Immune Support During the Winter Months

There are some foods that can provide an extra helping of immune support during cold winter months:

Broth-Based Soups

Amino acids in chicken soup can help stay healthy during the winter months. Vegetable broth is also good for you. A cup of vegetable broth provides 10% of the vitamin A you need each day.

Herbal Teas 

Many teas contain antioxidant properties that help give the immune system a boost:

• Ginger Tea - Tea made from ginger root provides digestive support.
• Turmeric Tea - Turmeric contains a powerful antioxidant and has tummy-soothing properties.
• Peppermint Tea – Tea containing peppermint can help support the digestive system.
• Licorice Teas - Licorice is an antioxidant that helps support the immune system.

Add honey to the tea for additional health benefits.

 

Carbohydrates for Energy

To keep your energy up, choose optimal carb sources like barley, oats, quinoa, beans, potatoes, yams and carrots. Many of these energy-packed carbs can be added to the broth-based soups.

 

Foods High in Immune Health Vitamins and Nutrients

The following foods are good for supporting the immune system:

• Strawberries, broccoli, bell peppers, and citrus fruits are great sources of vitamin C.
• Cod liver oil, salmon, tuna and eggs provide the body with Vitamin D.
• Pumpkin and squash seeds, pork, chicken and beans all contain zinc.
• Chicken, salmon, tuna, green vegetables and chickpeas provide vitamin B6.
• Carrots, sweet potatoes, kale, spinach and broccoli pack in vitamin A.
• Lean beef, turkey, chicken, eggs, beans and lentils are good sources of L-Lysine.
• Yogurt, kefir, miso and tempeh provide probiotics.
• Fresh garlic has antioxidant properties and supports cardiovascular health.
• Basil leaves contain vitamins A, C and K, plus basil supports immune health.
• Cayenne supports cardiovascular and digestive health.
• Turmeric has antioxidant properties, plus supports cardiovascular and digestive health.
• Unlike dried ginger used in herbal teas, fresh ginger has properties that support digestive health.
• Rosemary is an antioxidant and good for general wellness.