Yes, you can have the flu jab, and take supplements, but if you want to keep coughs and colds away this winter, you may want to think about what you eat.
The chilly days and dark nights might have you reaching for comforting cakes and sugary chocolate, but what you really want to be serving up is healthy food that will help boost your immunity and keep you from harm’s way.
We aren’t saying you have to do a total kitchen cupboard overhaul, but simply making some swaps and adding some new foods to your plate could be all it takes to get in tip-top condition.
Brilliant broccoli
You need broccoli in your life simply because it’s bursting with bug fighting nutrients and also contains choline which is good for your gut. Yes, you can cook your broccoli, but also try eating it raw because it’s more nutritious this way. Brussel sprouts, cauliflower, and kale are also winning winter foods, so stock up, get eating and feel fabulous.
Call time with cinnamon
When you next enjoy a cuppa, ease up on the sugar and instead sprinkle some cinnamon on the top of your drink. You might think this spice is only for Christmas, but cinnamon is great for your gut and immune system, so if you end up with a cold, it should help it clear up quicker. You can also try mixing it with raw honey, which has similar properties, or put in healthy puddings and smoothies, give it a go and see what works for you.
Glorious garlic
As well as tasting great, did you know that raw garlic is brilliant at helping your immune system to fight fit? Well, it does! This is because it comes with amazing natural antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, that are key to warding off illnesses and speed up recovery too. Simply crush or slice garlic cloves and add to salad dressings and veggies, and if you can’t go cold with this, you can add to curries, sauces, stir-fries, roasts and many other dishes, but whatever you do, add it.
Oranges
Nothing new here, but we will tell you once again that vitamin C is a sure-fire way to help you fight off infections. Vitamin C isn’t stored in your body so you need to try and have foods that contain it every day. If oranges aren’t your thing, then tomatoes, peas, and peppers also have a healthy dose of the good stuff, and there is nothing stopping you from taking a supplement and drinking lemon with hot water and ginger is pretty good for you, too.
Watermelon
Watermelons come with a good serving of citrulline which helps keep your heart healthy, and they’re jam-packed with vitamins A, C, and B6 too, so if you spot them in the shops – buy them. The goodness carries on because the lush red flesh is full of the lycopene that not only helps strengthen bones but keeps your immunity balanced.
Yogurt
Rather than having milk with your cereal, why not drop have a dollop or two of yogurt instead? Go for a decent brand that contains friendly bacteria as this will help your immune system fight bad gut bacteria and encourage your body to produce more white blood cells, which are key to being happy and healthy.
So, bin the biscuits and get healthy this winter.
Team Pure Beauty