Immune boosting foods.

Immune boosting foods.

As the winter really starts to bite and people seem to be dropping like flies all around us from one seasonal disease or another, it’s a good time to think about incorporating some immune boosting foods into our daily diets.

Zinc is one of the most important immune boosting ingredients. Zinc can be found in whole grains, dairy products and legumes. Think about switching to whole grain pasta such as buckwheat, brown rice and brown bread instead of the white varieties. Sprinkle a little grated cheese over pasta dishes, or have some grilled cheese on toasted brown bread as a snack or light lunch.

Vitamin C is also very important. The best sources of vitamin C included citrus fruits, so drink plenty of fresh orange juice with breakfast, red peppers, garlic, ginger, spinach, broccoli, almonds and turmeric. Use sliced red peppers, some crushed garlic and ginger, broccoli florets and slivered almonds to make a tasty stir fry. Simply toss the lot in a little extra virgin olive oil and fry in a wok for a few minutes. Add turmeric to curries or use it to coat potatoes before roasting, they have a wonderful golden colour and taste great. You can also add turmeric to soups and sauces.

Drink a mug or two of green tea sweetened with runny honey every day. Honey is a great natural antibiotic, add honey to cakes and cookies.

Take a little extra care over what you eat during the winter months and staying healthy and cold free is a piece of honey cake.

For a great tasting recipe for vegan chicken noodle soup go here.