Why Weight?

5 Immune-Boosting Foods for the Holidays

By Bob on December 10, 2014 4:53 AM

Charlotte and I are both cancer survivors. It's not something we're necessarily proud of **except for the "surviving" part** but, it's something we carry with us every day of our lives. Keeping healthy has always been part of our DNA and we've discovered that eating right is an easy place to start.

Healthy eating isn't as tough as you might think and some foods have surprising benefits. With kids and grandkids coming home for the holidays, now's a good time to think about tuning up the immune system to ward off the bugs they'll bring home. Here are five tasty foods to help keep you healthy. 

5 Foods to Boost Your Immune System for the Holidays

1. Almonds

Feeling a little stressed? A fist full of almonds may restore your immune system. A 1/4 cup carries almost 50% of the daily recommended amount of vitamin E, which helps boost the immune system. Almonds are also full of riboflavin and niacin - B vitamins that may help you bounce back from stress.

 

2. Low-Fat Yogurt

Low-fat yogurt is a part of my morning routine. Doctors say that a daily cup may reduce your chances of getting a cold. To increase your odds, look for labels listing "live and active cultures." Some studies have shown they may stimulate your immune system to fight disease. And look on the label for vitamin D - low vitamin D levels can lead to an increased risk of cold and flu.

3. Watermelon

This summer time favorite has plenty of a powerful antioxidant, glutathione. Glutathione is found in the red pulpy flesh near the rind and it helps strengthen the immune system so it can fight infection.

 

4. Garlic

You may need a stronger mouthwash, but garlic offers several antioxidants that boost the immune system. One of garlic's chief targets are H. pylori, the bacteria associated with some ulcers and stomach cancer. And as a side benefit, you'll never have to worry about being attacked by a vampire.

5. Spinach

Popeye was right - spinach really is a "super food". The leafy green vegetable is nutrient-rich and packed with folate, which helps your body produce new cells. It also has the added benefits of fiber, antioxidants, such as vitamin C and a whole lot more. Eat spinach raw (like Charlotte does in her daily salad) or lightly cooked to get the most out of the nutrients. 

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. Remember, your children's inheritance isn't going to spend itself. It's up to you. 

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