The Flu season is upon us again. Your choices are clear...get a flu shot in time or play Russian Roulette and hope like mad that you don't end up upside down hanging off the side of the bed with the dreaded flu! What can you do to stay healthy? I have a few suggestions to ply your body with natural flu fighting foods to boost your immune system.
Black Eyed Peas are rich in zinc which helps to keep your immune system in order. Some other great choices are pinto beans, peanuts, roasted pumpkin seeds and wheat germ.
Carrots are loaded with beta carotene that the body uses to ward off respiratory infections. There are some other good sources which are the dark green veggies, sweet potatoes and winter squash.
Tomatoes are loaded with cold and flu fighting Vitamin C that boosts the bodies natural defense system. 40% of your daily Vitamin C can be provided by eating one medium sized tomato so have a glass of tomato juice during the day or enjoy a plate of pasta with tomato sauce for dinner.
Mushrooms are the tiny powerhouse that increases the activity of natural killer cells that the body requires. They are low in calories as well so are a major help in weight loss programs. You cannot lose with mushrooms...eat them raw or cook them lightly with a bit of olive oil.
Almonds are a very rich source of anti oxidant Vitamin E. To maximize absorption chop them up.
Yogurt is a probiotic which strengthens the immune system. Try the thick Greek ones with yummy fruit on the bottom.
Tea green, oolong or black all hits in the Asian world. During a trip to China I couldn't help but notice how much food was consumed but no liquor and loads of oolong and green tea and nearly everyone is very thin. Nothing is wrong with thin and it seems that the teas really promote great digestion. The compounds in tea reduce the risk of flu. No way to lose on these teas in your diet...lose weight and fight off the flu.