5 Immune Boosting Foods
A HOLI GUIDE TO HEALTHY LIVING
Hello there! Glad you made it to our HOLI BLOG. Just in time for today's quick HOLI Guide: 5 foods that boost the immune system.
Sickness can slow us down – something as simple as a common cold can leave us feeling lethargic. While we, at HOLI SH*T, are huge fans of taking it down a notch and living in the moment, we want your slowing down be a symptom of mindfulness rather than a cold or the flu. Let's take a look at 5 foods that can help you feel healthy and strong all year long.
TURMERIC
The turmeric plant is part of the ginger family. Its root is used in many Asian cuisines, for flavorings, as well as coloring dishes into a bright yellow. Turmeric has been used as an ayurvedic remedy for thousands of years and is known to have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
Also, turmeric is used to lower cholesterol and blood sugar levels. The consumption of turmeric cannot only help boost your immune system, but it can also prevent gas and bloating.
LEMON
When life gives you lemons... you're bound to have a strong immune system. When we catch a cold, many of us almost instantaneously reach for citrus fruits like lemons to fight the symptoms. Most citrus fruits are packed with vitamin C, which our body cannot produce itself but needs for more than basic functioning.
Research suggests that the effects of eating vitamin C rich foods consistently every day are a lot higher than if you were to only eat the food at the sight of the first cold symptoms.
SPINACH
Another food that is rich in vitamin C is one of our favorite leafy greens: Spinach.
Not only that, spinach is high in other antioxidants, like vitamin A, E, and iron, which are also known to have positive effects on our immune systems.
Like with most greens, the healing properties of spinach are at their peak when it is prepared freshly and with little to no cooking.
Spinach is a great source of fiber and, therefore, has beneficial effects on your digestive system.
CHOCOLATE
Dark chocolate also contains immune-boosting antioxidants. On top of that, the psychological effects of chocolate should not be overlooked. Eating a piece of chocolate releases endorphins and serotonin. Nonetheless, dark chocolate is high in saturated fats and should be viewed as a treat, rather than a snack. You may want to look into raw and more natural alternatives to "regular" chocolate.
Pro tip: To double the effects by reaching for chocolate-covered ginger cubes, raspberries, almonds, or similar superfoods.
GARLIC
Garlic is used for cooking almost everywhere in the world. But it is not only delicious – it is also incredibly health-benefiting:
Garlic has been used as a remedy for infections for thousands of years.
Garlic contains the – so-called – sulfur compounds, allicin, and ajoene. These can help lower blood pressure, and, even more notably, make garlic a natural antibiotic that helps fight viruses, bacteria, and fungi. Also, eating one clove of garlic daily can help lower cholesterol levels.
We have prepared an infographic for you that you can print, save on your desktop or your Pinterest board for future reference.
What foods are your HOLI Grail for boosting your immune system? Share your tips in the comments below.
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xx HOLI BLOG TEAM