Immune Boosters From The Produce Department
Summary
Ginger
Make a spicy tea of ginger root a few times a week to help keep your immune system tip-top. It has a plethora of medicinal properties, and belongs in everyone’s kitchen. Ginger is used as a broad-spectrum antibacterial, antiviral, and antioxidant that also is a clinically proven anti-inflammatory. For several thousand years, it has been used to reduce nausea, and aid in digestion.
Mushrooms
Edible fungi have been shown in studies to increase the production and activity of white blood cells. Many culinary mushrooms have great nutritional components. For example, button mushrooms have a good dose of vitamin D, but try shiitake, maitake, and reishi for additional health benefits.
Broccoli
Lightly steamed broccoli contains phytonutrients that may help detoxification and inflammation. You’ll also benefit from a powerful wallop of vitamin K and vitamin A- a combo that helps to keep our vitamin D metabolism in balance.
Red Peppers & Citrus
Citrus fruits contain heaps of vitamin C, and their sweet tartness adds zest to an otherwise dreary day, and red peppers actually can contain as much as twice the vitamin C as citrus!