Immune Boosters: Foods to help your family ward off Colds
Immune Boosters: Foods to help your family ward off Colds
I recently read an article in the Reader's Digest by Kat Tancock. She outlined some great ideas on how to get some great foods into your kids that will help them build their immune system and ward off colds. I wanted to share the information with you €" the foods we eat can help our bodies just as well as taking herbs and health supplements!
Many people believe that the only way to make sure we get our vitamins is by taking supplements. While a good supplement can do some great things, we can get all the nutrients we need from our diet if we eat the right foods.
The best part is €" these foods are all tasty and should be fairly easy to add to your family diet!
So, let's get right into it!
Fresh berries are a great source of Vitamin C. Vitamin C increases the production of white blood cells in the body€¦the great little infection fighters in your body! As an added bonus, berries are high in antioxidants. Think blueberries, blackberries €" rich, vibrant colourful berries that look like plump, juicy jewelsOn a more serious note, antioxidants help to protect the body tissues.
Pumpkin seeds are the highest plant source of zinc. Plant sources of zinc are much easier for your body to break down than ground and mineral sources. Zinc also helps to fight infection. Pumpkin seeds are also a source of vitamin E and healthy fats. Try dry-roasting pumpkin seeds and adding dried cranberries and sunflower seeds for a homemade trail mix.
Yogurt helps to build healthy bacteria in your stomach. This is very important for a healthy digestive tract. Plain yogurt is best and the original article in Reader's Digest says to sweeten it with maple syrup or honey, but that will give your kids some extra sugar they don't need. I recommend using a bit of stevia, fresh fruit, or a spoonful of flavoured yogurt mixed in.
It may surprise you to learn that red bell peppers have more vitamin C than oranges! They also have beta carotene, giving this veggie a double dose of good for your family. Cut them into little strips with carrots for an even bigger does of beta carotene.
Hummus is great chickpea dip that is rich in Omega 3 oils. This helps not only the immune system, but can help with stress, plus the added bonus of making your skin and hair extra healthy! Add some garlic to it for some added taste and use it as a sandwich spread or dip.
Hard-boiled eggs are a great source of protein and iron. Let your kids eat the yolk €" it is rich in zinc and kids are okay with getting a little extra of the natural fat in egg yolks. Hard-boiled eggs are also easy to prepare ahead of time and have in your fridge. Eat them by themselves with a bit of paprika or your favourite spice, or cut them up on a salad.
I hope this gave you some ideas €" I encourage you to add at least one of these ideas into your family's regular diet, especially during cold and flu season!
Helping you turn frustration into fun,
Leah Mullis
Co-Founder
From the Diaper Pail Communications
PS For more great snack ideas for kids, check out our website.
I recently read an article in the Reader's Digest by Kat Tancock. She outlined some great ideas on how to get some great foods into your kids that will help them build their immune system and ward off colds. I wanted to share the information with you €" the foods we eat can help our bodies just as well as taking herbs and health supplements!
Many people believe that the only way to make sure we get our vitamins is by taking supplements. While a good supplement can do some great things, we can get all the nutrients we need from our diet if we eat the right foods.
The best part is €" these foods are all tasty and should be fairly easy to add to your family diet!
So, let's get right into it!
Fresh berries are a great source of Vitamin C. Vitamin C increases the production of white blood cells in the body€¦the great little infection fighters in your body! As an added bonus, berries are high in antioxidants. Think blueberries, blackberries €" rich, vibrant colourful berries that look like plump, juicy jewelsOn a more serious note, antioxidants help to protect the body tissues.
Pumpkin seeds are the highest plant source of zinc. Plant sources of zinc are much easier for your body to break down than ground and mineral sources. Zinc also helps to fight infection. Pumpkin seeds are also a source of vitamin E and healthy fats. Try dry-roasting pumpkin seeds and adding dried cranberries and sunflower seeds for a homemade trail mix.
Yogurt helps to build healthy bacteria in your stomach. This is very important for a healthy digestive tract. Plain yogurt is best and the original article in Reader's Digest says to sweeten it with maple syrup or honey, but that will give your kids some extra sugar they don't need. I recommend using a bit of stevia, fresh fruit, or a spoonful of flavoured yogurt mixed in.
It may surprise you to learn that red bell peppers have more vitamin C than oranges! They also have beta carotene, giving this veggie a double dose of good for your family. Cut them into little strips with carrots for an even bigger does of beta carotene.
Hummus is great chickpea dip that is rich in Omega 3 oils. This helps not only the immune system, but can help with stress, plus the added bonus of making your skin and hair extra healthy! Add some garlic to it for some added taste and use it as a sandwich spread or dip.
Hard-boiled eggs are a great source of protein and iron. Let your kids eat the yolk €" it is rich in zinc and kids are okay with getting a little extra of the natural fat in egg yolks. Hard-boiled eggs are also easy to prepare ahead of time and have in your fridge. Eat them by themselves with a bit of paprika or your favourite spice, or cut them up on a salad.
I hope this gave you some ideas €" I encourage you to add at least one of these ideas into your family's regular diet, especially during cold and flu season!
Helping you turn frustration into fun,
Leah Mullis
Co-Founder
From the Diaper Pail Communications
PS For more great snack ideas for kids, check out our website.
Source...