POLOKWANE – We live in the 21st century, and access to medicine and other supplements has never been easier, yet we seem to go back to our roots.
We understand that there are side effects to some treatments and we therefore look for natural supplements to help heal us and boost our immune systems.
Winter is upon us and you may be spending a lot of your hard earned money on supplements to boost your immune system and to help protect your family against cold and flu.
But have your considered the fact that it may be cheaper to just buy the fresh foods to help boost your immune system, instead of the naturally manufactured supplements and products available out there?
You are what you eat, and this is definitely true when it comes to boosting your immune system.
Here are some tips to help your choose the right foods next time when you are in the supermarket to help protect your body:
- Naturally fermented and cultured foods
Foods like sauerkraut, kefir, plain natural yogurt, and aged cheeses are examples of traditional foods that are fermented or cured, and these actually feed the good bacteria in your gut, which makes up more than half of your immune system. There is medicine in these food jars. - Brightly coloured foods
If you are walking down the fresh produce aisle and want to know if you should choose green or red apples or brown/purple onions, continue reading. Shades of purple and red are due to powerful antioxidants called anthocyanins, which protect and heal your body. When looking at the green leafy vegetables, remember that the darker the green shade, the higher the level of vitamins, minerals, and anti-oxidants. - Whole grains
When shopping for starches, always choose high fibre whole grains like brown/wild rice, whole wheat pasta, whole wheat or seeded bread, quinoa etc. These starches are higher in vitamins and minerals compared to their more refined neighbours, and the indigestible fibre is a good food source for your natural good bacteria when fermented in your large intestines, that will help to boost your immune system this winter.
Use food as your medicine this winter, and save money.
Read more at www.fieldtoplate.com or contact a registered dietitian in your area for more nutritional advice.
Visit www.adsa.org for a list of registered dietitians in your area.
