Ensuring your immune system stays strong—and you stay healthy—this winter could be as simple as adding these vitamin- and mineral-rich foods to your plate.
Spinach
There’s a reason spinach made Popeye feel stronger—it’s packed with vitamins, protein and iron! The vitamin C in spinach increases your iron uptake to enhance red blood cell functioning, vitamin E blocks free radicals and vitamin K promotes healthy blood flow, which is critical for immune health.
Sweet Potatoes
Whether enjoyed in a soup, smoothie or side dish, sweet potatoes are a nutrition superstar. They’re high in beta-carotene, a substance that helps convert vitamin A. Vitamin A helps combat free radicals that can weaken the immune system. Sweet potatoes are also full of vitamin C, boosting your overall immunity.
Probiotic-Rich Foods
With 70% to 80% of your immune system residing in your gut, staying healthy is easier when you regularly consume foods high in probiotics, such as sauerkraut, nondairy yogurt, kombucha, kimchi and pickles. They increase the number of good bacteria in the gut and decrease the bad, allowing your immune system to perform at its peak.
Green Peas
Here’s why you should give peas a chance—not only are they brimming with fiber and amino acids, but they’re also chock full of protein, which aids in your body’s defense and strengthening mechanisms. Best of all? You can add them to nearly anything, including soups, wraps, salads and stews.
Pumpkin Seeds
Carving a pumpkin for Halloween? Save and snack on the seeds to give your body a healthy dose of iron, omega-3 fatty acids, protein and free-radical-fighting vitamin E. Pumpkin seeds also contain a large amount of chlorophyll, which lowers inflammation and strengthens the body.
Of course, eating better doesn’t always keep health issues at bay. That’s why we offer a full suite of services to care for your ENT needs—call (503) 581-1567 or schedule an appointment online to get started.
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