With the COVID-19 crisis, we are being asked the same question over and over. "What should I be eating to support my immune system?".
The immune system is vital when it comes to the body’s ability to properly fight off illness and disease. It is what helps us our natural healing response. We wanted to put together a little resource page on best superfoods for the immune system.
You know we are BIG BELIEVERS in superfoods. We believe in preventative care and supporting your bodies overall nutrition with functional foods to help keep you healthy and going. A well balanced diet, lots of rest and social isolation are a few of the best ways to prevent getting sick and stay healthy. There is however no perfect solution or 'magic bullet'. These are some of the foods we love to feel strong and prepared, but there are many others and each body and wellness journey is unique.
In a world that seems out of control, there are still things we can do to reduce our risk and keep ourselves and families healthy. Along with hand washing and isolating, keep your diet full of foods that are packed with superfoods that support your immune system!
So what are immunity boosting superfoods?
These types of foods often have a few things in common such as being high in antioxidants and antibacterial. Many of us throw these words around without really knowing what they mean. So what exactly is an antioxidant?
Antioxidants are substances that may protect your cells against free radicals, which play a role in heart disease, cancer and other diseases. They are naturally occurring in foods, and adding them to your diet is a great way to bolster your immune system. Many immune boosting foods are also naturally antibacterial, meaning they can reduce the growth of disease causing bacteria.
There are many natural, immunity boosting foods called functional foods. Functional foods, are foods that serve your body with a specific purpose. Blume Blends are based on using functional foods that support your wellness journey wherever you are.
Top Immunity Boosting Superfoods:
Honey
Although not vegan, honey contains peroxide which gives it its antibiotic properties. This property is present in several types of honey including Manuka. To build immunity, use honey as your sweetener instead of regular sugars that don't provide nutritional benefits.
Turmeric & Ginger
Turmeric and ginger are two of our favorite immunity boosting superfoods. We use them in many of our blends including our Turmeric Blend and Cacao Turmeric Blend.
Turmeric contains a magic compound called curcumin. It is lauded as an anti-inflammatory hero but turmeric and curcumin are also rich in antioxidants. Turmeric is antibacterial and antiviral. Turmeric is a natural way to help bolster the immune system by increasing the immunomodulating capacity of the body.
Ginger is commonly used in the treatment of flus and colds, so why not start consuming it early for prevention? It can also be used for nausea, joint pain and upset stomach. It is antibacterial, which is why its such an effective immunity booster.
The scientific community also recognizes ginger as a natural antibiotic. Several studies, have demonstrated ginger’s ability to fight many strains of bacteria. Add a piece to hot water and lemon, grate into salads or use one of our blends to add ginger to your diet quickly.
Vitamin C Rich Foods
Citrus fruits, kiwi, papaya, pumpkin and broccoli are all rich in Vitamin C.
Vitamin C is thought to increase the production of white blood cells that fight off infections. Vitamin C is helpful in preventing the common cold for people exposed to sickness-inducing environments, such as cold weather. It can also help lower the duration and severity of a cold.
Adaptogenic Mushrooms
People have been interested in medicinal mushrooms and have used them for thousands of years. Many species of mushrooms provide a wealth of protein, fiber, and vitamins B and C, as well as calcium and other minerals.
Reishi mushroom, found in our Reishi Hot Cacao can enhance immune function through its effects on white blood cells, which help fight infection. This may occur in those who are ill as well as preventatively in those who are healthy.
Reishi’s bioactive compounds are long-regarded to offer cell-protective and anti-aging properties. Beta-glucans are derived from reishi extracts and have been shown to be potent immunomodulators. Immune modulation includes a unique reduction in inflammation and oxidative stress, but also a boost in markers of immune function.
Blue Spirulina
A number of studies suggest that spirulina increases production of antibodies, infection-fighting proteins, and other cells that improve immunity and help ward off infection and chronic illnesses.
It contains potent nutrients known as polysaccharides which are widely regarded to be a powerful immune system booster, assisting in the prevention of a wide variety of maladies.
Blue Spirulina is what gives our Blue Lavender Blend its soft indigo hue. We love how it boost immune systems and pairs perfectly with the relaxing properties of lavender.
Cinnamon
One of the healthiest spices on the planet. A study compared the antioxidant activity of 26 spices, cinnamon wound up as the winner.
The distinct smell and flavor of cinnamon is a compound called cinnamaledhyde. It is this compound that is responsible for most of cinnamon's powerful effects on health and metabolism. Loaded with antioxidants, this immune boosting superfood protects the body from oxidative damage caused by free radicals. Cinnamon is also a natural anti-inflammatory meaning cinnamon helps your body fight infections and repair tissue damage.
We use cinnamon in many of our Blume blends including our Beetroot Latte Blend and Cacao Turmeric Latte Blend.
Garlic
Garlic is an affordable way to fight off bacteria, viruses and infections. To get the benefits, it is best consumed raw. Try grating into salad dressings, to maximize its full antibiotic properties. HOT TIP: Onions are a relative of garlic and have similar immune boosting antibacterial properties.
We hope you have found some superfoods that you can add to your diet to help support your immunity system. These are a few of our top superfoods which is why we have incorporated them into a many of our premade blends.
Please note that this advice is general to a healthy diet, and not specific to COVID- 19. You should always consult with your doctor for your specific health needs and choose what makes you feel best.
References:
https://www.ecowatch.com/dr-mark-hyman-1882106949.html
https://www.runtastic.com/blog/en/these-7-superfoods-boost-your-immune-system-2/
https://www.purplecarrot.com/blog/5-health-benefits-turmeric-never-knew/
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/321108#seven-best-natural-antibiotics
https://www.mountsinai.org/health-library/supplement/spirulina
https://www.nutrex-hawaii.com/blogs/learn/spirulinas-benefits-to-the-immune-system
https://www.healthline.com/health/food-nutrition/foods-that-boost-the-immune-system
https://www.eatthis.com/immune-boosting-foods/
https://www.uspharmacist.com/article/adaptogenic-or-medicinal-mushrooms
https://info.dralexrinehart.com/articles/stress-benefits/reishi-mushroom-immune-benefits