Food Lion
ANTIOXIDANTS
An antioxidant is a molecule capable of slowing or preventing the oxidation of other molecules. Oxidation can produce free radicals, which start chain reactions that damage cells. To see an example of oxidation, cut an apple in half and rub one side with lemon juice. Wait a couple of minutes and you'll notice the untreated side turns brown, or in other words, oxidizes. The treated side remains white because the vitamin C in the lemon is an antioxidant and has prevented oxidation from occurring.
Foods High in Antioxidants
- Fruits
- Cherries, blackberries, strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, wild blueberries, black currants, pomegranate, grapes, oranges, plums, pineapple, kiwi fruits, grapefruit
- Garlic
- Stimulates infection-fighting white blood cells and contains a phytochemical that possesses anti-bacterial properties
- Cereals
- Apricots, Prunes, Dates
- Spices
- Broad beans, pinto beans, soybeans
- spinach
- Pecans, walnuts, hazelnuts, sunflower seeds
- Soy Products
- Rich in isoflavanoids, that help balance your hormone and cholesterol levels
- Broccoli
- Good source of vitamins A and C, and folate, and is also rich in phytochemicals (plant compounds that have protective properties)
- Vegetables
- Kale, chili peppers, red cabbage, peppers, parsley, artichoke, Brussel sprouts, spinach, lemon, ginger, red beets
- Blueberries
- Packed with antioxidant vitamins C and E
- Dry Fruits
- Apricots, Prunes, Dates
- Legumes
- Broad beans, pinto beans, soybeans
- PUMPKIN
- High in carotenoids and B-group vitamins
- NUTS AND SEEDS
- Pecans, walnuts, hazelnuts, sunflower seeds
Supplements
To make sure your immune system has all the ammunition it needs to fend off the flu, you may want to top up with supplements with potent flu-fighting nutrients.
- Vitamin C
- Long recognized for its immuneboosting properties, it increases the production of disease-fighting white blood cells and antibodies
- Vitamin E
- Helps the immune cells produce antibodies and can help reverse some of the weakening of the immune
- Echinacea
- Boosts your immune system, helping prevent and treat viruses
- Carotene
- Our bodies convert beta carotene into vitamin A, which has antioxidant and immune-boosting functions, such as the production of infection-fighting
- Cod Liver Oil
- A rich, natural source of flu-fighting nutrients, including vitamins A and D and omega-3 fatty acids.
- Zinc
- Increases the ability of white blood cells to fight off an infection.
- Selenium
- An essential mineral for immune function, selenium has antioxidant properties that help prevent cellular damage from free radicals.
Probiotics
Probiotics are healthy bacteria added to food or dietary supplements that may help you keep colds and fevers at bay this winter.
Probiotic foods contain live bacteria that are believed to be beneficial in the digestive tract. Foods like curd, yogurt and miso are all good sources of probiotics. Studies show that probiotics may even benefit people who are already sick, and the good bacteria boost the immune system’s response to the illness-causing invaders.
In fact, probiotics are thought to have several beneficial effects on the immune system. They may protect against germs and there is evidence to suggest they may improve immune function by increasing the number of plasma cells. Clinical trials have shown that probiotics may reduce the number of respiratory tract infections in children. Probiotic foods and supplements have been shown to aid in the treatment and prevention of acute diarrhea and in decreasing the severity and duration of flu symptoms in children.
