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Why Weight?

4 MORE Immune-Boosting Foods

By Bob on January 29, 2014 4:16 AM

Excuse me while I sneeze...that's better. In case you've missed it (lucky bastard), cold and flu season is beating down just about every corner of the country.

I know a lot of you have your own favorite homegrown remedies (whiskey-honey-lemon anyone?) for the aches and pains that come with the flu turf. But, wouldn't it be GREAT if you could AVOID getting it in the first place? Can I get an AMEN on that one? 

You know what's even better than moral support? Support of your immune system. 

There's no known cure for the common cold or flu, but there ARE some foods that can give your body a fighting chance and make you less vulnerable (that 2014 Word-of-the-Day Calendar is already paying for itself!) to illness.

Here are four that are easy to incorporate into your diet.

4 MORE Immune-Boosting Foods

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1. Button Mushrooms

Charlotte loooves her mushroom pizza and guess what -- she doesn't get a cold or have the flu very often. Mushrooms might have something to do with her resistance. The lowly mushroom is nutrient rich: It has the mineral selenium and antioxidants. Low levels of selenium have been linked to increased risk of developing more severe flu. It also has the B vitamins riboflavin and niacin which play a role in a healthy immune system.
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2. Tea

We're BIG tea drinkers here at Boomer Brief HQ. It doesn't matter if it's green (Charlotte's favorite) or black (mine) both are loaded with disease-fighting polyphenols and flavonoids. These antioxidants seek out cell-damaging free radicals and destroy them. Drink it caffeinated or decaf - both work equally well.

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3. Sweet Potato

Sweet potatoes have the antioxidant beta-carotene, which does a number on damaging free radicals. The tasty tuber also boasts Vitamin A, which is linked to slowing the aging process and may reduce the risk of some cancers.

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4. Grapefruit

We all know that grapefruit has plenty of Vitamin C, but it's also packed with flavonoids -- natural chemical compounds that increase immune system activation. Grapefruit not your thing? Eat an orange or tangerine and get the same result.

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Why Weight? is a column on diet, nutrition and making better choices so you can live a longer healthier life. The authors are not doctors and nothing here should be taken as medical advice. Always consult your physician before making any changes in diet, exercise, nutrition or cell phone provider (Let's face it doctors are just really, really smart, they know a lot about a lot of things). Our goal is simple: We want all Baby Boomers to live long enough to get back the money they've paid into Social Security since taking their first summer job. Remember, your children's inheritance isn't going to spend itself. It's up to you. 
 
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Diabetes-Friendly Chicken Burrito Bowl

ChickenBurritoBowlEverydayDiabetes 600.jpg

By Laura Cipullo and Lisa Mikus, authors of Everyday Diabetes Meals
Image credit: Colin Erricson

Prepare your own Mexican quick fix with this Chipotle-inspired bowl. Carbs are moderated by filling the bowl with beans, extra veggies and chicken. No need for rice, since the beans count as carbs.

Tips:

If you love tomatoes, increase the quantity to 1/2 cup, but note that the carbohydrates will also increase.

If preparing this recipe for one person, cut all of the ingredients in half. Or simply prepare the full recipe up to the end of step 2 and store leftover chicken and vegetable-bean mixture in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in the microwave on High for 1 to 2 minutes, or until heated through, and continue with step 3.

Health Bite: The iron, calcium, magnesium, manganese, copper and zinc in black beans help to keep bones strong and healthy.

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