Foods that Boost Immunity
As the flu epidemic continues to grow and more colds seem to be spreading around the schools and work places we are all looking for ways to boost our immune system to prevent getting sick. Can certain foods and supplements help? It came into question this week as immunity boosting claims on certain cereals made the news. While I wish there was one magic food or pill for improved immune function an overall healthy lifestyle is the best advice – exercise regularly, eat nutrient-rich foods from all the basic food groups, receive a flu shot, wash your hands and get plenty of sleep.
Nutrient-rich foods, including those that contain folate, vitamin C, vitamin B6 and antioxidants have been linked to a healthier immune system, so I wanted to share a list of items to add to your shopping cart and an easy recipe to try.
Orange Cinnamon Breakfast Boost
This quick recipe provides antioxidant vitamin C from oranges. Additional immune system-supporting ingredients come from live and active cultures in yogurt and antioxidants in cinnamon. Try it for a healthy jumpstart to your day. This makes two servings.
- 2 cups (16 oz.) Pure Orange Juice
- 1 cup low-fat vanilla yogurt
- 1 navel orange, peeled and cut into one-inch chunks
- ½ t. ground cinnamon
Place all ingredients into a blender container and blend until smooth. Serve immediately or refrigerate. Pair this smoothie with whole-grain toast and a handful of almonds or sunflower seeds for additional nutrients to support your immune system.
Immune Boosting Shopping List
- Orange Juice
- Avocado
- Spinach
- Tomatoes
- Garlic
- Bell Peppers
- Sweet Potatoes
- Grapefruit
- Eggs
- Cultured Yogurt
- Oatmeal
- Whole-Grain Bread
- Almonds
- Salmon
- Lean Beef
Eat healthy and stay well!
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Ardeth Martin
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kristen aidif
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Corey Wynsma
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Jamie Allen
I always had an interest in food and nutrition and attended Central Michigan University to earn a Bachelors Degree in Dietetics. Several years later, I went back to college to obtain my Masters degree in Human Nutrition from Andrews University. I have been a Registered Dietitian for 27 years and have spent the last 20 years working with Supermarkets. I discovered years ago that grocery stores were a great place to reach consumers and help them obtain accurate nutrition information. I also realized that busy families are looking for quick, affordable, and healthy ideas for meals. In my position as Healthy Living Manager at Meijer I spend a lot of time working with food manufacturers and commodity groups to search out and create easy recipes that can become part of family-pleasing menus. Although my two daughters are now grown and married, my husband and I continue to enjoy cooking together and creating new recipes with nutritious ingredients. I hope my information provides you and your family with easy ideas to live a healthy life!