Back when I was a student I was always getting colds and flu. I needed to be nursed back to health at home with proper grub (and clean bed sheets) many many times. These days I never seem to get poorly, and I'm starting to wonder if it might be my grown up choice of food and drink. At one point in the mid 90s my favourite meal was a chip butty (I'm northern) washed down with half a pint of cider. These days you're more likely to find me nibbling on lentils and downing a smoothie. So how can the food you eat protect you over the winter months?
One of the most important nutrients that can help with immunity is zinc. This is because it can help to produce the special cells that fight off bacteria and viruses. It's found in things like meat, shellfish, diary foods like milk, thickies, cheese and is also found in cereal products such as wheat.
Vitamin C - vitamin C is revered as an immune booster and also aids in wound healing. It is an anti-oxidant that helps protect against free radical damage in the body. Smoothies and fruit and veg are a source of vitamin C and also contain a host of anti-oxidants to help keep you tip top. Our festive fruits and spices smoothie is made with blackcurrants, red grapes, oranges and lemons and gives you over 100% of your RDA for vit C. It's all spiced up with nutmeg and cinnamon too (so heat it up and give yourself a warming boost).
Selenium - good food sources include brazil nuts, bread, fish, meat and eggs. Selenium help cells called neutrophils to function properly. Neutrophils produce things called superoxide-derived radicals (crikey) which kill off bacteria and viruses.
Chicken soup- now this stuff is great when you're actually poorly. There's lots of speculation as to how it works but it is known to have amazing healing power if it's homemade with TLC.
Let me know if there are any foods that keep you soldiering on in the winter months.
Keep warm and healthy.
Bye for now,
dr shilps
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