Make thy foods thy medicine!
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No one is in denial that we live in a world of germs. It is impossible to avoid exposure. Genetic makeups may give some people an advantage over others. However, it does not stop people from becoming sick.
All of us have been a victim of an illness at some point in our lives. Moreover, it is likely that we will get sick again in the future. Our best chances of avoiding sickness are by using good hygiene, exercising, and employing good dietary habits.
A holistic approach is required to maintain a good state of health. While good hygiene and exercise serve as obvious advice to most people, eating healthy is not always obvious. Furthermore, most people have their own definitions of the word, healthy.
Some people have created their definition based on advice from family, friends, or health professionals. Alternatively, others have formed their definition based on speculation or ignorance.
If you cannot define “healthy”, then your immune system will be happy to tell you. The immune system is the foundation of our health. It works for us every day to keep us well. Ask yourself: “Are you making its job easier or harder?”
Like any system, the immune system is no different. It has a tolerance too. If you eat unhealthy on a consistent basis, your immune system will eventually make you aware of it.
Dosing yourself with drugs in an attempt to feel better will cause more consequences in the long term. So, I would not recommend it.
Take a step in the right direction by incorporating these eight immune-boosting foods in your diet.
1. Mushrooms
Mushrooms are an immune-boosting food that contains substantial amounts of fiber, protein, calcium, and B vitamins. The immune system feeds off of the beta-glucans, which are powerful compounds that enhance immunity in a similar way as echinacea.
Recipe: Mushroom & Onion Soup
- Cut the mushrooms and onions, while waiting for the water to boil in the pot.
- Add the vegetables into the pot of boiling water and add seasonings to the soup before eating.
2. Garlic
Garlic is probably one of the best immune-boosting foods out there. It is a natural alternative to synthetic antibiotics since it is antibacterial, antiviral, and anti-fungal. Furthermore, garlic has also been shown to lower blood pressure and LDL cholesterol.
Recipe: Garlic Bread
- Spread butter on both sides of the bread (preferably white or Italian bread) and season it with garlic powder, while your grill pan is being preheated over medium heat.
- Place the bread slices in the pan and flip them a few times until both sides are golden brown.
3. Broccoli
Cruciferous vegetables like broccoli are good foods to help detoxify the body naturally. It contains the amino acid, choline, which helps to maintain a healthy gut. Also, it is high in Vitamin C, a vitamin known for its immune-boosting properties.
Recipe: Broccoli With Melted Cheese
- Preheat your frying pan with low heat, while slicing the broccoli and your favorite cheese.
- Add the broccoli and cheese in the pan and stir fry for a few minutes until the broccoli is tender and the cheese is creamy.
4. Blueberries
This small fruit packs a punch. It is very high in antioxidants compared to other fruits. While most fruits are known to have a lot of sugar, blueberries are actually one of the exceptions. So, eat them generously.
Recipe: Blueberries & Almonds
- Take a container of blueberries and a cup of almonds to add it in a bowl together. Enjoy!
5. Avocados
This primary guacamole ingredient does not disappoint regarding health benefits. It has essential fatty acids, Vitamin A, and Vitamin E. It also contains lycopene and beta-carotene, which are both antioxidants that fight off free radicals.
Recipe: Egg & Avocado Wrap
- Preheat your frying pan with your favorite cooking oil, while extracting the avocado from its shell.
- Add 2 eggs to the pan and start scrambling them.
- Remove the scrambled eggs from the pan and place it in a corn tortilla with the avocado. Enjoy!
Did You Know?
Did you notice that all of these foods listed are fruits or vegetables? Did you notice that all of the mentioned recipes include at least one fruit or vegetable? It should not be a surprise. Now, do you see why your parents were telling you to eat your fruits and vegetables?
Most fruits and vegetables are not only rich in nutrients but tasty too. So, why not incorporate these immune-boosting foods into your diet?
Are you encouraged to eat more fruits and vegetables now?
Another version of the article appeared in LifeHack.
Source: 30dB.com – Blueberries vs Broccoli
“Ok, these results are a bit of a shocker with blueberries and broccoli coming in close to equal sentiment in social media. I’m guessing it’s safe to assume epic broccoli hater Bush 41, George H.W. Bush, wasn’t chiming in online on the subject.” — Howard K. 360db
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Photo credit: Getty Images
Thanks for sharing this! I love Avacado and Garlic is a welcome in any main dish.
I would not welcome garlic in any dish. Sometimes, onions are more appropriate! Or maybe it is just that my tongue can’t take the heat…lol.
Thank you for your comment!