 Boost your immune system to help fight cold and flu season by adding these foods to your diet.
Berries (such as blueberries and blackberries) are packed with anthocyanins which have powerful antioxidant benefits. Add them to cereal or yogurt. Garlic contains allicin which has been studied for its antimicrobial properties and shown in one small study to be effective at preventing the common cold. Citrus fruits are well known for their vitamin C content, but did you know they also contain flavonoids? Flavonoids are a type of phytonutrient that have anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting benefits. Sweet potatoes and carrots contain beta carotene, which plays a role in maintaining your body’s natural defenses including keeping your lungs and gut healthy and free of disease-causing pathogens. Looking to increase your intake of these foods? Try these recipes: Breakfast: baked blueberry oatmeal Lunch: loaded baked sweet potato Dinner: ginger-spiced chicken with roasted winter vegetables References: Barbieri, R. et al. Phytochemicals for human disease: An update on plant-derived compounds antibacterial activity. Microbiological Research, 2017. 196: 44-68. Chew, B. and J. Park. Carotenoid Action on the Immune Response. J Nutr, 2004. 134(1): Konczak I and W. Zhang. Anthocyanins-More Than Nature's Colours. J Biomed Biotechnol, 2004. 2004(5): 239-240. Marchese, A. et al. Antifungal and antibacterial activities of allicin: a review.Trends in Food Science & Technology, 2016. 52: 49-56. Wang, S., et al. Characterization and Metabolic Diversity of Flavonoids in Citrus Species. Scientific Reports. 2018. Wang, Y., et al. Molecules. (2017). Antioxidant Capacity, Anticancer Ability and Flavonoids Composition of 35 Citrus (Citrus reticulata Blanco) Varieties. Molecules, 2017. 5: 22(7).
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 With the return to cool temperatures, we also usher in a season of squash. Varieties include butternut, spaghetti, delicata, kabocha, and acorn.
These winter vegetables are a good source of vitamin A, which supports a healthy immune system and may help protect against cancer. They also contain fiber and generally have fewer calories per cup compared to other types of carbohydrates. Due to their tough exterior, squash can be intimidating to cook. But certain varieties (like spaghetti or acorn squash) are easy to prepare. To roast them: 1. Cut the squash in half using a large sharp knife 2. Scoop out seeds and stringy flesh 3. Brush inside with olive oil and season with salt and pepper 4. Roast (flesh side down) in a 400° oven for 30 to 45 minutes (or until tender when pierced with a fork) 5. Shred the spaghetti squash with a fork or scoop out the acorn squash flesh using a spoon Need inspiration? Try this recipe. REFERENCES Nosowitz, D. The Modern Famer Guide to Winter Squash Varieties. Modern Farmer, 2017. Accessed September 2018. Vitamin A: Fact Sheet for Health Professionals. NIH: Office of Dietary Supplements, Updated 2018. Accessed September 2018. Winter Squash. Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health: The Nutrition Source. Accessed September 2018.  Studies show eating vegetables can reduce risk of early death, especially related to heart problems. Yet, only 13% of us meet the recommended intake. Most people should have at least 2 to 3 cups a day.
Leafy greens are particularly protective, but increasing any type is helpful. Here are five ways to add more vegetables to foods you love:
Already include a vegetable with dinner? Serve more than one. Research shows when multiple vegetables are offered, a larger quantity is eaten overall. REFERENCES Hung, H.C., et al., Fruit and Vegetable Intake and Risk of Major Chronic Disease. J Natl Cancer Inst, 2004. 96(21): 1577-84. Hung H.C, et al., Health-Promoting Components of Fruits and Vegetables in the Diet. Advances in Nutrition, 2013. 4(3): 384S–392S. Meengs, J., Rose, L., Rolls, B. and H. Guthrie, Vegetable Variety: An Effective Strategy to Increase Vegetable Intake in Adults. J Acad Nutr Diet, 2012. 112(8): 1211-1215. Slavin, J. and B. Lloyd, Health Benefits of Fruits and Vegetables. Adv Nutr, 2012. 3(4): 506–516. Wang, X. et al., Fruit and Vegetable Consumption and Mortality from All Causes, Cardiovascular Disease, and Cancer: Systematic Review and Dose-response Meta-analysis of Prospective Cohort Studies. BMJ, 2014. 349:g4490.  Plant-based diets are becoming increasingly popular—and for good reason.
They can help lower blood pressure, reduce risk of diabetes, and lower risk of early death. People who follow plant-based diets also tend to weigh less, despite consuming similar calories compared to meat-eaters. The type of plant-based diet you follow matters though. To see health benefits, include a variety of protective foods like whole grains, fruits, vegetables, beans, nuts, and seeds. Looking to increase your plant intake? Here are some ideas to get you started (click on the links below): For the CARNIVORE: mushroom meatloaf For the CARB lover: broccoli cauliflower parmesan pasta For the TOFU-neophyte: peanut tofu For the ON-THE-FLY meal-planner: 5 plant-powered meals REFERENCES Ambika, S. et al., Healthful and Unhealthful Plant-Based Diets and the Risk of Coronary Heart Disease in U.S. Adults. Journal of the American College of Cardiology, 2017. 70(4): 411. Derbyshire, E., Flexitarian Diets and Health: A Review of the Evidence-Based Literature. Front Nutr, 2016. 3:55. McEvoy, CT., Temple, N. and JV Woodside, Vegetarian Diets, Low-meat Diets and Health: A Review. Public Health Nutr, 2012. 15(12): 2287-94. Rizzo, N., Jaceldo-Siegl, K., Sabate, J. and G. Fraser, Nutrient Profiles of Vegetarian and Non Vegetarian Dietary Patterns. J Acad Nutr Diet, 2013. 113(12): 1610-1619. |
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