out and about in day-to-day life.
Broccoli, Kiwi fruit, Oranges, Lemons, Kale and Spinach for Vitamin C
- Ginger for anti-bacterial, anti-viral, inflammatory properties
- Pumpkin and Spinach for Zinc
- Avocado for Vitamin B6
- Sweet Potato and Red Capsicums for Vitamin A
- Turmeric for Curcumin anti-inflammatory properties
- Garlic for Allicin
- Spinach for Folate.
- Kale for Vitamin A, C and K and Iron
Eat, juice or smoothie up this produce to boost your immune system.
Some other foods to help are:
- Natural Yoghurt as a probiotic
- Mushrooms for B Vitamins
- Broth
- Chicken Soup
- Spices like Pepper and Horseradish
- Leafy Greens for Zinc and Vitamin C
- Oatmeal for Vitamin E
- Honey
- Green Tea
- Fish
- Sunflower Seeds
- Almonds for Vitamin E
- Pepitas for Zinc
Some other tips for keeping your immune system strong, as well as stopping the spread of colds and viruses are:
- Always cover your mouth when coughing or sneezing - its best to cough into your elbow so you are not putting germs on your hands.
- Use Lavender Oil as a natural hand sanitiser
- Oregano Oil is one of the best oils to use in your home to disinfect. Use it to wash floors, and wipe over surfaces
- Use a blend of Essential Oils in a diffuser - favourites are Eucalyptus, Rosemary, Tea Tree.
- Others great for colds and flu are Lemon, Lavender, Peppermint.
- Make up a blend of oil and combine with a base oil such as a massage oil, coconut oil to rub into the chest and back to help relieve coughs and mucous.
- Drink clean fresh water - natural spring water is the best
- Sleep - always aim for at least 8 hours sleep each night
We know that eating organic produce has numerous benefits, one of the main reasons to eat organic is that the produce often has a higher nutrient content. For you and your family making a determined choice to look after your body to take control of your health and "self-care" is definitely worthwhile.
