Surviving winter without succumbing to seasonal ailments, such as the cold and flu, can be challenging, but not impossible with the adoption of healthier habits and superfoods to your rescue.
Frequent hand washing coupled with disinfecting common surfaces and staying a safe distance from those infected can help keep viruses at bay. Plus, regular exercise paired with a healthy, plant-based dietdoes wonders to enhance your immunity.
Moreover, including superfoods in your meals will give you added protection to ward off sickness. Superfoods are nutritionally dense ingredients that have that little something extra to be ultra healthful, such as antioxidants, minerals, vitamins, and healthy fats.
They’re also ideal for people who chronically battlecolds and flu during the winter months, and those who want to take a preventative approach to health and wellbeing. Below are fiveseasonal superfoods you should be eating now:
Miso
A staple in Japanese soups and sauces, miso is a paste made from fermented soybeans that boasts rich flavourswhile also boosting your immune system. Because unpasteurized miso is considered a living food and probiotic powerhouse, it’s loaded with gut-friendly bacteria to promote a healthy digestive system – the epicentre of optimum immunity.
Chia seeds
Most people associate chia seeds with “the pottery that grows” rather than something to munch on. The tiny seeds, however, pack a powerful punch to help prevent illness. Chia seeds are rich in Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids – the good fat your brain and body thrive on. Sprinkle them in salads or mix into your cereal or dairy-free yogurt.
Avocado
Creamy like butter, but without the bad-for-you fat, avocados are an easy addition to improving the nutritional value – and taste – of any meal. Loaded with Vitamin E, oleic acid and lutein, avocados do more than help build immunity. They also protect your body against heart disease, certain cancers and degenerative diseases.
Pomegranates
Pomegranates and their juice are chock-full of Vitamin C, which is known to curb colds. The ruby-red seeds are also rich in antioxidants, which fight free radicals, preventing cellular damage. This contributes to a younger and healthier appearance while also combating serious illnesses, such as cancer, heart disease and stroke.
Persimmons
More than a sweet treat, the exotic fruit contains nutrients to improve your immune system’s function and help your body heal faster. These include Vitamin A and C, as well as good dose of fibre and dietary manganese, which supports a healthy metabolism.