As summer winds down, one of the first signs that the cold weather is coming is when you or your family gets a cold. If you’re getting the sniffles more than once during the cold and flu season, you can take steps to help keep your household a little more protected. One of the easiest things you can do for your family to help them get a little immune system boost is to incorporate certain foods into the daily routine. Here are foods that may boost immunity against colds or other illnesses.
Yogurt
The first food that may be able to help keep your family healthier this fall and winter is yogurt. Some kinds of yogurt contain probiotics, which are sources of good bacteria for the body. Some studies have found a link between regular consumption of probiotics and an increase in the body’s ability to fight off infectious diseases. It’s best to choose a brand of yogurt that isn’t loaded with sugar. Yogurt with live or active cultures typically has beneficial probiotics in its makeup. It’s easy to find plenty of yogurt flavor varieties that your family may enjoy.
Wheat Germ
Next, you want to try to incorporate wheat germ into your family meals. Wheat germ is the portion of the wheat plant removed when white bread is made. Then, the leftover germ is processed and used for other health food products. This small whole grain is packed with body-boosting properties, including proteins that act as antioxidants to your system. This is one way you can get more protection from the harmful effects of disease and illness.
Carrots
Carrots are another ingredient to start using more often in your family’s kitchen. Carrots are loaded with beta carotene, which is another antioxidant. Research has shown that beta carotene, which contributes to the bright orange shade of carrots, can help your body create cells that can fight off some common viruses. This could help prevent you from coming down with an illness or lessen the severity of one.
Eggs
Eggs are another top food ingredient that you should be using a few times a week in your family’s meals. In the past, there was some discussion about the problems with eating too many eggs. Now, scientists are rediscovering the wonderful health benefits of this food, and you can feel comfortable about bringing more eggs back into your diet. The yolk, especially, should be making regular appearances on your family’s breakfast or dinner table. With a healthy dose of vitamin D, egg yolks can help you get an additional boost in your immunity.
Chicken Soup
Most people are familiar with the popular practice of eating warm chicken soup when you’re sick. You can also benefit from its helpfulness even before you come down with any type of symptoms. The power of this food comes from its vitamin-packed broth, which is usually made from the bones of a cooked chicken. Chicken soup broth typically contains carnosine, which is something that has been linked to an increase in your immune system’s power to suppress the flu.
Cinnamon
Before the age of modern medicine, cinnamon was an ingredient that was commonly used in folk healing. Its immune-boosting properties can still be featured in your favorite dessert or breakfast offerings. While there is still much research to be done on this spice, some studies have shown cinnamon’s anti-inflammatory properties helping your immune system fight off harmful bacteria. So go ahead and sprinkle some cinnamon onto your morning toast to take advantage of its power.
Sorghum
Sorghum, a grain product that has recently become more popular, is an alternative to wheat for various recipes and products. The flour that is made from this grain may be helpful in the fight against the common cold or other diseases. You can enjoy swapping out regular white or wheat flour for this healthy ingredient or try one of the many products that use sorghum, such as Just Cookie Dough from Hampton Creek.
Grapefruit
Grapefruit is a final food that should be part of your family’s routine. As one of the most complete sources of vitamin C, grapefruit can give your breakfast table a little more zest in the morning. In the midst of a cold, you can get some relief by incorporating food rich in vitamin C into your diet.
If your family is constantly suffering from colds or flu symptoms throughout the fall and winter season, start looking at more ways to bring some relief to your house. Foods that may help give everyone a little more immune power can be added to your pantry or refrigerator today.